HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "It's Not Fat...It's Full-Featured" boast the advertisements for the latest wireless handset from UTStarcom Personal Communications, the CDM-180, being introduced by Verizon Wireless. This unique cellphone features a wider but shorter size and shape that make way for an unusual landscape-oriented screen that's easy to read. The wide format of the phone fits easily in the hand and makes it convenient to dial - especially with the one-handed thumb motion that wireless users have come to master.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051013/SFTH063LOGO )

The CDM-180 from UTStarcom Personal Communications, a division of UTStarcom, Inc. , is available through Verizon Wireless' online store at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. The handset retails for $69.99 with a two- year service agreement.

"From TVs to computer screens, consumers are accustomed to a landscape view, and we think they'll quickly take to this new handset," said Philip Christopher, president of UTStarcom Personal Communications Division. "While as compact as traditional clamshell phones, the wider form factor feels great in your hand, is easy to dial, and the horizontal screen is superb for text display and mobile gaming."

The CDM-180 is an all-digital CDMA, mobile web enabled handset that is compatible with Verizon Wireless' "GET IT NOW" services. The handset features dual LCD displays: a 262K 1.8" TFT main display and a 65K 1" external display. The phone has a built-in CMOS 330k pixel digital camera, 32 polyphonic ringers and built-in speakerphone. Additional features include two-way text and picture messaging capabilities, LED incoming call indicator and retractable antenna. The phone is TTY/TDD compatible.

All these popular features are packed into a compact clamshell measuring 3.0" (H) x 2.1" (W) x 0.95" (D), and weighs 3.4 oz.

About UTStarcom Personal Communications

UTStarcom Personal Communications is changing the way the world communicates through innovative wireless technology applications that deliver practical, reliable and flexible communications solutions to improve professional productivity and enhance personal lifestyles.

UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.) provides wireless communications devices including handsets, PocketPCs and PCMCIA modems to carriers throughout North and South America and supplies every CDMA carrier in the U.S. and Canada. The company's products are manufactured by its parent company, UTStarcom, Inc., and by third-party original equipment manufacturers. UTStarcom Personal Communications Division is based in Hauppauge, New York, and maintains offices and support facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

UTStarcom is a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its broadband, wireless, and handset solutions to operators in both emerging and established telecommunications markets around the world. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in the United States, China, Korea and India. UTStarcom is a FORTUNE 1000 company.

For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company's Web site at http://www.utstar.com/.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements, including the foregoing statements regarding the anticipated ability of the CDM-180 to attract consumers. These statements are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risk factors include rapidly changing technology, the changing nature of global telecommunications markets, both in China and globally, the termination of significant contracts, the direction and results of future research and development efforts, evolving product and applications standards, reduction or delays in system deployments, product transitions, potential non-realization of backlog, changes in demand for and acceptance of the Company's products, general adverse economic conditions, and trends and uncertainties such as changes in government regulation and licensing requirements, both in China and globally. The Company also refers readers to the risk factors identified in its latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: Joe Vasquez, jvasquez@schwartz.com, or Lindsay Lipsitz,
llipsitz@schwartz.com, both of G.S. Schwartz & Co., Inc., +1-212-725-4500;
Brenda Boyd Raney of Verizon Wireless, +1-908-306-4834, or
brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

Web site: http://www.utstar.com/