“We’re very excited that UTStarcom has agreed to develop and adopt Fastap technology,” said Mark Connon, chief executive officer of Digit Wireless. “Fastap is being turned to as a simple and intuitive way for consumers to discover, access and use messaging and mobile data services- resulting in higher data ARPU for mobile operators. We believe this partnership with UTStarcom will make it easier for consumers to realize their mobile phone’s full potential.”

The launch of the GSFT779 featuring Fastap augments a series of Fastap- enabled phone deployments in the Americas for Digit Wireless on both GSM and CDMA networks. Fastap is now available through mobile operators in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and soon throughout South & Central America.

The GSFT779 featuring Fastap will be made available in the second half of 2007.

Fastap is an enabling keypad design technology that can be launched in various implementations including Alphanumeric (Alphabetical, Semi-QWERTY & QWERTY) and Press-to-Experience. Fastap keypad technology is already market proven to increase messaging by 114 percent while driving data ARPU up by 97 percent. The keypad makes it easier for mobile consumers to use their phones, driving them to increase their usage and resulting in higher revenue for mobile operators. Fastap in its full alphanumeric layout can be formatted in more than 90 languages, creating a truly global phone platform for Device Manufacturers to launch devices in key markets.via UTStarcom