UTStarcom (UTSI) says that, effective May 5, 2006, its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mike Sophie will resign.

Hong Lu, UTStarcom's chief executive officer, will assume all operational responsibilities until a permanent successor is named.

"Mike has been a dedicated officer of UTStarcom over the past seven years. During this period, the Company has grown from a successful start-up to a multi-billion dollar company in the telecommunications industry," said Hong Lu, president and chief executive officer. "We thank him for his dedication and generous spirit and we wish him well in his future endeavors."