BEDMINSTER, N.J. and HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- 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. , 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-in 1.3 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 512MB 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(TM) 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 http://www.verizonwireless.com/ .

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network serving 42.1 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications http://www.verizonwireless.com/ http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at . To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at .

About UTStarcom Personal Communications

UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corporation) is a division of UTStarcom, Inc. . The UTStarcom Personal Communications Division provides mobile wireless devices to carriers throughout North and South America.

UTStarcom is a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions to operators around the world. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in New Jersey, China, and India. UTStarcom Personal Communications Division is based in Hauppauge, New York.

UTStarcom is a Fortune 1000 Company. For more information, please visit the company website at http://www.utstar.com/ .

CONTACT: Brenda Boyd Raney of Verizon Wireless, +1-908-306-4834, brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com; or Alysia Pappas Lew, G.S. Schwartz & Co.Inc. for UTStarcom Personal Communications Division, +1-212-725-4500 Ext. 329,

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