Beaverton, Ore. – Leading cordless phone manufacturer VTech Communications, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of VTech Holdings Ltd. SEHK: 303; London SE: VTH; ADR: VTKHY), today announced shipments of the first cordless phone system to enable instant messaging (IM) using a QWERTY keypad. Available now at vtechphones.com and Best Buy retail stores nationwide, the IS6110 provides the ultimate wireless freedom to enjoy this popular form of communication anywhere in the home.

In addition to its traditional landline capabilities, the IS6110 (MSRP: US$99.95) offers free access to MSN® Messenger, Windows Live™ Messenger and AOL® Instant Messenger. The base unit simply needs to be connected via a USB port to the PC.

Thanks to its extra-large, high-resolution color LCD and full keypad, the IS6110 enables users to easily read messages and text multiple buddies simultaneously. Additionally, the "click-to-talk" feature enables instant voice (peer-to-peer) chats with friends. Offered on the latest DECT 6.0 platform, the Wi-Fi friendly IS6110 also features the best interference-free sound quality, security and range in cordless phones today.

Studies have shown that at least 70 percent of all Internet users use instant messaging, with 38 percent of users sending as many, if not more, IMs as they do e-mails*. With teenagers spending on average more than an hour on the computer and IM as the common activity, the VTech IS6110 can help free up the family PC for other uses. The phone's mobility also helps enhance the IM experience.

"With instant messaging becoming part of the fabric of everyday communication – particularly for young adults – we sought to deliver a product that would make it even more accessible to more consumers," said Matt Ramage, senior vice president of product management, VTech Communications, Inc. "The IS6110 is perfect for anyone who's ever wished they could just IM at home without having to be tethered to a computer, or have found messaging on a cell phone to be unreliable or cumbersome."

The IS6110's unique technology and design, coupled with other key features such as a handset speakerphone and phone book directory, demonstrate VTech's continued commitment to leading technology innovation in the cordless telephony market.

Other IS6110 highlights include:

• Environmentally friendly
  • ENERGY STAR®-rated
  • RoHS compliant
  • 100 percent recyclable packaging
• Extra large, high-resolution color display for clear and easy viewing
• Caller ID/call waiting – stores 50 calls
• 50 name/number phonebook directory
• Recordable ring tones
• Voicemail waiting indicator
• Headset compatible (2.5 mm)

The VTech IS6110 is the latest addition to VTech's I (Innovation) Series, which also includes the ip8300 infoPhone. The ip8300 features access to personalized online content such as Yahoo! e-mail and Yahoo! Local search, weather forecasts, news headlines and more. For more information on the I-Series and other VTech offerings, please visit www.vtechphones.com.

About VTech

VTech is one of the world's largest suppliers of corded and cordless telephones and a leading supplier of electronic learning products. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Founded in 1976, the Group's mission is to be the most cost-effective designer and manufacturer of innovative, high-quality consumer electronics products and to distribute them to markets worldwide in the most efficient manner.

For further information on VTech and its array of products, please visit www.vtechphones.com.

*Source: 2005 AOL IM Study – America Online with Opinion Research Corporation