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Movida Chooses KYOCERA Wireless SoHo Flip Phone as First Mid-Tier Handset Offering
New MVNO to Leverage KYOCERA Handset as it Targets 40 Million Strong U.S. Hispanic Market
SAN DIEGO -- (August 17, 2005) -- Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, today announced that newly formed Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Movida has chosen Kyocera's stylish SoHo KX1 model as the first mid-tier handset offering in its debut lineup. Movida offers nationwide wireless voice services targeted specifically to the U.S. Hispanic market, estimated at more than 40 million people.The Kyocera SoHo expands Movida's offering to its network of wireless dealers, which carry a line of models different from those sold through Movida's network of "big box" retail customers.
Kyocera's SoHo handset is a color flip phone with customizable faceplates, external caller ID and a unique asymmetrical design. The phone reflects Kyocera's philosophy of making wireless phones as easy-to-use as possible without sacrificing style, features or functionality. With its interchangeable faceplates, Movida's SoHo users can literally change the look of the phone to suit their lifestyles, while providing great promotional and affinity opportunities for Movida.
Movida hopes to capitalize on Kyocera's reputation for making hip, easy-to-use handsets that appeal to fashion-conscious yet price-sensitive consumers. Kyocera Wireless will leverage its vast experience providing brand-focused phones for MVNOs and its rich development resources from parent company - Kyocera Corporation to provide Movida with attractive, high-volume handsets such as SoHo.
"Movida's strategy of targeting the Spanish-speaking US. Hispanic market makes it an ideal addition to our diverse carrier portfolio and offers an excellent way to help build our brand presence within this community," said Lee Ittner, vice president for Global Sales and Marketing at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Additionally, Movida's ties with the Cisneros Group of Companies give it a distinct market advantage and positions them for success. We're excited to provide them with a phone that is every bit as stylish and dynamic as Movida's offering."
"We are very pleased to be adding Kyocera's design-focused SoHo to our product line," said Anthony V. Montoya, president of Movida. "Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to mobile phones, Kyocera understands that the U.S. Hispanic market requires more personalization -- they want phones that match their lifestyle in terms of design and functionality, but still at an affordable price. We look forward to working with Kyocera in providing the unique, relevant Movida experience to our customers."
The tri-mode handset features a removable flip cover with a vertical external caller ID for easy viewing as well as an angled, asymmetrical design on the bottom of the phone for a snug fit in the palm of a hand. Once open, the phone features a 65,000-color display and a large keypad for easy text messaging and dialing which also incorporates TTY and TDD capabilities for the hearing impaired. The "clamshell" handset features a speakerphone, two-way messaging, predictive text messaging, large keys for rapid entry and productivity tools including a robust contact directory, calculator, scheduler, alarm clock and more. Predictive text-input software provides rapid text entry in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and the SoHo sustains up to 3.5 hours of talk and up to 180 hours of CDMA standby time on a standard lithium ion battery. The Kyocera SoHo weighs only 3.52 ounces and measures 4.45" x 1.89" x .91."
The Kyocera SoHo handset is available now at a suggested retail price of $99.00. Specific details on the offering including additional information on the Kyocera SoHo handset, accessories, and other wireless services are available at authorized Movida dealer retail locations as well as online at www.movidacelular.com and www.kyocera-wireless.com.
About Movida
Movida Communications, Inc. is a newly formed wireless services provider that offers pay-as-you-go wireless voice and data communications services exclusively to the U.S. Hispanic population, using Sprint's all-digital, all-PCS nationwide wireless network. As the nation's first MVNO targeted at Hispanics, Movida offers all standard custom calling features plus a suite of international voice and data services featuring culturally and geographically focused content in Spanish. Movida-branded cell phones will be available in select Wal-Mart stores across the nation as well as other major U.S. retailers. For more information on Movida, visit www.movidacelular.com.
About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA wireless devices and accessories for customers worldwide. Kyocera Wireless maintains an operating belief in the genius of simplicity and strives to make the wireless experience as simple and intuitive as humanly possible. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2005, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$11 billion (JP¥ 1,180,655 million) with net income of approximately US$429 million (JP¥ 45,908 million).
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