Verizon Wireless Launches UTStarcom(Audiovox) CDM8940 3G EV-DO Handset

[Mobile Mike]

BEDMINSTER, NJ and HAUPPAUGE, NY — Verizon Wireless, the first wireless carrier to deliver widely available 3G EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) wireless broadband network, is now also the first to offer the CDM8940 handset, the only EV-DO phone to feature a built-in 1.3 Mega Pixel camera/camcorder and memory expansion up to 512 MB with a mini-SD slot. The CDM8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.) a division of UTStarcom, Inc. (NASDAQ: UTSI), allows Verizon Wireless customers to access V CAST – the nation’s first 3G wireless broadband multimedia service for consumers – to view crystal clear video on demand and graphics for 3D games.

In addition to the built-in1.3 mega pixel camera that doubles as a video camcorder and features a macro function and built in flash, the first-in-class CDM8940 features a large 2-inch, 262K color main screen, perfect for viewing video clips on V CAST – customers can select from 300 daily updated video clips from leading content providers. With an easily accessible mini-SD slot, customers can add up to 512 MB of memory to their CDM8940 so they can store their video clips and photos and take them wherever they go.

“With V CAST and the CDM8940, Verizon Wireless' subscribers can enjoy an unmatched wireless multimedia experience in a compact and reliable wireless phone,” said Philip Christopher, president, UTStarcom Personal Communications Division.

The dual band handset (800/1900 MHz CDMA) is equipped with the MSM6500 chipset with GPSOne™ capability (E911 Phase2 Supported). It also offers two-way MMS/SMS, a built-in speakerphone, voice-activated dialing and vibrating alert. All these capabilities are combined in a compact, stylish design with dimensions of 3.4” (h) x 1.8” (w) and 1.0” (d) and weighing only 3.9 ounces. The CDM8940 comes with a standard rechargeable LiIon battery for up to 220 minutes of talk time or up to 190 hours of standby time.

The UTStarcom CDM8940 is available for $229.99 after a $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement. Verizon Wireless products and services are available in more than 1,200 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and at Circuit City stores nationwide, at and participating RadioShack locations and on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

http://news.vzw.com/news/2005/01/pr2005-01-26a.html