ZTE Builds Network for New Carrier’s Voice and Broadband Data Services 

Dallas, TX – December 17, 2008 - ZTE USA, Inc., a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation, a leading global telecommunications equipment and network solutions provider, today announced that Smart PCS, an unlimited no contract pre-paid carrier, selected ZTE USA as the key CDMA infrastructure and device vendor partner to support its initial service launch.  ZTE USA’s mobile softswitching equipment and All-IP CDMA2000 1xEV-DO base stations are being used to construct the networks in the initial markets the carrier will serve, which include northwest Georgia and Tennessee, as well as future markets to which the carrier will expand.  Smart PCS also chose ZTE USA’s data cards and high quality, feature-rich handsets to offer its new subscribers. 

“As a new carrier launching its service for the first time, we needed a vendor partner that would offer us mature, state-of-the-art equipment and devices, but at an affordable price point,” said Anthony E. Ortolani, President and CEO of Smart PCS. “We found ZTE USA to be the only vendor to offer us all this, in addition to the most attentive customer service we came across.  On top of all this, ZTE USA’s CDMA network equipment has the scalability to support ongoing subscriber base growth as well as future technology upgrades and new market expansion.”

Smart PCS was able to design an efficient lay-out of the All-IP CDMA2000 1xEV-DO base stations to maximize its investment, while also ensuring efficient power-consumption.  Additionally, because the equipment is based on All-IP technology, Smart PCS can easily upgrade to a next-generation network. 

In addition to the CDMA infrastructure, Smart PCS selected ZTE USA’s data cards and handsets. The first handset to be offered to subscribers is the ZTE C88, a sleek flip-phone offering many features at an affordable price point, including a camera, Bluetooth support, Internet browsing and picture messaging.

“Although we are a major global manufacturer, we also understand the unique needs of new carriers who are launching their services for the first time.  Finding a vendor partner that wouldn’t require them to sacrifice on technology innovation, quality, service or price is critical for new market entrants,” said Dr. George Sun, CEO of ZTE USA.  “We are delighted that Smart PCS chose us to play an instrumental role in the foundation of its business.  We are looking forward to a long relationship with Smart PCS as they set themselves up for initial success, while paving the road to future growth and expansion.”