HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.-Audiovox Communications Corp. said it is expanding its international sales and operations and introducing three new Global System for Mobile communications handsets as well as a dual-mode, dual-band Code Division Multiple Access handset with Web browsing capability.
“We are dedicated to developing GSM internationally in much the same way we have become a CDMA leader in the U.S.,” said Louis Antoniou, ACC’s vice president international. “ACC leverages its relationships with wireless technology leaders to develop and bring to market superior quality handsets that we customize for our carriers.”
The new series of GSM handsets will debut with the GSM-810 single-band, mini-model phone operating on the GSM 900 MHz frequency, ACC said. The GSM-810 offers a variety of features, including data and fax messaging, caller ID, call waiting and short message service. It offers 240 minutes of talk time and 103 hours of standby time and is scheduled to begin shipping this month.
Following the GSM-810, ACC said it will introduce the dual-band models GDX-200 and GDX-300. These handsets will operate on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz GSM frequencies and offer the same features as the GSM-810, as well as a real time calendar/alarm and language options. The handsets are scheduled to begin shipping in the first quarter, with mass production slated to commence in January.
ACC also premiered the CDM-4500, a dual-mode CDMA wireless handset with Qualcomm Inc.’s latest MSM3000 chipset and multiple CDMA vocoder technologies. It uses Wireless Application Protocol/fax capability and interfaces with the Internet.
The CDM-4500 offers voice-activated calling, voice-mail notification, telephone-number search, an address book and programmable emergency dialing, among other features. The handset comes equipped with a 950 mAH lithium ion battery, which supports up to 190 minutes of talk time and 170 hours of standby time when operating in digital mode.
ACC said its expanded GSM program will be supported by regional offices, warehouses and fulfillment facilities throughout the world. ACC has offices in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Thailand and Malaysia, and warehousing and fulfillment facilities in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.
