Press Release

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Mar. 12, 2001 — Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, today extended its leadership in next-generation wireless system solutions with the introduction of the world's first complete system solution for multi-slot global system for mobile communications/general packet radio service (GSM/GPRS) mobile terminals. GSM/GPRS is a key element of 2.5-generation (2.5G) wireless technology, which in turn is a major stepping stone to third-generation (3G) wireless standards that deliver an "always on," fast connection to packet-based voice, video and data services.

Building on its work in full GSM system solutions, Conexant has developed the first GSM/GPRS solution to combine all hardware and software functions that are required to build a complete GSM/GPRS handset. The hardware portion of Conexant's solution implements all digital and analog baseband processing, multiband/multi-slot power amplification, power management and transceiver functions. It uses an industry-leading, low-power, direct-conversion architecture, which eliminates the intermediate-frequency conversion steps of earlier mobile handset solutions. Furthermore, due to its high level of integration, this next-generation solution can reduce external component count by as much as half, as compared to previous generations. All devices are housed in low-profile, low-cost packages that allow for smaller, more attractive handsets. Conexant's solution also includes a worldwide, operator-qualified, network-approved protocol stack, and all other required software for a complete Internet-enabled solution. A comprehensive suite of design support services and tools is provided to aid customers throughout the handset development process.

"This advancement is a key step on the road to delivering a broader variety of Internet services to users, no matter where they are," said Moiz Beguwala, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant's Wireless Communications Division. "With the addition of this comprehensive GSM/GPRS system solution, Conexant is the ideal partner for customers that are moving to 2.5G and 3G handset designs. Our solution provides the industry's most highly integrated platform with which to rapidly create a wide variety of compact phones, wireless PDAs and other advanced terminals that can deliver packet-based services while also including such functions as BLUETOOTHÔ connectivity, digital imaging and MP3 audio from our extensive technology portfolio."

In addition to its comprehensive hardware-based capabilities, Conexant's GSM/GPRS system solution also includes all of the software elements that are required to quickly build and deliver a GSM/GPRS handset. It is the only GSM/GPRS solution on the market with integrated Web-browsing software, which Conexant has implemented using the Pixo wireless-phone operating system platform, microbrowser, application software and developer tools.

Implemented as a complete solution using cost-cutting, direct-conversion technology, Conexant's offering will help to position GSM/GPRS handset technology as one of the most effective ways to deliver the advanced Internet services of next-generation, packet-based wireless networks.

"The market is quickly moving beyond simple wireless phones to advanced mobile terminals that will support a host of new 2.5G and 3G data and video capabilities," said Allen Nogee, senior analyst with Cahners In-Stat's Wireless Component Technology group. "System solutions like Conexant's are a key requirement for this migration, because they give manufacturers a complete platform with which to more quickly enter the market while differentiating their products and adding a broader range of more sophisticated next-generation features."

Pricing and Availability

Conexant's multi-slot GSM/GPRS system solution is sampling now, and volume production is scheduled for the third calendar quarter of 2001. It is priced at $28.00 per chipset in quantities of 100,000.

About Conexant Systems, Inc.
Conexant Systems, Inc. is a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications. Conexant leverages its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products through two separate businesses: Conexant and Mindspeed Technologies. Conexant's personal networking business is focused on digital infotainment, personal imaging, wireless communications and personal computing products that are used in mobile communications and the broadband digital home. Mindspeed Technologies is focused on Internet infrastructure products including WAN transport, multiservice access and broadband access for applications that extend from the edge of the Internet all the way to its optical core. Conexant is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., and delivered revenues of $2.1 billion for fiscal 2000. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 indices. To learn more, visit us at www.conexant.com.

Conexant is a trademark of Conexant Systems, Inc. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.

NOTE TO TECHNICAL EDITORS: Additional technical information is available upon request.

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