Smaller, Cost Effective Kyocera 300 and Kyocera 1xD Modules Bolster Suite of Kyocera M2M Products with Advanced Location Capabilities

Kyocera Wireless Corp. has announced the launch of two new compact and cost-effective machine-to-machine modules for CDMA 1xRTT networks. Based on a smaller footprint for more widespread integration, the Kyocera 300 Module provides integrated voice, data and autonomous global positioning system (GPS) capabilities, while the Kyocera 1xD Module debuts as a low cost CDMA data-only module platform for telemetry applications. Leveraging Kyocera's expertise from its award-winning Kyocera 200 Module, both new modules offer an expanded feature set, improved cost efficiencies and a backwards-compatible software interface for simplified porting.

"The new Kyocera 300 and Kyocera 1xD Modules build upon the proven strengths of the Kyocera 200 Module platform, with expanded features and value price points," said Dean Fledderjohn, general manager of the M2M division at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "By incorporating a compact form factor, extended temperature ranges and autonomous GPS capability with longer product lifespans, our growing family of Kyocera modules are robust and flexible enough to enable a wide range of applications for small to large enterprises. These new modules show our continued commitment to enable smart CDMA M2M solutions which will drive the growth of the machine-to-machine marketplace for years to come."

The Kyocera 300 Module enables ubiquitous, real-time communications over CDMA 1xRTT networks for both voice and data. In addition to traditional assisted-GPS capability, the expanded feature set provides fully integrated autonomous GPS with streaming NMEA data. This feature offers "in service" cost advantages over assisted-GPS by allowing GPS fixes direct from satellite feeds without the need to connect to a wireless network. The Kyocera 300 Module also allows the host device to determine which type of position fix is best suited for the application's needs at any given time - autonomous, terrestrial or assisted. This module is well suited to telematics and fleet management, and is also ideal for vertical markets such as asset tracking or roadside call boxes.

The Kyocera 1xD Module makes low-cost M2M solutions a reality, offering anywhere, anytime data communication for entry-level M2M telemetry applications over CDMA 1xRTT wireless networks. With a lower price point, reduced power consumption and a much smaller envelope size from that of the Kyocera 200 Module, the 1xD Module is ideal for remote metering or monitoring and alarm applications and can help improve business operations and productivity while reducing total cost of ownership.

The Kyocera 300 and Kyocera 1xD Modules leverage the latest QUALCOMM chipset technology, providing: CDMA dual band capability; lower power consumption, A-GPS position location capability (Kyocera 300 Module only) and support for IS-2000 data rates (153kbps on forward and reverse links); two-way MO/MT Short Messaging Service (SMS) capabilities; simple and mobile IP Support; full featured UDP/TCP/IP protocol stack that allows sockets for both server and client functions; enhanced AT command interface; dual UARTs; analog and PCM audio; separate GPS and RF connectors; high-speed packet and circuit-switched data; programmable GPIOs; and OTA and FOTA services.

In addition to supporting the efforts of leading global CDMA operators, these new modules will be compatible with the full suite of Aeris® digital services, including AerFrame™ enhanced services such as MicroBurst®, SMSDirect™, Voice OnDemand™ and Aeris Broadband Services for 1xRTT.

M2M solutions allow manufacturers, government agencies and enterprises in wide ranging industries to remotely capture and analyze performance data, identify root causes of equipment failure, enable real-time communication, deliver GPS information, trigger repairs and upgrades, and dispatch technician and equipment, among many other mission critical functions.

According to a recent report published by the Aberdeen Group, M2M solutions will grow $290 billion by 2011, up from less that $50 billion in 2006. The report estimates that 70% of best-in-class service organizations currently use M2M solutions and are realizing gains such as a 38% improvement in customer retention, a 30% reduction in field technician dispatches, and a 28% improvement in first-call resolution rate*.

Available in the 2nd half of 2007, Kyocera Wireless will offer the new modules with outstanding integration tools and services as well as developer's kits. The complete family of Kyocera modules will be displayed from March 27-29 at the Kyocera Wireless M2M Booth, Hall A1/A2; #1036, at CTIA 2007 in Orlando. For additional information on the full suite of Kyocera Wireless M2M modules, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com/m2m-business.

* Remote Product Service Update 2007, The Aberdeen Group

Source: Kyocera Wireless Corp.