Another Record Year for Cell Handsets, but Growth is Slowing, Reports In-Stat.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The mobile phone market keeps humming along -- on pace for a fourth consecutive record year in 2005 in terms of unit volumes, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). The rate of growth, however, is slowing from the double-digit pace seen in the past few years, the high-tech market research firm said. Shipments should grow just under 6% year over year.

"The slowing pace is a result of some mature markets at, or near, full penetration, and weaker-than-expected growth in some emerging ones," said Allyn Hall, director of wireless research, In-Stat. "It's a sign of a maturing industry."

A recent report by In-Stat found the following:

--The top five manufacturers will once again carve out the largest share of the market, accounting for approximately 80% worldwide.

--Worldwide handset revenue is expected to approach $112 billion.

--India, China and Eastern Europe are leading growth in emerging markets.

The report, "Humming Along: 2005 Mobile Phone Market Forecast" (#IN0502109WH), covers the worldwide market for mobile phone handsets. It includes forecasts for shipments and revenue by region through 2010. Also presented are several profiles of major vendors and a look at key market drivers and challenges.

For more information on this report, please visit http://www.instat.com/catalog/Wcatalogue.asp?id=66 or contact Erin McKeighan at 480-609-4551 or [e-mail]. The report price is $3,495.

About In-Stat

In-Stat (www.in-stat.com) is the leading provider of actionable research, assessments and market forecasts of semiconductors and advanced communications equipment and services. Our forecasts, analysis and insights are derived from both a deep technology understanding and a unique research methodology, which examines each segment of the value chain for each market. Technology vendors, service providers, technology professionals and market specialists, worldwide, rely on In-Stat's tenured, experienced staff and in-depth research to support critical technology, product and success decisions.

In-Stat is a strategic segment of the $8 billion Reed Elsevier global information network, with access to an expansive worldwide electronic network, extensive technology databases and well-informed personnel. In-Stat analysts gain exceptional insight into geographic marketplaces and specific technologies within markets such as electronics, cable and wireless. As a member of Reed Business Information, In-Stat is a division of the largest business-to-business publisher in the United States.