News

Kyocera Wireless Corp. Awarded Contract By MetroPCS

SAN DIEGO - November 27, 2001 - Kyocera Wireless Corp. has received a contract for the delivery of wireless phones to start-up wireless carrier MetroPCS Inc. Metro PCS will use the Kyocera 2235 as its flagship handset for the launch of its service. MetroPCS will be among the first carriers to build its network using third-generation Code Division Multiple Access "CDMA2000 1X" technology, an advanced packet-data protocol that offers carriers a significant increase in network voice capacity and the ability to offer high-speed data rates of up to 153 kilobits per second. The Kyocera 2235 is among the first 1X-enabled handsets in North America.

"MetroPCS's decision to launch its network with our handsets is an incredibly gratifying endorsement," said Skip Speaks, president and COO of Kyocera Wireless Corp. "This deep commitment to our 2235 handset represents not only MetroPCS's belief in the product, but also demonstrates strong confidence in our company."

MetroPCS's founder and chief executive officer, Roger Linquist, was a founding director of the Cellular Telephone Industry Association, or CTIA, and formerly founded and served as president and CEO of PageMart Wireless and as president and CEO of PacTel Personal Communications (later renamed AirTouch).

"We are excited about launching our service with the latest wireless technology," said Linquist. "Our partnership with Kyocera Wireless allows us to offer consumers stylish, high-quality phones loaded with advanced features at a very competitive price."

The Kyocera 2235 features a lightweight ergonomic design, which is comfortable to hold and easy to use. The 2235 also has an attractive Brilliant Blue backlit display and keypad for easy screen and keypad readability. Enhanced features include Internet access, two-way short messaging, voice-activated dialing, games, and a host of productivity tools. The phone measures approximately 4.72 in. x 1.89 in. x .95 in. (12 cm x 4.8 cm x 2.4 cm), weighs approximately 4.34 ounces (123 grams), and provides up to 3.8 hours of talk time and up to 6 days of standby time in digital mode.

About MetroPCS, Inc.
MetroPCS, Inc, headquartered in Dallas, TX, USA, holds 14 PCS licenses in and around the metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco and Sacramento. The company expects to be among the first wireless operators to deploy an all digital network based on CDMA 2000 1X using leading edge third generation infrastructure and handsets. For more information on MetroPCS, visit its Web site at http://www.metropcs.com.


About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA handsets and accessories for customers worldwide. For more information please visit the Kyocera Wireless Corp. Web site at http://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 solar energy systems, telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers and copiers. During the year ended March 31, 2001, the companies' net sales totaled 1.285 trillion yen (US$10.2 billion) with net income of 219.5 billion yen (US$1.742 billion). Kyocera Corporation has been recognized by IndustryWeek magazine as one of "The World's 100 Best-Managed Companies."


Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. QCP is a trademark of Kyocera Wireless Corp. QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners



CONTACTS:
Dana Knight, Kyocera Wireless Corp.
1-(858) 882-2338 (ph)
dknight@kyocera-wireless.com

John Chier, Fleishman-Hillard for Kyocera Wireless
1-(619) 235-9995 (ph)
chierj@fleishman.com

Dennis Spickler, MetroPCS Inc.
1-(214) 265-2564 (ph)
dspickler@metropcs.com