Computer and Communication Terminals
UTStarcom Signs Contract with China Telecom for 300,000 QBOX Terminals to Support Fixed-Line PAS Convergence Services
QBOX Leverages IP and Fixed-Mobile Convergence to Enable New Services for PAS Subscribers in 24 Cities
UTStarcom, Inc. (Nasdaq: UTSI), a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and services, today announced it has signed a contract with China Telecom Group to supply 300,000 QBOX terminals. China Telecom will sell the QBOX for use with its Homebox fixed-line/PAS convergence service, which is available in 24 cities in China.
The Homebox service is designed to allow iPAS(TM) users to seamlessly roam between the public PAS network and their private iPAS connections at home, which are provided by the QBOX terminal. The QBOX thus enables fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) by allowing subscribers to use their iPAS devices as digital cordless phones. In addition, existing fixed-line users can use the UTStarcom terminal to enjoy the rich bundle of value-added services that PAS provides. The QBOX can also be configured to integrate ADSL CPE and WiFi access point functions, enabling China Telecom to offer wireless data access in the home computing environment.
""This is another demonstration of UTStarcom's continuing innovation of our iPAS solution, leveraging our expertise in IP and fixed-mobile convergence to enable new services. We are already a major player in IP Telephony; our mSwitch® NGN solution, which supports iPAS, transports more than 200 billion minutes of IP Telephony traffic each year," said Simon Le, senior vice president of UTStarcom China. "China now has over 360 million fixed-line subscribers and approximately 90 million PAS subscribers. We believe the synergy of PAS and fixed-line service represents an important trend in China's telecommunication service, one with very good prospects in the future."
China Telecom is the largest PAS and fixed-line operator in China, with approximately 60 million PAS subscribers. The operator first launched the Homebox service in six cities in the second half of 2005. To date, about 300,000 users have signed up, and the service will ultimately extend to 24 cities.
About UTStarcom's QBOX
QBOX is a multi-service convergence terminal developed by UTStarcom. It integrates a traditional telephone, PHS home base station, ADSL modem, and WiFi access point to deliver integrated services to end users from a single device.
About UTStarcom, Inc.
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. 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 the United States, Canada, China, Korea and India. UTStarcom is a FORTUNE 1000 company.
For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company's Web site at www.utstar.com.
SOURCE UTStarcom, Inc.
Brian Caskey, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing of UTStarcom, +1-919-481-4807, or
Brian.Caskey@utstar.com;
or Stephanie Gallagher of Engage PR, +1-703-531-9771, or
stephanie@engagepr.com, for UTStarcom
