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ALAMEDA, Calif., Jun 7, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- UTStarcom, Inc. (Nasdaq: UTSI), a global leader in IP access networking and services, today announced that it has signed a contract valued at approximately $13 million with First International Telecommunications Corporation of Taiwan (FITEL) to expand PAS(TM) (Personal Access System) service in Kaoshiung and begin a new deployment in Taichung. The announcement brings the total value of contracts signed with FITEL to date to over $80 million.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031229/UTSLOGO )
"Taiwan was one of the first markets outside of Mainland China to deploy UTStarcom PAS technology, and subscriber growth continues to be strong, despite the ubiquity of GSM and other mobile communications offerings in the country," said Joe Ye, general manager of UTStarcom Taiwan. "More than 600,000 people have subscribed for PAS service since its initial deployment in Taipei in June 2001. Our partnership with FITEL has created a win-win-win scenario, benefiting the consumer as well as the operator and also UTStarcom. We anticipate that we will expand our PAS services within the country to continue this successful relationship."
The contract expands PAS service in Kaoshiung, a city of approximately 1.5 million people in southern Taiwan in which PAS service was launched in December 2003. PAS service in Taichung, located in central Taiwan with a population of approximately 930,000, is scheduled to start in August 2004.
"FITEL continues to expand PAS service to new cities throughout Taiwan because it offers subscribers an affordable and reliable alternative to GSM and 3G service offerings," said C.Y. Wu, president of FITEL. "Our subscribers enjoy the wealth of advanced data applications enabled by UTStarcom's PAS technology, including 64kbps wireless Internet access, e-mail, and English/Chinese short messaging services. In addition, it is the first and only cellular system in Taiwan that can provide comprehensive roaming service with Japan where we have partnered with leading PHS service Provider, DDI- Pocket."
PAS Wireless Network Solutions
UTStarcom's wireless network solutions are designed to enable a rapid network expansion and an easy migration from fixed to wireless networks, enabling service providers to offer wireless voice and data services within a city or community. Marketed as a low-cost investment option for wireless local telephone service, the PAS system features advanced voice and data services within a flexible network architecture that can be seamlessly integrated with future 3G and broadband technologies.
With deployments throughout Mainland China and Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Africa, and Latin America, UTStarcom is the leader in the worldwide PAS market.
About FITEL
Founded in 1997, FITEL is a leading provider of telecommunications and data transmission services in Taiwan and Hong Kong, providing mobile paging, mobile data and wireless services. FITEL is a subsidiary of First International Computer Co., a leading PC manufacturer in Taiwan. FITEL was awarded a PHS license in early 2000 and is the first and only PHS operator in Taiwan.
About UTStarcom, Inc.
UTStarcom is a global leader in IP access networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions to operators in both fast growth and established telecommunications markets around the world. UTStarcom enables its customers to rapidly deploy revenue-generating access services using their existing infrastructure, while providing a migration path to cost-efficient end-to-end IP networks. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in New Jersey, China, and India. UTStarcom is a FORTUNE 1000 company.
For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company's Web site at www.utstar.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing statements regarding, without limitation, the anticipated activities and results of the expanded partnership with FITEL the growth of network capacity and the market for, and prospects for success of, PAS services in Taiwan, and the expected timing for the commencement of new services, are forward-looking in nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors include rapidly changing technology, the rapidly changing nature of Taiwan's and Asia's telecommunications markets, possible delays in system deployments or product introductions, possible downturns in the telecommunications markets of Taiwan, Asia generally and worldwide, the termination of new contracts, partnerships or alliances, and other uncertainties, such as changes in government regulation and licensing requirements and economic and political stability, in Taiwan and Asia generally. The Company also refers readers to the risk factors identified in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE UTStarcom, Inc.
Chesha Kamieniecki, Senior Manager of Investor Relations of UTStarcom, Inc., +1-510-749-1560; or press, Jeannette Bitz of Engage PR, +1-510-748-8200, ext. 207, for UTStarcom /Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031229/UTSLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://www.utstar.com
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