Brightpoint to Develop and Manage a New Independent Retail Channel for Sprint PCS.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2001

Brightpoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:CELL) announced that its subsidiary, Brightpoint North America L.P., has entered into an agreement with Sprint PCS (NYSE:PCS) to provide channel development and management services for a newly created independent retail channel of Sprint PCS. Brightpoint will provide a variety of services for Sprint PCS including the development and establishment of new Authorized Sprint Independent Retailers, the distribution of Sprint PCS products, ongoing marketing support, technical support and training services to these new independent retailers.

Sprint PCS announced its plans to implement a distribution process designed to increase its local retail presence. Sprint PCS looks to develop agreements with a select number of national distributors through which it can expand business with and better service local retailers. By doing so, Sprint PCS expects to increase sales, while at the same time reducing churn, and lowering CPGA.

Sprint is a world-class global communications company -- at the forefront of integrating wireline and wireless communications services. Sprint is a large carrier of Internet traffic and a leader in broadband communications. Sprint built and operates the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and provides a portfolio of advanced data communications services. Sprint operates the largest 100-percent digital, 100-percent PCS nationwide wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities and communities across the country. Sprint has $23 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 23 million business and residential customers. For more information, visit the Sprint PCS web site at http://www.sprintpcs.com.

Brightpoint, Inc. is a leading provider of outsourced services in the global wireless telecommunications and data industry. Brightpoint's innovative services include customized packaging, prepaid and e-commerce solutions, inventory management, distribution and other outsourced services. Brightpoint's customers include leading network operators, retailers and wireless equipment manufacturers. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com or by calling its toll-free Investor Relations Information line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents the Company files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; specifically, Brightpoint's most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Exhibits 99, thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risk factors include, without limitation, the ability of both parties to perform under the contract. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.