Verizon Wireless' Thera By Audiovox Meets Voice And Data Service Needs At All Levels

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most expansive wireless network, and Audiovox Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a U.S. sales leader in CDMA handsets, according to Dataquest, today announced the availability of Thera, the newest Windows Powered Pocket PC, which is also a dual-band wireless phone.

With its impressive form factor and capabilities for wireless voice and data on several platforms, the Thera is a valuable companion for the mobile professional. Thera combines the ease of use and comprehensive functionality of Microsoft® Windows Powered Pocket PC 2002. Enterprise customers who rely on Microsoft software to manage their business will find the software available on the Thera to be key productivity tools. These applications include: Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer, Pocket Outlook, Pocket Excel, Pocket Word, Microsoft Reader and Windows® Media™ Player.

Because Thera is also 1XRTT capable, this new device can replicate the office environment when it runs on Verizon Wireless' high-speed data network—the Express Networksm—that provides mobile data transmission speeds between 40 to 60 kilobits per second. Since January 2002 Verizon Wireless has been rolling out its Express Network across the country and recently announced its nationwide availability. While enthusiasm for the Express Network has been overwhelmingly positive, the company expects its enterprise customers to be even more attracted to the Express Network given Thera's powerful mobile computing capabilities.

"Even though it is the size of an index card, the Thera is one of the most powerful mobile computing devices we offer that is optimized for both voice and data services. Customers who use it will wonder how they ever got along without it," said John Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "It is small enough for our customers to carry it with them everywhere and easily choose from a couple different ways to access data services depending upon their needs, but they can also make their voice calls from virtually anywhere."

Thera, which retails for $799 with a two-year contract, is available through Verizon Wireless' national sales team, to customers in specially designated Verizon Wireless retail locations nationwide, and on the company's Internet site at www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 30 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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