News

Kyocera Wireless Corp. Announces New CDMA Module Product Line

Tri-mode CDMA module enables wireless voice and data connectivity for OEM products

LAS VEGAS - March 20, 2001 - Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading provider of innovative CDMA wireless handsets, today announced the first of a series of CDMA tri-mode wireless modules. The new product line represents a significant expansion of Kyocera's product portfolio beyond wireless handsets. Sample units of the Kyocera CDMA module will be displayed at the Kyocera Wireless Corp. booth (#3061) at the Wireless 2001 trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Kyocera CDMA modules product line will expand to support emerging third-generation (3G) wireless standards as carriers deploy 3G networks. Current plans include specialized modules with ruggedized components for automotive telematics as well as modules with enhanced feature sets, such as MP3, video, Bluetooth and other emerging technologies, for hybrid multimedia devices.

"The launch of our CDMA module product line represents a major strategic achievement for Kyocera Wireless Corp.," said Masahiro Inoue, president and CEO of Kyocera Wireless Corp. "When the company was founded in February 2000, one of the goals we established was the expansion of the product portfolio beyond conventional wireless phones. With the introduction of our CDMA module product line, we have achieved that goal."

According to Strategy Analytics, the global wireless data and computing device market opportunity will grow from just over $70 billion in 2000 to $175 billion in 2005. Kyocera's wireless module allows OEMs to integrate CDMA voice and data capabilities into a wide range of products, including PDAs, laptop and handheld computers, and other consumer electronics devices. Business uses, such as remote metering, wireless point-of-sale terminals and vehicle tracking, are also likely applications for this device.

Kyocera's CDMA module is based on the proven design and certified hardware found in the popular new QCP™ 6035 Smartphone. The module's tri-mode capability (CDMA PCS 1900 MHz, CDMA digital 800 MHz and AMPS 800 MHz) provides seamless wireless coverage across North America. A CDMA module developer's kit will provide OEMs with tools to accelerate the integration of the module into a larger device or system.

In addition to tri-mode call processing, the Kyocera CDMA module supports over-the-air service provisioning (OTASP), E-911 capability and short messaging service (SMS). The internal software stacks include code supporting the following standards: IS-95, IS-99 circuit-switched fax and data, IS-657 packet data, IS-637 SMS, and J-STD-008 (CDMA PCS).

About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International, Inc. (KII), the North American headquarters and holding company of Kyocera Corporation. KII established Kyocera Wireless Corp. after acquiring QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Kyocera Wireless Corp. incorporates QUALCOMM's CDMA technology in the development and manufacture of wireless phones and accessories for customers worldwide. For more information on Kyocera Wireless Corp., please visit our website at http://www.kyocera-wireless.com.

Kyocera Corporation, 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, 2000, Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated net sales totaled 812 billion yen (US$7.9 billion) with net income of 50 billion yen (US$489 million). 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 marks are properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT:
Dana Knight, KWC Public Relations
1-(858) 882-2338 (ph) 1-(858) 882-3650 (fax)
e-mail: dknight@kyocera-wireless.com