Siemens Ships Its First Digital Wireless Handset for Personal Communications Services; Omnipoint, Powertel and DIGIPH PCS Take First Delivery.

RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1997--Siemens Wireless Terminals is delivering its first digital handset for the U.S. wireless industry: the g1050.

Features that are standard on the g1050 handset were previously only available in higher priced wireless phones, including a high-resolution graphic display, a noise-canceling microphone, long battery life and voice memo for recording brief messages. The menu-driven interface along with the user guide, which was developed by IDG Books Worldwide, creators of the ...For Dummies(R) series of education books, virtually eliminates the learning curve, allowing users to immediately enjoy the freedom of wireless communications.

The g1050 will be initially available through PCS (personal communications services) operators Omnipoint Communications, Powertel and DIGIPH PCS in select cities across the country. Utilizing digital Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network technology, the new handset takes advantage of all the capabilities of PCS.

PCS technology offers consumers a host of services that vary by carrier, including voice mail, text messaging, caller ID, and others. The g1050 is designed to complement carriers service plans by facilitating the use of any or all of the PCS features offered by the carrier.

The g1050 fits the way people actually use wireless phones. The handset features an intuitive, context sensitive, menu-driven interface that makes all features easy to access and operate. It also features dynamic character sizing, which automatically adjusts the font size when dialing, for optimum readability.

A SIM (subscriber identity module) card, also known as a smart card, stores information on an embedded integrated microprocessor chip giving the g1050 enhanced memory options and feature capabilities for specific applications. Approximately the size of a credit card, a SIM card, such as the one the g1050 uses, is unique to GSM networks. It allows carriers to provide the consumer with a number of applications not currently available on other networks. Some of these potential applications are financial transactions and travel confirmations, as well as other localized and personalized applications.

Features that are standard on the g1050 are often available only as options -- if at all -- on competitors models. Some of these standard features are:

-- Lithium Ion Battery -- Provides 105 minutes of talk time and

30 hours of standby time. The extended battery option

provides 210 minutes of talk time and 60 hours of standby

time. Lithium ion batteries are beneficial to use because

they are not subject to the memory effect of other battery

technologies.

-- User Guide -- Developed by IDG Books Worldwide, known for its

...For Dummies series of instructional education books, this

user guide was created expressly to help end users take full

advantage of all the g1050's features in an inviting and

easy-to-understand format.

-- Data Port -- Used with a PC Card modem accessory, this allows

faxing, e-mail and other online transmissions. Users have the

ability to send and receive data from essentially anywhere

by connecting the g1050 to a PC.

-- Noise-Canceling Microphone -- The noise-canceling microphone

virtually eliminates background noise while speaking, making

it easier to be heard on the receiving end.

-- Graphical Menu Display -- Features context-sensitive software

and dynamic character sizing. This automatically fits text

by shrinking point size but keeps it readable.

-- Intuitive Interface -- Two soft keys provide an intuitive menu

interface to control the graphical display. Icons appear on

the display screen to indicate which functions are in use.

-- Voice Memo -- Allows the user to capture up to a 20-second

voice message by simply pressing one button. The message(s)

can be saved and retrieved later.

-- Multi-Language Support: English, Spanish and French.

-- Full-Size SIM Card -- The size of a typical credit card for

easy use, the SIM card has a positive lock so users know when

the card is firmly locked in place.

-- Speed Dial -- The g1050 features a one-touch, one-button

programmable fast dial key for speed dial numbers. Phonebook

storage for up to 200 phone numbers dependent on the carriers

SIM configuration.

-- Interchangeable Ear Pieces -- The g1050's two interchangeable

ear pieces can be colorized or graphically enhanced to allow

the user to customize the look of the phone.

-- Compatibility with HATIS Devices -- For hearing-impaired

users.

-- GSM Phase 2 and Phase 2+ Features -- These include caller ID,

call blocking, call forwarding, conference calling, short

message service, etc.

In addition to these standard features, the g1050 has accessories such as a leather carrying case; a high-capacity extended battery; a rapid travel charger; and a dual port desktop charger. The g1050 also has the Handsfree car kit, a PC Card modem, FoneBook(TM) PLUS and a headset adapter.

"We drew on Siemens' extensive GSM experience in Europe to design a product that combines the best features of competitive offerings with new functionality and a handset that is very easy to use," said Tom Jasny, vice president of sales and service for Siemens Wireless Terminals. "The g1050 quite simply is the best of all products in one package."

Siemens Wireless Terminals, a division of Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc., provides digital handsets and wireless network access terminals for PCS-1900 and CDMA networks worldwide. Siemens holds a leading position in the digital wireless market, with more than 200 mobile switching systems installed worldwide and GSM handsets in use in nearly all countries that have adopted the GSM standard. Revenues from telecommunications and networking accounted for more than 20 percent of Siemens nearly $63.6 billion in worldwide sales during fiscal 1995/1996. For more information, visit our web site at http://www.siemens-wireless.com . -0-

Note to Editors: Product photography and lifestyle photography of the g1050 is available by contacting Kristine Ryan at 972/997-7350.

CONTACT: Siemens Wireless Terminals, Richardson

Kristine Ryan, 972/997-7350

E-mail: [e-mail]