April 12, 2006

By: Shawnee McR
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

U.S. Cellular and Kyocera Wireless Announce Launch of Kyocera SoHo Flip Phone

Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, and U.S. Cellular, a super-regional wireless company serving more than 4.8 million customers in 26 states, today announced the domestic launch of the Kyocera SoHo wireless handset to U.S. Cellular customers. U.S. Cellular is the first wireless company in the United States to offer the Kyocera SoHo, a color flip phone with customizable faceplates, external caller ID and a unique asymmetrical design.

In addition to the phone's stylish shape, Kyocera SoHo users can change the look of the phone with different colored faceplates available at U.S. Cellular retail locations (sold separately). The "clamshell" handset features a speakerphone, two-way messaging, predictive text messaging, large keys for rapid entry and productivity tools including a robust contact directory, calculator, scheduler, alarm clock and more. The handset has a 65,000-color display and is easyedge^SM enabled (BREW^TM 2.1) to allow for easy downloading of games and ringtones.

"We know our customers want reliable and easy-to-use phones, and the Kyocera SoHo is a great combination of simple functionality with a stylish twist," said Shelley Boersma, vice president, sales operations, U.S. Cellular. "Using SoHo along with our easyedge services makes downloading data applications, ringtones and games simpler than ever before."

The tri-mode handset features a black removable flip cover with horizontal external caller ID for easy viewing as well as an angled, asymmetrical design on the bottom of the phone for a snug fit in the palm of a hand. Once open, the large keypad offers easy input for text messaging and dialing and incorporates TTY and TDD capabilities for the hearing impaired. Predictive text-input software provides rapid text entry in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and the SoHo sustains up to 3.5 hours of talk and up to 180 hours of CDMA standby time on a standard lithium ion battery. The Kyocera SoHo weighs only 3.52 ounces and measures 4.45" x 1.89" x .91."

"The Kyocera SoHo is a great example of how our simplicity message is incorporated into the Kyocera line-up, and it's also the first handset created by our industrial design relationship with BMW DesignworksUSA," said Don McGuire, vice president of Global marketing and North American sales at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Based on extensive consumer research, we know that many people are just looking for a wireless handset that's easy to use and has a fashionable edge. SoHo fits the bill for the vast majority of wireless users who, first and foremost, just want to make a call."

The Kyocera SoHo handset is currently available at an introductory rate of $9.95 after a $30 mail in rebate. The SoHo is offered at all U.S. Cellular locations. Specific details on the promotion including additional information on the Kyocera SoHo handset, accessories, and other wireless services are available at U.S. Cellular and authorized dealer retail locations, as well as online at www.uscellular.com or at www.kyocera-wireless.com.

About The Author:

Shawnee McR is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  An industry resource for the wireless industry featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of phones and service plans.