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James Valley Wireless Joins Associated Carrier Group

ACG / June 24, 2009

The Associated Carrier Group, LLC, (ACG) announced today that James Valley Wireless, a South Dakota company, has joined the group of independent tier two and three carriers and increased overall membership to 29 member carriers.  ACG, formed in January 2005, is an alliance of North American CDMA carriers that collaborates efforts to provide timely and competitive value to consumers in member markets while creating efficiencies of scale for device manufacturers and vendors.

“Our continuous growth helps ACG aggregate carrier demand to insure timely availability of innovative wireless devices that consumers demand.” said ACG President Brian Caraway.  “Our organization provides Member Carriers with a means to work collaboratively with equipment manufacturers and vendors in an effort to bring the latest technologies, competitive value, and greater choice to consumers.   We are pleased to welcome James Valley Wireless as the newest member of ACG.”

“James Valley Wireless is looking forward to the many benefits of being a member of ACG.” stated JVW Chief Executive Officer James Groft. “Being able to procure and market the wireless devices that our consumers demand will greatly enhance our position in the competitive wireless industry.”  

Carriers interested in joining ACG or seeking further information visit  www.associatedcarriergroup.com. 

About James Valley Wireless:
James Valley Wireless is a wholly-owned subsidiary of James Valley Telecommunications, providing high-speed Internet, cell phone, cable TV and phone services to 16 communities in northeast South Dakota. JVT believes in providing its customers simple choices in bundled services, offering those bundles at a fair price that is guaranteed, and backing up their products with the type of quality customer service that each customer deserves. Visit www.jamesvalley.com for more information.

About ACG
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices.  ACG presently has twenty-seven Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States.   More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

Syringa Wireless Joins Associated Carrier Group

ACG / May 28, 2009

The Associated Carrier Group, LLC, (ACG) announced today that Syringa Wireless, an Idaho LLC, has joined the group of independent tier two and three carriers and increased overall membership to 28 member carriers.  ACG, formed in January 2005, is an alliance of North American CDMA carriers that collaborates efforts to provide timely and competitive value to consumers in member markets while creating efficiencies of scale for device manufacturers and vendors.

“ACG aggregates carrier demand to insure timely availability of innovative wireless devices that consumers demand.” said ACG President Brian Caraway.  “Our organization provides Member Carriers with a means to work collaboratively with equipment manufacturers and vendors in an effort to bring the latest technologies, competitive value, and greater choice to consumers.   We are pleased to welcome Syringa Wireless as the newest member of ACG.”

 “Wireless communications is a competitive industry. The ability for our Idaho based company to tap into the resources available through ACG will further assist us in providing the latest in customer demanded products and greater customer support,” states Mike Hunsaker, General Manager, Syringa Wireless LLC. 

Carriers interested in joining ACG or seeking further information visit  www.associatedcarriergroup.com. 

About Syringa Wireless:

Syringa Wireless is a consortium of four long standing Idaho ILEC/CLEC companies. Owners include: Direct Communications, Filer Mutual Telephone, Silver Star Communications, and Project Mutual Telephone (PMT).  Our unique company ownership has yielded a service network built and customized to the people and communities of southern and eastern Idaho. Services offered include traditional agreement plans and convenient pay as you go offerings.  More information is available at http://www.syringawireless.com

About ACG
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices.  ACG presently has twenty-seven Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States.   More information is available at http://www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

South Central Communications Joins Associated Carrier Group

ACG / April 15, 2009

The Associated Carrier Group, LLC, (ACG) announced today that South Central Communications, a Utah Corporation, has joined the group of independent tier two and three carriers.  ACG, formed in January 2005, is an alliance of North American CDMA carriers that collaborates efforts to provide timely and competitive value to consumers in member markets while creating efficiencies of scale for device manufacturers and vendors.

“ACG is highly focused on improving the widespread and timely availability of innovative wireless devices that consumers demand.” said ACG President Brian Caraway.  “Our organization provides Member Carriers with a means to work collaboratively with equipment manufacturers and vendors in an effort to bring the latest technologies, competitive value, and greater choice to consumers.   We are pleased to welcome South Central Communications as the newest member of ACG.”

“South Central Communications is excited to be a member of ACG.” said South Central Communications General Manager, Brant Barton. “In joining this group of similarly situated CDMA providers, South Central will enjoy critical economic and operating efficiencies that will enhance it s competitive position in Southern Utah.”

Carriers interested in joining ACG or seeking further information visit associatedcarriergroup.com. 

About South Central Communications
South Central Communications is a member owned telecommunications cooperative and is one of the largest employers and telecommunications companies in rural Southern Utah. We offer communications products and services ranging from local and long distance telephone service to wireless communications, broadband internet access, cable TV and advanced business communication solutions. Our digital wireless service has been available since 1999. South Central Communications is headquartered in Escalante, UT.  Our web address is www.SouthCentral Communications.com.

About ACG
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices.  ACG presently has twenty-six Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States.   More information is available at http://www.associatedcarriergroup.com

Brightpoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:CELL) announced today that its subsidiary Brightpoint North America L.P. (“Brightpoint”) has extended its preferred supplier agreement with Associated Carrier Group, LLC (“ACG”) through March 2012. Pursuant to the agreement, Brightpoint will continue to be the primary supplier of wireless devices from leading wireless handset and device manufacturers and provide additional services related to product development and management to ACG. In addition, Brightpoint will continue to provide related integrated logistics services to ACG and its participating members.

“Brightpoint is pleased to extend our relationship with ACG,” stated Mitch Black, Executive Vice President, Sales and Distribution of Brightpoint North America. “Our ongoing relationship is a testament to Brightpoint’s ability to provide value to ACG’s members.”

“ACG is pleased to extend its current Preferred Supplier Agreement with Brightpoint, and we look forward to building upon the relationship that exists between our organizations,” said ACG President Brian Caraway. “Brightpoint’s commitment to optimizing supply chain efficiency and reliability contributes meaningfully to our members’ success.”

About ACG
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to develop and procure, products in a more timely fashion through economies of scale and standardization of coding and other features. ACG currently has twenty-five member carriers.

About Brightpoint, Inc.
Brightpoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:CELL) is a global leader in the distribution of wireless devices and in providing customized logistic services to the wireless industry. In 2008, Brightpoint handled approximately 84 million wireless devices globally. Brightpoint’s innovative services include distribution, channel development, fulfillment, product customization, e-Business solutions, and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Brightpoint’s effective and efficient platform allows its customers to benefit from quickly deployed, flexible, and cost effective solutions. The company has approximately 3,000 employees in 26 countries. In 2008 Brightpoint generated revenue of $4.6 billion. Brightpoint provides distribution and customized services to over 25,000 B2B customers worldwide. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com, or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint, including, but not limited to, statements regarding potential spending reductions resulting from the elimination and proposed elimination of positions and the streamlining of operations and its ability to achieve cost savings and debt reduction as part of its 2009 Spending and Debt Reduction Plan. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents Brightpoint files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Brightpoint’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and Exhibit 99.1, thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Brightpoint, Inc.

Brightpoint, Inc.
Anurag Gupta
317-707-2355
Anurag.gupta@brightpoint.com

(C) Copyright 2009 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Associated Carrier Group announced today that it has selected Intellisync Wireless Email from Nokia as the push e-mail offering for its member carriers. Developed as a single, manageable platform for both mobile carriers and enterprises, Intellisync Wireless Email from Nokia provides network-based wireless e-mail, synchronization of data and files and integrated device management – all over-the-air.

“Wireless E-mail represents an under-penetrated market for wireless carriers,” said ACG President Greg Latour. “The ability to use Intellisync software from Nokia on both Palm OS and Windows Mobile 5.0 positions us well in today’s marketplace.”

“ACG’s member carriers have recognized that business mobility is not merely a ’Fortune 50’ phenomenon ­– it is being embraced by businesses large and small, in urban and rural areas alike,” said Tom Libretto, director product marketing, Enterprise Solutions, Nokia. “Choosing the push-email solution from Nokia allows these carriers to compete in the rapidly expanding business mobility market and build customer loyalty among their business users. By continuing to expand our platform to offer mobile users more applications, choice and flexibility, Nokia is empowering operators to drive mobility deeper into the enterprise.”

Intellisync Wireless Email from Nokia is a full-featured wireless e-mail solution that connects users to their e-mail, calendar, contacts, notes and task lists while away from the office. Users can view attachments, respond to meeting requests and manage e-mail while on the road.

ACG selected Nokia because of its support for a range of mobile devices, whether it’s Palm or Windows.

About ACG
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices. The consortium enables its members to work with manufactures, suppliers and other vendors to develop and procure for their customers, scarce or unobtainable products in a timely fashion through economies of scale and standardization of coding and other features. Members include Bluegrass Cellular,  Carolina West Wireless, Cellcom, Cellular South and Illinois Valley Cellular. More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.

Media Enquiries only:
Nokia,  Americas
Communications
Tel. +1-972-894-4573
Email: communication.corp@nokia.com

Nokia, APAC
Communications
Tel. +65-6723-2323
Email: communications.apac@nokia.com

Nokia
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 34900
Email: press.office@nokia.com

CKPR for Cellular South
Erin Conn
Tel. +312-616-2584
Email: econn@ckpr.biz

Industry Analysts only:
Nokia Americas , Virve Virtanen
tel. +1-914-368-0511
Email: virve.virtanen@nokia.com

Company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

Brightpoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:CELL) today announced that its subsidiary, Brightpoint North America L.P. (“Brightpoint”), has entered into a preferred supplier agreement with the Associated Carrier Group, LLC (“ACG”) to sell wireless communication products to participating members of the ACG. Pursuant to the agreement, Brightpoint will be the primary supplier of all wireless devices from the leading wireless handset and device manufacturers and provide additional services related to product development and management to the ACG. In addition, Brightpoint will provide related integrated logistics services to the ACG and its participating members.

“We are pleased to provide products and customized logistics services to participating members of the ACG,” stated Mitch Black, Senior Vice President, Sales & Distribution of Brightpoint North America. “Our key manufacturer relationships and ability to lead the ACG’s handset procurement activities will provide a strong value proposition to the participating members and their customers.”

“This agreement will benefit our participating members by promoting tighter handset collaboration between ACG and Brighpoint,” said ACG President Greg Latour. “We feel this focuses in on ACG’s core goal of bringing in demand and hard to get devices to our customers.”

About ACG
The Associated Carrier Group (ACG) was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufactures, suppliers and other vendors to develop and procure, for its customers, scarce or unobtainable products in a timely fashion through economies of scale and standardization of coding and other features. Members include Bluegrass Cellular, Carolina West Wireless, Cellcom, Cellular South, First Cellular of Southern Illinois and Midwest Wireless. More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

About Brightpoint
Brightpoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:CELL) is a global leader in the distribution of wireless devices and in providing customized logistic services to the wireless industry. In 2005, Brightpoint handled 42 million wireless devices globally. Brightpoint’s innovative services include distribution, channel development, fulfillment, product customization, eBusiness solutions, and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Brightpoint’s effective and efficient platform allows its customers to benefit from quickly deployed, flexible, and cost effective solutions. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com, or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents Brightpoint files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; including, Brightpoint’s most recent Form 10-K and Exhibit 99.1 thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

CONTACT: Brightpoint, Inc., Plainfield
Anurag Gupta, 317-707-2355
SOURCE: Brightpoint, Inc.

The Associated Carrier Group scored its first handset, an advanced camera/music phone from Kyocera Wireless Corp. The group of independent, rural carriers formed early this year for just such a purpose-making sure that smaller carriers get access to cool handsets, just like the nation’s larger players.

“By forming the ACG alliance, our members collaborate with manufacturers like Kyocera to provide cutting-edge products, quicken market entry and to leverage costs,” said Greg Latour, president of ACG. “It’s proving to be a smart and successful alliance for our member companies, which ultimately benefits our customers. We are pleased to be the first in the U.S. to offer the Slider Remix.”

Kyocera’s KX5 Slider Remix phone features a sliding design, a 1.3-megapixel camera, a digital music player and other advanced features.

Cellular South Inc., First Cellular of Southern Illinois and Midwest Wireless Holdings L.L.C. are among ACG’s members.

The Associated Carrier Group (ACG), an alliance of independent tier two and tier three CDMA wireless carriers, and Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, today announced the domestic debut of the highly-anticipated Kyocera Slider Remix™ KX5 wireless phone.  The feature-rich, music-enabled handset is exclusively offered for a limited time by the recently united ACG, and is also the first phone offered by the alliance.  
 
“By forming the ACG alliance, our members collaborate with manufacturers – like Kyocera – to provide cutting-edge products, quicken market entry and to leverage costs,” said Greg Latour, president of ACG.  “It’s proving to be a smart and successful alliance for our member companies, which ultimately benefits our customers.  We are pleased to be the first in the U.S. to offer the Slider Remix.”

The Kyocera Slider Remix KX5, a continuation of Kyocera’s popular line of sliding phones, unites a digital music player, 1.3 megapixel camera and enhanced gaming capabilities with a large, vibrant color screen on the phone’s signature sliding faceplate. Slider Remix also features an expandable memory slot for TransFlash™ cards up to 512MB, providing for hours of listening at the gym, on the bus or in the office. The removable memory card also allows the latest songs (MP3 or AAC formats) to be easily shared between the phone and other devices.

“Slider Remix takes our popular Slider series of phones to a new level of style and functionality, making it an even more noticeable extension of a user’s lifestyle,” said Jim Kelly, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Kyocera Wireless Corp.  “Combining the in-demand slider design with a music player and a high-resolution camera will appeal to the social, ‘on the go’ mobile phone users who want to enjoy music files and high-res images in a unique handset.”

Slider Remix features the unmistakably-Kyocera “pinwheel” user interface for easy navigation between the phone’s various features. The integrated 1.3 megapixel digital camera features a built-in flash and 5x digital zoom to expand picture-taking options, all accessible via one touch of a dedicated “easy access” camera button on the side of the phone. Slider Remix’ s 176×220 pixel, 262,000-color TFT screen is ideal for viewing images, surfing the Internet or playing 3D games, which can be downloaded via BREW® or Java™. Integrated MMS capabilities makes sharing 15- second video clips and high-resolution images a button push away.* The stylish handset is piano black with silver keys and directional pads while measuring 4.8cm x 9.8cm x 2.2cm and weighing 110 grams.

The Kyocera Slider Remix KX5 also offers a full suite of Genuine Accessories by Kyocera™ including the Kyocera Music Dock – a sync and charging cradle that plays music from the phone directly through any desktop speakers or headphones – and the Kyocera K500 Gamepad, an eight-directional gaming controller for an incredible console-like gaming experience.

About Associated Carrier Group, LLC (ACG)
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition.  The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to develop and procure, for its customers, scarce or unobtainable products in a timely fashion through economies of scale and standardization of coding and other features.  Members include Bluegrass Cellular, Carolina West Wireless, Cellcom, Cellular South, First Cellular of Southern Illinois and Midwest Wireless.  More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

For more information about ACG, contact:
Tanya Rankin, Cellular South
601-974-7134
trankin@cellularsouth.com

About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA wireless devices and accessories for customers worldwide. Kyocera Wireless maintains an operating belief in the genius of simplicity and strives to make the wireless experience as simple and intuitive as humanly possible. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated’s CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.

Kyocera Corporation, the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics.  By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2005, Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$11 billion (JP¥ 1,180,655 million) with net income of approximately US$429 million (JP¥ 45,908 million).

For more information about Kyocera Wireless, contact:
Brad Shewmake     Leasa Ireland/Melody Brue
Kyocera Wireless Corp.    LPI Communications for Kyocera Wireless
858-882-2028     310-796-1936
shewmake@kyocera-wireless.com   leasa@lpicommunications.com

© 2005 Kyocera Wireless Corp.  Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation.  Slider Remix and Genuine
Accessories by Kyocera are trademarks of Kyocera Wireless Corp. TransFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.   BREW
is a registered  trademark of QUALCOMM, Inc.  Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.  All other marks are
properties of their respective owners.

* Optional features at an additional charge.
† Not available with some carriers.

The Associated Carrier Group, LLC, (ACG) announced today that Illinois Valley Cellular, a regional carrier serving North Central Illinois, has joined the group of independent tier two and three CDMA carriers.  ACG, formed in January 2005, is an alliance that collaborates efforts to provide timely and competitive value to consumers in member markets while creating efficiencies of scale for manufacturers and vendors.

“ACG serves as a vehicle to harness its members’ collective volume and knowledge to work with wireless phone and equipment manufacturers and vendors to increase efficiencies, including streamlining technical requirements,” said ACG President Greg Latour. “The group has initially focused on improving the widespread and timely availability of CDMA devices enabling member companies to bring the latest technologies and cost savings to consumers in a timely manner.  We’re pleased to have Illinois Valley Cellular as the newest member of ACG.”

“As the newest member of ACG, Illinois Valley Cellular immediately benefits from the group’s combined volume pricing model and technical expertise. In addition, our small rural cellular subscribers will have greater access to the latest technology, possibly months earlier than had we acquired it on our own,” said Illinois Valley Cellular General Manager Tom Walsh.

Carriers interested in joining ACG or seeking further information should call 601.974.7219 or email gwatts@cellularsouth.com.

About Illinois Valley Cellular
Celebrating 15 years in operation, Illinois Valley Cellular is devoted to providing excellent wireless services to the people of North Central Illinois.  The company serves Illinois RSA 2. The RSA (Rural Service Area) represents over 250,000 POPS serving the counties of LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Stark, Livingston, Ford and Iroquois.

About ACG
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to develop and procure, for its customers, scarce or unobtainable products in a timely fashion through economies of scale and standardization of coding and other features. Members include Bluegrass Cellular, Carolina West Wireless, Cellcom, Cellular South, First Cellular of Southern Illinois, Illinois Valley Cellular and Midwest Wireless. More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

For information about ACG, contact:  Gwen Watts, 601-974-7219, gwatts@cellularsouth.com.

A handful of CDMA technology-based rural operators formed the Associated Carrier Group L.L.C. alliance, which they said “will collaborate their efforts to efficiently provide timely and competitive value to consumers in member markets while creating efficiencies of scale for manufacturers and vendors.”

The group launched with charter members Cellcom, Celullar South Inc., First Cellular of Southern Illinois, and Midwest Wireless Holdings L.L.C. Cellular South President Hu Meena will serve as Chairman of the association.

“The group will initially focus on improving the widespread and timely availability of CDMA devices, enabling member companies to bring the latest technologies and cost savings to consumers in a timely manner,” Meena explained.

A similar initiative was started last year for GSM-based carriers by Cingular Wireless L.L.C., which said it would work with it’s infrastructure vendors in providing next-generation to smaller carriers at prices similar to what they charge larger carriers. Cingular noted the initiative would allow rural carriers to launch advanced wireless services for their own subscribers as well as provide roaming partners for Cingular.