[March 24, 2004] CellStar Introduces MERGE(TM) - Combining Cellular and Home Services in One Convenient Solution CARROLLTON, Texas, March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CellStar Corporation , a value-added wireless logistics services leader, today announced that it will offer the latest integrated wireless product through an agreement with Cidco Communications Corporation, a worldwide leader in telephony and data products. Cidco's new product offering called MERGE(TM), combines cellular and home services in one convenient solution. Our launch of MERGE represents another tactical accomplishment in our strategy to diversify our product line and deliver innovative, high-value new products to our carrier and dealer-agent customers, said Chris Smith, senior vice president and general manager of CellStar's U.S. region. MERGE is revolutionary. It truly delivers the opportunity for the consumer to maximize their wireless call plan. MERGE offers the convenience and comfort of home use while making the most of free nights, free weekends, free long distance and other cellular benefits. By placing the cellular phone in the MERGE unit -- which doubles as a charger -- consumers can use their cellular service to make or receive calls from their home phones. CellStar leads the industry in bringing new wireless products to consumers through its vast network of customers, said Cidco Communications President Tom Beck. Partnering with such a reputable organization not only for their expertise in complex logistics solutions, but also for their established relationships with numerous carriers, big box retail and key manufacturers, made sense. Both CellStar and Cidco Communications will benefit from the increased national capabilities that this partnership brings. The two-part product consists of a universal base, and a personality module -- inexpensive adapters that fit different cellular phone brands to the MERGE(TM) unit. Easy to install, MERGE can be used with corded or cordless home phones and supports cellular features such as Caller ID, Call Waiting and Call Forwarding. CellStar will facilitate the distribution of MERGE via its more than 2,500 carriers, agents and retailers nationwide, and will be available to consumers in 3Q 2004. About CellStar Corporation CellStar Corporation is a leading global provider of value-added logistics services to the wireless communications industry, with operations primarily in the Asia-Pacific, North American and Latin American regions. CellStar facilitates the effective and efficient distribution of handsets, related accessories and other wireless products from leading manufacturers to network operators, agents, resellers, dealers and retailers. CellStar also provides activation services in some of its markets that generate new subscribers for wireless carriers. For the year ended November 30, 2003, the Company generated revenues of $1.8 billion. Additional information about CellStar may be found on its Web site at http://www.cellstar.com/ . About Cidco Corporation Founded in 1988, Cidco Communications Corporation is a privately held, MBWE certified business based in Morgan Hill, at the south end of Silicon Valley, California. Cidco Communications Corporation is a worldwide leader in telephony and data products that empower consumers to communicate simply and easily over advanced networks. Through its alliances with the world's leading service providers, Cidco Communications develops and markets Network feature and Caller ID cordless telephones, ADSL and Cable modems and routers, Advanced Wireless accessories and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) end points. For more information, visit Cidco's Web site at http://www.cidcocom.com/ . CellStar Corporation CONTACT: Alicia A. Thomas, +1-972-462-2730, or [email protected] ,or Sherrian Gunn, +1-972-466-5031, or [email protected] , both of CellStarCorporation Web site: http://www.cellstar.com/http://www.cidcocom.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]