A href="http://www.utstar.com" target="_new" rel="nofollow">UTStarcom, Inc. and A href="http://www.kapschcarrier.com" target="_new" rel="nofollow">Kapsch CarrierCom AG announced a partnership to provide next-generation broadband technology to serve the rising demand for IPTV in Central and Eastern Europe. The companies will debut the new offering at the first IPTV World Forum Eastern Europe, being staged later this week in Budapest, Hungary.

Through Kapsch CarrierCom, UTStarcom - (Nasdaq: UTSI - News), a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and services - will supply its portfolio of broadband solutions, which will enable operators and internet service providers to bring IPTV, and other next-generation services to consumers across the region.

"Kapsch CarrierCom is renowned throughout Eastern and Central Europe as a provider of cutting-edge, world-class communications technology and excellent, local customer service," said Youssef Kassissia, VP of EMEA region for UTStarcom. "We are anticipating massive growth in the demand for broadband in this region: unbundling is taking off, interconnection charges are going down, and we are confident that, together with Kapsch CarrierCom, we can meet the needs of this emerging market."

Kapsch CarrierCom has more than 20 years' experience in providing communication networks, from fixed, mobile and data networks, to broadband communication, internet solutions, next generation networks and UMTS. Kapsch CarrierCom now has local business units in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and Bulgaria, and has a significant presence in other countries through sales and service partners. Headquartered in Austria, Kapsch CarrierCom supports the success of the Telekom Austria Group, Czech Online, T-Com Hungary and other international operators.

"As a leading multi-vendor system innovator for communication technology solutions we have been intensively engaged in IPTV since the emergence of the technology," said Mag. Kurt Plattner, board member of Kapsch CarrierCom. "The cooperation with UTStarcom ideally complements our know-how. This enables us to offer even more comprehensive solutions and services in the area of IPTV, now and in the future."

The companies will debut their offering at the IPTV World Forum Eastern Europe, to be held at the Budapest Marriott Hotel, Hungary, between 22-23rd June 2006.