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21.92...and climbing.eom
picoChip 3G Voice Call Proves Software-Defined Basestation
Technology picoArray Reconfigurable Processor Slashes Development Time and Costs
for Fully Functional, Fully Compliant 3G Basestations
BATH, England, Apr 28, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Operators Benefit from Lower Costs, Reduced Power, Software Upgrades and Future-Proofing
picoChip Designs Ltd today announced it has made a 3G call using a software-defined basestation - a world first. The fully 3GPP compliant "carrier class" basestation was designed in-house and implemented in a matter of weeks on the company's technology platform of picoArray devices, a complete design toolchain and comprehensive UMTS software reference designs. picoChip's software-defined basestation removes the need worry about obsolescence, interoperability or being trapped into out-dated standards - significantly improving the economics of 3G for both operators and manufacturers.
The call is fully compliant to 3GPP standards and test cases as an end-to-end WCDMA FDD voice call. It was made from a standard Ubinetics Test Mobile (TM100) to a Node B basestation implemented on picoArrays, to a controller and core network. The system is capable of supporting the full set of 3G voice, data and video services. It can be upgraded entirely in software to new releases of the standard - or even as a "multi-lingual" basestation to implement different standards on the same hardware such as GSM, cdma2000, TD-SCDMA or 802.20.
CEO, Dr. Rodger Sykes, said, "Making a full 3G voice call via a product class unit is a milestone achievement for picoChip. The sheer speed of the development is a powerful testament to the completeness and efficiency of our approach. Operators will see the benefits from the flexibility, removing the need to worry about ever-changing standards and cripplingly expensive "fork lift upgrades". Manufacturers will see the benefits in time to market savings, as well as the revenue opportunities from selling upgrades and improvements. Both benefit from the cost reductions picoChip bring to the market."
Co-Founder and CTO, Doug Pulley, added, " We didn't pay several billion for a licence, so we can't broadcast over the airwaves, but if we could this basestation could be used with 3G handsets available in the shops today. This is truly a "ready to go" basestation, demonstrating the processing power of the picoArray device and efficiency of the development environment. The fact is that we can supply our OEM customers with a complete WCDMA software reference design - but for those who need proprietary elements and to include their own IP, the flexibility is there."
The picoChip baseband demonstrator on which the call was made is a full size macrocell, not a simplified small picocell. It remains fully functional even under worst-case conditions as defined in the 3G specification. This includes high-speed users such as a 250km/hr TGV, and "birth-death" channels where the signal fades and emerges as the user passes through a number of high-rise buildings, blocking and/or opening a line-of-sight.
The system complies with Release 4.2.0 Sept 2001 of the 3G standard (the most common revision for current deployment and for interoperability with handsets) and has been fully tested to TS25.215 and TS25.104. Support for Release 5 is now under development, including the newest high speed data mode (HSDPA - up to 14.2Mbps data rate).
It is capable of supporting other standards such as dual mode FDD/TDD, or FDD + Fixed Wireless for broadband data. The next revision of the demonstration software will include multi-standard/multi-mode functionality. Standards currently under development at picoChip include TDD, TD-SCDMA, 802.20 (MBWA) and other wireless air interfaces.
The PC101, the picoArray-based hardware on which this system runs, is the fastest embedded processor available by a significant margin. With performance of 30 Giga-MACs and 200 Giga-instructions per second, it is approximately ten times faster than a top-of-the-line legacy DSP. It is easy to program because it integrates control, high-speed signal processing and complex data manipulation in one development environment. The picoArray architecture was developed with a strong emphasis on ease of design/verification and deterministic performance for embedded signal processing and is optimised for wireless communications tasks,especially 3G. The PC101 delivers the performance and efficiency of a conventional fixed function System on Chip but is completely programmable from standard C or assembler.
For further information on the PC101 or to discuss licences for the WCDMA software reference design and other standards contact picoChip direct.
(Photograph available upon request from vicki.parker@publitek.com) Note to editors: About picoChip:
picoChip, located in Bath, England, is dedicated to providing innovative, flexible wireless solutions to help equipment makers minimize time-to-market, costs, and system power consumption.
At the heart of the company's offering is a scaleable, multi-processor baseband IC that combines the computational density of a dedicated ASIC with the programmability of a traditional high end Digital Signal Processor. The picoChip technology platform includes tools, development boards and reference designs, and proven IP for seamless integration with the radio frequency elements of a base station. Equipment based on picoChip technology will enable telecom operators to remotely re-configure and upgrade their equipment without the high costs of replacing obsolete hardware.
picoChip currently has a development team with a balanced mix of hardware and software engineers of outstanding ability and experience; spanning such diverse fields as communications system design, software development, computer architecture, digital signal processing, RF design, and silicon design.
The company was founded in September 2000 and is backed by both Atlas Venture and Pond Venture Partners Ltd.
SOURCE: picoChip Designs Ltd
CONTACT: picoChip Designs Limited Rupert Baines Tel: +44 (0)1225 469 744 E-mail: rupertb@picoChip.com Web: www.picoChip.com or Publitek Marketing Communications Oliver Davies Tel: +44 (0)1225 470 000 E-mail: oliver.davies@publitek.com Web: www.publitek.comURL: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: UNITED KINGDOM INTERNATIONAL EUROPEINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS HARDWARE
PROBE Extends NZ Wireless Broadband
Apr 28, 2003 (Internet.com via COMTEX) -- In the past six months, New Zealand (NZ) based wireless developer, Walker Wireless , has secured three tenders as part of a nationwide rollout of wireless broadband.
The company was selected to provide wireless technology in Wairarapa, Northland, and Southland. Walker's solution is based on technology from IPWireless with marketing and technical support from Vodafone .
In the latest tender for Wairarapa, Walker beat UCC Technologies and a consortium of Telecom and Broadcast Communications (BCL) , the transmission arm of TVNZ . In February, the two companies joined forces to begin a nationwide rollout of a full service carrier class wireless system.
Those developments take place alongside a project to rollout high speed Internet access to all schools and provincial communities. Project PROBE was jointly developed by the NZ Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economic Development .
The two government bodies will choose technology suppliers for eleven regions through a tender process. Decisions are expected mid-year.
Southland, Wairarapa and Northland are running their own tender process. However, Walker Wireless can access funds from the PROBE project. The Southland project has already received $NZ 2 ($AU 1.8) million.
PROBE's overall philosophy is reflected in the Wairarapa Smart Region , which began in July 2001 to develop broadband services for the region.
Following an exhaustive four month process, Wairarapa selected three potential providers. These include UCC Technologies, the Telecom / BCL consortium, and Walker Wireless, who was appointed as preferred supplier in March this year.
Geoff Copps, project director for the local economic development agency, Go Wairarapa , says, "the end goal is to have schools, hospitals, businesses, farms and homes enjoying practical benefits from the technology."
Copps says there were several key principles that formed the basis of the tender process.
"The basic principle was that an equal price should be charged for an equal service, regardless of location," he explains. "There needed to be a commitment to reach the 'whole of community'. Further, pricing had to be comparable to similar services.
Following the deployment, he says, "the Wairarapa/Tararua region will have an affordable, world-class telecommunications service."
Greater competition will remove a barrier to economic growth and free up money for the region's economy. Copps believes the rollout will also make the region a more attractive investment proposition and situate Wairarapa firmly within the global economy.
For the rollout, Walker Wireless will draw upon a trial conducted last year.
Operating under the trial name of ULTAMO , Walker and Vodafone spent $NZ 6 million
($AU 5.4) million to test their solution before a commercial rollout.
Running from September to December, the trial operated in the central business district of Auckland and over four hundred local homes and businesses participated.
A Vodafone New Zealand spokesperson says, "one of the many reasons for us entering the trial was to consider different technologies and how they would benefit our customers. This trial allowed us to clearly define, and gain greater clarity, on the kinds of technology offering we want to provide our customers."
The telco, who contributed $NZ 3 million to the trial, are negotiating an ongoing relationship that may see Vodafone becoming Walker's sales and distribution partner.
Based on IPWireless technology, the ULTAMO trial consisted of four cell sites.
Lindsay Cowley, Walker Wireless manager of regional development, says each "base station has a foot print of eight kilometres in radius."
By contrast to RoamAD , another broadband wireless company operating in the area, Cowley says, "Walker uses licensed spectrum. This ensures quality of service, and better network management. RoamAD has taken local area network (LAN) technology, based on 2.4 Mhz unlicensed spectrum, to an external environment."
Walker has a national UMTS spectrum licence. The network operates in the 1.9 GHz and 2.5 GHz licensed bands.
Trial participants were given a self-installation package that included IPWireless broadband modems, installation guides, and CD-ROMs with the modem software. Connection to the Internet was made via a USB connection on a laptop or PC.
Walker uses wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), a technology adopted by many Asian mobile companies for third-generation (3G) services. Locally, Hutchison's new ' 3' service is based on the platform.
By contrast, Telstra operates a 2.5G CDMA 2000 1xRTT network. New Zealand's incumbent, Telecom, uses the same type of network for their JetStream ADSL product.
1XRTT networks have been deployed in several countries including the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Data speeds of up to 144kpbs can be reached.
Wideband CDMA operates at a premium in countries where the installed GSM base is the prevailing technology.
Cowley says, "the purpose of the deployment was to see how the technology works in the environment. An external environment does present some normal geographic obstacles such as hills. But that is an issue for any wireless service. The terrain also limits the number of cell sites."
Information gathered during the trial will add to the company's existing cellular knowledge for future deployments. The trial provided valuable information on signal propagation, the behaviour of wireless networks in an urban environment, and consumer expectations.
Cowley says wireless broadband ties together two emerging trends. "The desire for high-speed, always-on Internet access. Secondly, a desire for mobility, witnessed by the explosion in mobile phones."
"IPWireless technology delivers those trends today," he says.
IPWireless mobile broadband technology is a packet data implementation of the international 3GPP Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) standard.
Similar to i-BURST that is currently on trial in Sydney, the solution uses time-division-duplex (TDD), operating on unpaired spectrum.
The hive of activity in the wireless space augurs well for universal net access across across the Tasman.
PROBE, which began in May 2002, has a budget of $NZ 30 ($AU 26.9) million to promote broadband competition. The central aim is high-speed Internet access for all New Zealand schools by the end of 2004.
Project director Tony van Horik says a large number of quality responses have been received.
"The response has been very encouraging," he says, "and demonstrates strong competition in the sector. We have carefully evaluated all the responses received and as a result will invite 18 potential suppliers to participate in our Request for Proposal (RFP)."
Pilot projects have demonstrated the success of two-way video over high speed Internet for remote education. Broadband access will also enable schools to access digital teaching resources, online communication, and professional development.
Perhaps the most interesting response to Project PROBE has come from the incumbent telco.
The Ministry of Education says that, "in the past 12 months, Telecom has moved from a position of requiring community underwriting to extend ADSL into areas it perceived as being marginal from a commercial perspective, to announcing its intention to upgrade most exchanges to be ADSL capable."
"One of the expectations of PROBE was that it would stimulate competition in the delivery of high speed telecommunications outside the main metropolitan areas. It is clear that, despite PROBE being only in its early stages, this is already happening."
High-speed wireless broadband to schools also provides a focal point for broader rollout in the local community. Rollout in Wairarapa will begin in the second half of this year. All schools and their surrounding communities will be reached by the end of 2004.
For Walker Wireless, the three contracts awarded in conjunction with PROBE are merely part of their business model. They intend to rollout wireless throughout the country in the next twelve months.
Reprinted from australia.internet.com .
By Craig Liddell
URL: http://www.internet.com
Copyright 2003 INT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.Republication and redistribution of INT Media Group content isExpressly prohibited without the prior written consent of INT MediaGroup, Inc.. INT Media Group, Inc., shall not be liable for any errorsor delays in the Content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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SUBJECT CODE: 2.5G Broadband CDMA Education
Monet Mobile Networks Brings America's Most Advanced Internet Service to
Bismarck Monet Broadband Gives Customers Freedom from Dial-up Internet Service
and a New Way to Access the Internet
KIRKLAND, Wash., Apr 28, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Monet Mobile Networks, a high-speed wireless Internet service provider, today announced the availability of Monet Broadband, a high-speed, mobile Internet service in Bismarck, N.D.
Monet's new service is the first Internet service in North America to give people the unique combination of broadband speed, mobility and a complete Internet experience.
"Monet Broadband gives the people of Bismarck options they've never had before," said Richard Kingston, president and COO, Monet Mobile Networks. "With Monet, people can have the ability to take their high-speed Internet connection outdoors, across town, from room to room or anywhere in our coverage area."
"We're excited to bring Monet Broadband to Bismarck and to join the local community with a valuable new service," said Shane Hampton, vice president of sales, Monet Mobile Networks. "The addition of Monet Broadband contributes to the local economy by giving our dealers new products to sell and an additional reason to sell new computers and other devices to local businesses and homes. Monet Broadband also makes the computers people already own more productive communications tools."
For a flat monthly rate, Monet Broadband offers high-speed, mobile access to the complete Internet, enabling ubiquitous access to e-mail, contact and calendar information, the ability to download large file attachments, streaming video, multimedia, position location services, live chat and secure access to corporate intranets and databases. Customers can use Monet Broadband by installing a wireless PC card modem and/or a CardReader for desktops. The easy-to-install, wireless modem is compatible with desktop, laptop and handheld PCs. The combination of mobility, network speed and device flexibility allows Monet to offer residential users and small businesses an alternative to DSL and cable.
"Our service allows people to save money," said Kingston. "Many people in our other markets have disconnected their dial-up Internet connection as well as their second phone line and realized savings with Monet."
Monet offers packages tailored for the home or business user with features like multiple e-mail accounts, giving access through the web or standard e-mail programs such as Microsoft Outlook, as well as web hosting space and eFax services.
"I'm pleased to see Monet and other companies making such substantial investments in North Dakota," said U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan. "High-speed wireless Internet access will be a key component of our future economic growth and a valuable resource for businesses and residents alike. Monet's investment means three of our major cities -- now including Bismarck -- enjoy this cutting edge technology."
Monet Broadband can be purchased online at www.monetmobile.com or from Monet Authorized Dealers and Resellers located throughout Monet's coverage area. In the Bismarck area, Monet Broadband is available at Computerland, Connecting Point and Wireless Concepts. Monet has also established a reseller relationship with Basin Telecommunications, Inc.
Monet's first commercial launch of Monet Broadband took place in Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wis. in October 2002. Monet Broadband is also available in Eau Claire, Wis., Sioux Falls, S.D. Grand Forks, N.D. and Fargo, N.D., as well as Moorhead, Minn. Monet launched the nation's first 3G, data-only network in October 2001 in Sioux Falls, S.D. using CDMA2000 1xRTT. The company offers its high-speed, mobile Internet service to small and mid-sized markets that have a high Internet penetration, but limited access to broadband. There is no other service in North America like Monet Broadband. Monet was the first to launch the nation's commercial CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, high-speed mobile Internet service. The only other commercial service available today that uses similar technology is in Seoul, South Korea.
Monet is deploying its Monet Broadband network based on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology, an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) IMT-2000 third-generation standard, optimized for data. Monet uses licensed spectrum in the PCS band (1.9 GHz). Monet's networks support data transmission service giving users a mobile, broadband Internet experience with average speeds generally ten times faster than dial-up with multi-megabit peaks. 1xEV-DO is the fastest, most cost-effective 3G data technology in existence today making available applications never before practical or possible over a wide area wireless network. Monet chose CDMA technology because of its clear path to high-speed, packet-based data transmission and the ability to maximize spectrum efficiency.
About Monet Mobile Networks, Incorporated: Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash, Monet Mobile Networks, Incorporated, the nation's only true, 3G-service provider, was founded by telecommunications industry veterans in 1999. Monet is a wireless Internet service provider, offering users high-speed, mobile access to the complete Internet, e-mail, corporate intranet applications, data and customer support. Monet was recently recognized by Wireless Week and Wireless Industry analyst Andrew Seybold as one of the nation's most innovative and visionary carriers. Monet service can be purchased online at www.monetmobile.com and at other authorized dealers and resellers. The company's investors include Mayfield, Soros Private Equity Partners, QUALCOMM, LG Electronics, Intel Capital and Hook Partners. For more information, please visit www.monetmobile.com or call 1-866-286-6638.
SOURCE: Monet Mobile Networks
CONTACT: Monet Mobile Networks Steve Visintainer, 425/216-2452 svisintainer@monetmobile.comURL: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: WASHINGTON NORTH DAKOTAINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING E-COMMERCE INTERNET PRODUCT
AWR Announces Availability of Visual System Simulator 2003; Enhanced
System Design Suite Offers New Capabilities, GSM/EDGE and 802.11 Analysis
Libraries
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Apr 28, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Applied Wave Research, Inc. (AWR(TM)) a leading provider of high-frequency electronic design automation (EDA) tools, today announced Visual System Simulator(TM) 2003 (VSS2003) communications systems design suite.
The enhanced software offers new capabilities and global system for mobile communication (GSM), enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), and 802.11 analysis libraries. This next version of AWR's award-winning, comprehensive VSS solution helps system engineers to perform top-down analysis of analog and digital communications systems and goes well beyond existing solutions in terms of accurately characterizing radio frequency (RF) impairments.
"AWR's mission is to become the leading provider of high-frequency electronic design automation tools that dramatically accelerate time-to-market and reduce product development costs for our customers," said James Spoto, president and CEO of Applied Wave Research. "This new release of our revolutionary design platform expands the capabilities of VSS software for the RF/analog designer and brings us a step closer to that goal."
Visual System Simulator 2003 Design Suite
The VSS2003 design suite is an interactive solution for modeling, analyzing, and optimizing analog and digital communication systems. The software boasts an intuitive, easy-to-use, Windows interface and a powerful, fast, system simulation engine that enables users to quickly build graphical block diagrams and analyze their performance using sophisticated built-in measurements and powerful signal generators that support virtually any modulation scheme.
The product offers seamless integration with AWR's recently-released TestWave(TM) 2003 software, enabling engineers to perform analysis at the system level, where hardware measurements are incorporated through bi-directional links to popular test and measurement equipment.
VSS2003 offers optional, new application-specific libraries that support 3G, IS95, GSM, EDGE, 802.11, and other emerging standards. Also included in the software is a vastly expanded library of core elements and mathematical primitives that can be used to build an accurate representation of the most complex communications systems. The library includes improved encoders/decoders (including Viterbi, Reed-Solomon, convolutional and others), modulators/demodulators, and filters.
New models have been added to this latest release that support: sweeping any designated parameter, creating a radio frequency (RF) signal directly from a complex envelope, creating bursts of data from any transmitted source, and resampling data to any given rate. The combination of these and other models address the needs of system engineers and RF analog engineers who may prefer to monitor the RF modulated signal as opposed to the complex envelope.
The enhanced RF behavioral models in VSS2003 provide advantages for RF/analog engineers who typically use multiple tones to analyze the non-linearities of an RF link. The new VSS2003 behavioral amplifier and mixer models enable engineers to monitor and predict the harmonics and intermodulation products in the out-of-band regions as well as near the carrier frequency. The new models also allow definition of input (S11) and output (S22) reflection coefficients for both magnitude and phase.
While traditional system simulators by definition assume ideally matched interconnection between models, VSS2003 models that are directly related to Microwave Office(TM) circuits can now take impedance mismatches at their nodes into account. This patent pending capability is a result of AWR proprietary research and development efforts, and enables designers to monitor resulting spurs and account for impedance mismatch of the entire RF/link. Inclusion of these "VSWR effects" is important for accurate analysis of RF/analog sub-systems.
Along with new models, key new capabilities have also been added. Bit error rate (BER) and error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements have been enhanced, enabling engineers to accurately analyze system performance and modulation accuracy. In addition, designers can now define spectrum and network analyzer measurements using familiar settings such as resolution bandwidth and video bandwidth. This enables the RF/analog engineer to make measurements in a simulation environment with the same familiarity and ease as when using actual laboratory equipment.
The parameter settings for existing VSS filters have been improved, making it one step easier for engineers to implement filters in their designs. Existing VSS feature strengths such as forward and backward propagation of parameters, multi-rate, "intelligent" receiver, and automatic alignment of data prior to BER simulations continue to be time-savers and formidable strategic advantages for any design team.
Price and Availability
Fully functioning evaluation software is available for download over the Internet at www.appwave.com/freetrial/index.html. AWR will release the VSS2003 design suite to customers in Q2 2003. The product supports Windows 2000, NT, and XP platforms. U.S. list prices for perpetual licenses range from $15,000 - $33,000 depending upon the simulation capabilities. VSS2003 software will be a no-cost upgrade for existing VSS2002 customers with valid maintenance agreements. For more information on product pricing and availability call 310/726-3000. For product pricing and availability outside the U.S. please contact AWR or AWR's local sales representative.
About Applied Wave Research, Inc.
Applied Wave Research was founded in 1994 and is a leading supplier of high-frequency electronic design automation (EDA) products for the design of wireless telecommunications equipment, semiconductors, high-speed computers, networking systems, and a variety of other electronics-based products. AWR is a privately held company and has development offices, sales offices, training centers, and distributors worldwide. AWR has over 400 customer companies, including virtually every major high-frequency electronic component and system supplier. The company is located at 1960 East Grand Avenue, Suite 430, El Segundo, California 90245. For more information about AWR and its products, please visit www.mwoffice.com or call 310/726-3000.
AWR, the AWR logo, Visual System Simulator, Microwave Office, and TestWave are trademarks of Applied Wave Research, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective holders.
SOURCE: Applied Wave Research, Inc.
CONTACT: Applied Wave Research, Inc. Ann Shubnell, 310/726-3000 Fax 310-726-3005 info@mwoffice.com or Bluestone PR, Inc. For Applied Wave Research, Inc. Heidi Vantulden, 503/524-9799 heidi@bluestonepr.comURL: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: CALIFORNIAINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE HARDWARE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS PRODUCT
RADVISION Delivers Multipoint Video, Voice and Data Conferencing with
Microsoft Windows Messenger and Real-Time Communications Server 2003 Pioneering
True Business-Class Personal Conferencing at the Desktop; Live Demo of Solution
and Microsoft Real-Time Communications Server 2003 at NetWorld+Interop
LAS VEGAS, Apr 28, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- RADVISION (Nasdaq:RVSN) today announced that its viaIP(TM) 400 communications platform, with new MCU v3, now fully enables desktop multipoint video, voice and data collaboration over Microsoft(R)'s Windows(R) Messenger and Microsoft's upcoming Real-Time Communications (RTC) Server 2003.
This solution is being demonstrated live in RADVISION's suite at Networld+Interop in Las Vegas (suite ER-18, across from booth 6840). This product has been selected as a finalist for NetWorld+Interop's BEST OF INTEROP award in its convergence category.
"With the introduction of Microsoft's Windows Messenger client and its RTC server, we are seeing for the first time the mass deployment of a true PC-based, enterprise-scale personal communication platform for converged voice, video and data communications," said Gadi Tamari, CEO of RADVISION. "In contrast to proprietary desktop solutions that are not standards based or require that separate overlay communications tools be installed and used on the PC, this solution leverages existing technology and Microsoft's current platform to provide end-users with an easy-to-use and manage high quality personal communications platform."
"This is truly a turning point in the industry -- with the viaIP 400's new SIP and RTC functionality, IT managers looking to embrace Windows Messenger now have a powerful network engine to support and augment their IM-based communication architecture with robust, business-class multipoint and inter-protocol voice and video telephony and data collaboration," Tamari concluded.
The industry's first solution of its kind, the RADVISION viaIP 400 platform enables users of Microsoft Windows Messenger (WM) and the upcoming RTC Server, formerly known under its code name "Greenwich," to hold multipoint audio/video conferences and data collaboration sessions between three or more WM users. The solution also translates between a wide variety of video signaling protocols, enabling IT managers to integrate WM end points into a larger videoconferencing network that might include end points that use IP (H.323), legacy ISDN (H.320), and/or emerging 3G video phones (3G-324M).
RADVISION added a new layer of functionality to its powerful viaIP 400 videoconferencing network infrastructure platform to support the SIP protocol and the signaling requirements of the Windows Messenger client and the Microsoft Real-Time Communications Server 2003 product.
"The availability of multipoint voice, video and data collaboration, and the ability to interconnect with other videoconferencing end points, adds real value to Microsoft's RTC and Windows Messenger solution," said Ed Simnett, Microsoft's Lead Product Manager for the RTC Server. "To provide this multiparty and multiprotocol functionality, RADVISION was proactive in seizing on the opportunity to embrace and expand the value of the RTC solution and modify its viaIP enterprise communication platform to tightly integrate with our WM and RTC platforms."
The Microsoft Real-Time Communications Server is a manageable and extensible instant messaging (IM) server that enables business agility by empowering corporations to reach, collaborate and respond to new information more quickly, and to take advantage of industry-standard protocols such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and SIP for Instant Messaging and Presence (SIMPLE). The general availability of this server, planned for Q3 2003, will enable enterprises to support IM with the security, manageability, scalability and standards-based features necessary to be a reliable and crucial component of an enterprise communications strategy -- an adjacent utility to e-mail and telephony communication for employees.
"The new Microsoft Windows Messenger communications platform is designed to support multimedia only on a point-to-point basis and also does not currently support video interworking between WM end points and other videoconferencing networks and end points using traditional IP (H.323), ISDN (H.320) and 3G video phones (3G-324M)," said Andrew W. Davis of Wainhouse Research, a leading video telephony and conferencing analyst group in the United States. "With the RADVISION viaIP 400 and its multiprotocol and multipoint conferencing functionality, Microsoft's powerful communications tool will now support true personal visual communications applications as an integrated component of an enterprise's multimedia communication and collaboration strategy."
RADVISION viaIP 400
RADVISION's viaIP 400 is a cost effective voice, video and data conferencing network infrastructure platform that provides all the necessary components for a videoconferencing solution, including integrated multipoint conferencing, gateway, and data collaboration functionality. With its recently announced SIP functionality, the viaIP400 now supports any visual communications protocol and end point, including legacy ISDN-based solutions, IP-based solutions, SIP-based platforms such as Microsoft Windows Messenger, and emerging wireless 3G video phones.
Availability
The RADVISION viaIP 400 is currently available with full SIP and Windows Messenger/Greenwich support. The Microsoft Real-Time Communications Server 2003 Standard Edition is expected to be release by Microsoft in Q3, 2003.
About RADVISION
RADVISION (Nasdaq:RVSN) is the industry's leading provider of high quality, scalable and easy-to-use products and technologies for videoconferencing, video telephony and the development of converged voice, video and data over IP and 3G networks. For more information please visit our Web site at www.radvision.com.
SOURCE: RADVISION
CONTACT: RADVISION David Seligman, 201/689-6333 cfo@radvision.com or Peter Benedict, 201/689-6311 pr@radvision.com or Comm-Partners LLC June Filingeri, 203/972-0186 junefil@optonline.netURL: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY NEVADAINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING PRODUCT TRADESHOW
TTP Communications: TTPCom announces integrated technology for
Microsoft`s Windows Powered Smartphones Pre-integrated solution speeds time to
market for latest handsets
Cambridge, UK, Apr 28, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- TTP Communications plc (LSE: TTC) ("TTPCom"), world leading independent supplier of digital wireless communications technology, today announced the signing of a collaborative agreement with Microsoft. Through the agreement TTPCom will integrate support for Microsoft`s Windows Powered Smartphone and Pocket PC software platforms with TTPCom`s GSM/GPRS protocol stack technology and wireless modem designs. TTPCom will also provide test and verification services for manufacturers, to ensure successful integration of Microsoft software with modem services.
Mobile phones built on the Microsoft Smartphone platform offer both voice and data communications integrated with personal information management software.
Users can access information and services whilst on the move, including Web browsing, access to corporate e-mail and diary functions. TTPCom and Microsoft` s collaborative work provides a very low risk, `out of the box` solution which allows both original equipment and original design manufacturers (OEMs/ODMs) who are developing the latest handsets, to reach market within a reduced timeframe. It is anticipated that manufacturers licensing the technology today, will be able to launch smartphones on the market before Christmas 2003.
"This collaboration with Microsoft strengthens TTPCom`s strategy of enabling the development of open platforms for smart devices. Sales of smartphones are on the increase and many of our Asian customers are already in the process of developing these devices - by offering them a suite of flexible and reliable technology, we enable them to concentrate on product differentiation and still achieve a fast time to market," said Tony Milbourn, Managing Director at TTPCom.
"Despite early promise, the convergence of wireless and data has not happened as quickly as expected. By bringing together the world leaders in the computing and wireless space, Microsoft and TTPCom are determined to make wireless data both accessible and user friendly."
"Empowering equipment manufacturers is a catalyst for the broad development of next-generation voice, data and multimedia-capable smart devices," said Andy Haon, director of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft. "TTPCom has fully integrated their protocol stack with the Smartphone platform, allowing handset manufacturers to rapidly take advantage of the rich software features inherent in the platform and also ensure a seamless data experience for end users."
"Our solution for Microsoft Smartphone is already well advanced, and we are currently able to demonstrate GSM, GPRS and the Microsoft Windows CE multiplexer working simultaneously in the lab," said Andy Halley, Open Platforms Product Manager at TTPCom.
"What this means for a Smartphone user is that whilst he`s receiving an email, he could for example, take an incoming voice call or text message, check his diary and add a task to his to do list, and then return seamlessly to his email. Given that smartphones have colour screens and additional functionality, we`ve also focused on extending the battery life. Finally, the extensive test and integration work that we have done ensures that the solution is robust and stable. This focus on a rewarding user experience is one of the things that will drive mass market acceptance of these new devices."
About TTP Communications plc
Based in Cambridge, UK, TTP Communications plc (LSE: TTC) through its subsidiary TTPCom Limited, develops technology intellectual property used in the design and manufacture of wireless communication terminals. TTPCom licenses its technology to semiconductor manufacturers including Analog Devices, Hitachi, Intel, Matsushita, STMicroelectronics and Toshiba, and to leading terminal manufacturers worldwide.
TTPCom has established an industry standard with its GPRS platform, has developed EDGE, Third Generation (3G) and wireless gaming technology. Over 100 separate terminal designs using TTPCom`s hardware and software technology have achieved regulatory approval. TTPCom also offers complete handset and module designs for manufacturers seeking to bring products to market quickly but without the risks of development.
More information can be found on TTPCom`s website at: http://www.ttpcom.com.
CONTACT: Angela Manthorpe, TTPCom Limited Tel: +44 (0)1763 266266 e-mail: angela.manthorpe@ttpcom.com Allan Edwards, Neesham Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1442 879222 e-mail: allane@neesham.co.uk
M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.
(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
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2nd International TD-SCDMA 2003
September 23, 2003
Singapore
Wireless 2003 Conference
July 7-9, 2003
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Firm
Analyst
Halpern Capital
Frank Marsala
Hilliard Lyons
Tom Carpenter
InterDigital Communications Corporation at U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray 5th Annual Technology Conference
05/14/2003 to 05/14/2003
Grand Hyatt New York at Grand Central Station
New York , NY , US
100,000 block trade @ 4:10:58 @ 21.6844 above the ask.
PHONES 4U: Talking Head Technology hits high street
Apr 25, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Leading mobile phones retailer phones 4u teams up with Wizcom and Anthropics Technology to demonstrate FaceWave mobile messaging applications on Sony Ericsson P800.
From today, UK consumers can test-drive cutting-edge mobile phone 'talking head' technology in high-street stores across the country.
phones 4u has teamed up with London-based developer Anthropics and mobile service and content provider Wizcom to install 'FaceWave' on the new Sony Ericsson P800 handset. FaceWave peer-to-peer messaging allows mobile phone users to create and send fully animated 'talking head' messages. Users can animate their own faces on their mobile handsets simply by adding a voice message or typing in a text message. The message is then converted to speech and performed by their animated face.
phones 4u will be buzzing as the award winning technology is given its first public trial. A phones 4u spokesperson said: 'Our customers are clamouring to get their hands on new technology. This test-drive provides the ideal opportunity for them to experience cutting edge mobile content and have fun pushing back technological boundaries.'
The developers, Anthropics, believe that phones 4u, as Britain's fastest growing retailer, is the ideal test bed to stimulate demand. Customers will soon be able to use their own still photos, dozens of celebrity caricatures or even an animated hamster to get to grips with the next national craze.
Notes to editors:
FaceWave users create their own 'talking head' messages by choosing from a library of faces including personalities, cartoons and even animals, and then speak their personal message into the mobile phone. FaceWave then animates the face to make it speak the message, which can be previewed by the user and sent to friends as a MMS or Picture Message. Anthropics believe that this is a fun way to communicate using the latest mobile technology, driving uptake of handsets and increasing data traffic. Consumers can download FaceMovies onto a number of 2.5 and 3G phones on: www.FaceWave.com.
About Anthropics Technology
Anthropics Technology Ltd (www.anthropics.com) is the London-based developer of 3G and 3G-like visual messaging, visual voicemail and content services that add a compelling new human dimension to mobile communication. The company markets its technology to top-tier mobile network operators, who seek to quickly and efficiently deliver to their customers exciting new mobile applications and increase their revenues.
Anthropics' pioneering FaceWave technology combines still photos with text or speech to immediately create life-like 'talking heads' with which operators and mobile phone users are enlivening content delivery and everyday mobile messaging. Anthropics technology is inexpensive for operators to deploy and is designed to transmit across very low bandwidths on existing and future GSM, GPRS or 3G mobile networks and mobile devices.
Anthropics is funded by a consortium of investors including Quester VCT, SkyVentures and Skandia Media Invest.
About Phones 4u
* The UK's fastest growing retailer for two years running with 340 stores across the UK and Northern Ireland employing more than 2,000 people.
* Headed-up by Managing Director Anthony Catterson, with headquarters in Stoke.
* A pro-active retailer in the fight against mobile crime; phones 4u supports Immobilise and has launched its own security initiative and products including MicroTag and security marking booths.
* 6 UK networks provided by phones 4u: 3, T-Mobile, Orange, Vodafone, O2 & Virgin Mobile.
* Pioneers of the UK Text Championships, a nationwide competition to find the fastest texter in the UK, and Phone Shui, Feng Shui for the mobile phone developed by Dr Paul Darby.
* Part of the Caudwell Group, founded by the Caudwell brothers in 1987 and headed by John Caudwell.
* General information on the market is available on request.
CONTACT: Nancy Prendergast, tannissan mae T: +44 (0)20 7313 2405 e-mail: nancy@tannissanmae.com Claire Thompson, tannissan mae Tel: +44 (0)118 944 0394 e-mail: Claire@tannissanmae.com Steve Hughes, phones 4u Tel: +44 (0)1782 587 238 e-mail: Steve.Hughes@phones4u.co.uk
M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.
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AOL Brings IM to Symbian Devices
Apr 24, 2003 (Internet.com via COMTEX) -- America Online is taking its instant messaging technology from the desktop to a variety of devices based on the Symbian wireless operating system.
Symbian and America Online say they will work together on providing a variety of wireless media and messaging services on next generation smart phones based on Symbian's operating system.
America Online said it has joined Symbian's Platinum partner program and will develop a variety of wireless instant messaging services that will run on Symbian-based devices. Those services are expected to combine technologies, including AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ and recently-acquired T9 Text Input, a company that specializes in predictive text input software.
"Instant messaging is one of AOL's most popular products and what they are doing with Symbian is bringing a successful desktop product and migrating it to the cell phone environment," says Martin Reynolds, technology analyst at Gartner.
In addition to wireless messaging services, America Online also plans to develop what it calls "content-based services and applications" for the Symbian operating system. Those applications could run on a variety of different devices. Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens and Sony Ericsson are among the Symbian partners that are building wireless devices that will run on the Symbian OS.
"What AOL is doing is to bring instant messaging to a standardized platform, which will make it easier to use IM on mobile devices," says Reynolds.
"Most phones today are not based on either the Symbian or PocketPC operating systems, and are fairly dumb and do not have particularly sophisticated interfaces. But the next generation of phones coming out from the Symbian hardware partners will have better interfaces and will be more sophisticated and able to run multimedia wireless services," Reynolds said.
AOL's decision to join the Symbian partner program is also a step towards extending its instant messaging lead on the desktop to emerging wireless devices.
"Symbian is ahead of Microsoft's PocketPC smart phones. Microsoft's instant messenger on the PocketPC exists, but on a much smaller scale than Symbian. But I expect Microsoft to quickly advance its wireless messaging strategy," Reynolds added.
"Symbian has small footprint and it's a simpler operating system, than Microsoft's PocketPC, so this means that AOL's instant message product will be on more phones, more quickly," Reynolds said.
By Mark Berniker
URL: http://www.internet.com
Copyright 2003 INT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.Republication and redistribution of INT Media Group content isExpressly prohibited without the prior written consent of INT MediaGroup, Inc.. INT Media Group, Inc., shall not be liable for any errorsor delays in the Content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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SUBJECT CODE: AOL America Online IM Microsoft
Nokia Wideband Speech Coding Proposal Selected as CDMA2000 Standard - New
Technology to Enable High-Quality Voice Over CDMA2000 Networks Adopted By 3GPP2
-
IRVING, Texas, Apr 24, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today announced its latest contribution to CDMA technology as its proposal for standardizing a CDMA2000 wideband speech codec was selected by the 3GPP2 from a field of five competing proposals. The new Variable-Rate Multi-Mode Wideband speech codec (VMR-WB) offers superior wideband speech quality at data rates comparable to current narrowband speech codecs, resulting in highly intelligible and natural speech that represents a quantum leap over the quality of both today's wireless and wireline networks.
The VMR-WB standard is not only fully compliant with the CDMA2000 rate-set II but is also interoperable with the AMR-WB standard selected by the 3GPP for use in GSM/WCDMA networks. The interoperability between CDMA2000 and WCDMA networks that is enabled by the VMR-WB technology allows high-value voice services to be used between mobile customers across the globe, regardless of the network standard that each customer is using.
"The selection of the VMR-WB technology by the 3GPP2 is a reflection of both Nokia's continued leadership in third-generation standards forums and the long-term commitment of Nokia to invest in CDMA research and development," said Adam Gould, vice president of technology management and strategy, CDMA for Nokia Mobile Phones. "This new technology will deliver new levels of service for end-users and a point of differentiation for operators in the area of voice quality, which continues to be an important service issue. Additionally, this combination will allow wireless operators to more aggressively compete in the wireline replacement market."
The VMR-WB codec is engineered to guarantee a high level of performance under severe channel error and background noise conditions to allow the delivery of a variety of applications under a wide range of conditions. Some of the applications made substantially more compelling by VMR-WB include mobile-to-mobile wideband voice calls, voice over IP (VoIP), mobile or fixed network audio conferencing, point-to-point and multi-point business applications, multimedia streaming and videoconferencing.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Media only please contact: Media Relations Nokia Americas 972-894-4573 communication.corp@nokia.com Industry Analysts only please contact: Industry Analyst Relations Nokia Americas 972-894-6331 industry.analyst@nokia.com
SOURCE Nokia
CONTACT: media, Media Relations, +1-972-894-4573, or communication.corp@nokia.com , or industry analysts, Industry Analyst Relations, +1-972-894-6331, or industry.analyst@nokia.com , both of Nokia AmericasURL: http://www.nokia.com http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: Texas FinlandINDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR CSE TLS MLM NET
Sony Ericsson Posts Wide 1st-Quarter Loss
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Apr 24, 2003 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- Wireless phone maker Sony Ericsson said it still hopes to post a profit for 2003, despite reporting a wide first-quarter loss Thursday amid a sharp drop in sales.
Sony Ericsson lost 104 million euros ($114.1 million) in the three months ending March 31, compared with a slight profit for the same period last year. The joint venture between Ericsson and Sony isn't publicly traded.
Revenue fell 39 percent to 806 million euros ($885 million) from 1.1 billion euros a year ago.
The company said its first-quarter shipments fell by 400,000 phones to 5.4 million, which likely will intensify questions about Ericsson's commitment to the company because Ericsson is wrestling with its own problem: returning to profitability after two years of steep losses.
The joint venture has seen market share slide sharply since Sony and Ericsson merged their struggling phone operations in October 2001.
At the time, Sony and Ericsson had a combined global share of 9 percent, but have since fallen to less than 6 percent. Finland's Nokia has 38 percent, followed by Motorola with 19 percent.
Ericsson has said Sony Ericsson must manage a market share of at least 7 percent to become profitable.
"This is certainly going to increase speculation that Ericsson will make an exit from Sony Ericsson," Jussi Uskola, an analyst at Nordea Securities in Helsinki, Finland, said of the phone maker's results.
Uskola said the steep decline in the average selling price of the company's phones since last year suggests that Ericsson's high-end P800 personal organizer hasn't sold widely outside Scandinavia.
Nina Eldh, a Sony Ericsson spokeswoman, said the company should ship more phones and increase its market share in the second quarter, which could improve its financial results. Sony Ericsson expects to get a boost from several new models this summer, including a new camera phone.
---
On the Net:
Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved
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APO Priority=r APO Category=1700
KEYWORD: STOCKHOLM, Sweden SUBJECT CODE: 1700 http://www.sonyericsson.com
Point, Click and Share: Wireless Pictures Will Soon be a Common Way to
Communicate with New Picture Mail that Talks from Sprint Now more customers can
Share it When it Happens as Sprint brings mass market appeal of Picture Mail to
the U.S. with a built-in camera phone at an affordable price
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Apr 24, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Today, Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) is the first carrier to focus on making sharing digital pictures wirelessly as common as making wireless calls. The enhanced Picture Mail service allows PCS customers to instantly share life's everyday moments in a whole new way. Sprint, which operates the largest all-digital, all PCS nationwide network, offers customers a built-in camera phone for under $100 after a mail-in rebate, flat-rate data pricing, an intuitive way to share pictures, an online album at no additional charge, attachable voice memo and the ability to wirelessly share pictures with more people in more places.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO )
To date, millions of pictures have been uploaded and shared on the enhanced PCS Nationwide Network and more than two million have been shared and uploaded in the last two months alone. More than 75 percent of Sprint customers who currently use Picture Mail share their pictures with family and friends.
Sprint is building on the success of its existing pictures product by offering the most comprehensive wireless pictures package in the industry in conjunction with the PCS Phone by Sanyo 8100:
* Easy to use: It's now easier than ever to share and receive pictures over Sprint's enhanced nationwide PCS network. Once a picture is taken, it's put into share mode allowing the customer to instantly share life's moments to e-mail addresses or any PCS Vision Phone. Sharing is made even easier by enabling customers to send a picture to up to 10 recipients at one time directly from their phone book. If received by e-mail, customers will be delighted the picture now comes embedded directly in the body of the e-mail. Pictures can be sent directly from the PCS Phone Book to up to ten e-mail addresses or PCS Vision Phones at one time. Sprint is also making picture taking and sharing more fun by introducing fun frames, and a 10-second audio memo, available on the Sanyo 8100 that can be attached to any Picture Mail. Also, when a customer takes a picture they can select to hear either a natural camera shutter sound or a voice instructing the subject to "Say CHEESE!" * Affordable: The PCS Phone by Sanyo 8100 is now available for $99.99 after a $100 instant or mail-in rebate (regular price $199.99), depending on the retailer. The 8100, the most fun and affordable camera phone on the market, features a built-in camera, downloadable frames and the ability to attach a 10-second voice clip to any Picture Mail. The 8100 also features the most advanced screen, the TFT, at the most affordable price. The 8100 is available in Sprint Stores, RadioShack, Best Buy and Circuit City. In the coming months, it will be available almost everywhere PCS Phones are sold. * Nationwide service: Sprint operates the largest all-digital, all-CDMA Third-Generation (3G) wireless network in the United States, enabling customers to instantly share everyday moments no matter where they are on the PCS network. * Value: The PCS Vision Pictures Package is available for an additional $15 to any PCS Free and Clear plan, giving Vision customers the freedom to instantly share and receive Picture Mail without worrying about extra charges. The package includes unlimited picture taking and sharing, unlimited access to PCS Vision, an on-line picture album and up to $5 of premium content per month, including ringers, screen savers, games, etc.
"The early success of Sprint's wireless pictures product and PCS Vision is a clear indication that this service is ready to be embraced by the mass market. So, Sprint has taken its already successful pictures product and improved the service, the product and the overall customer experience for both sending and receiving pictures," said Len Lauer, president of the PCS division of Sprint. "The introduction of the Sanyo 8100, at a net price point of under $100, will give customers an affordable, simple way to get started -- don't be surprised if this becomes the largest selling PCS Phone in history. It was only when the Asian market combined affordability with ease of use did the 'nice to have' become the 'must have.' We expect the same now in the U.S."
The PCS Picture Mail package is available for an additional $15 per month, and includes:
* Instant Share: With the PCS Phone by Sanyo 8100, once a picture is taken, it's instantly placed in the "Share" mode. From there, pictures can be sent to e-mail addresses or any PCS Vision Phone. Share it when it happens! * Storage options: Customers can store their personal pictures in the phone's picture wallet or online at www.picturemail.sprintpcs.com at no additional charge. On the Web site, users have enhancement options that include cropping and lightening/darkening or adding fun effects such as comic bubbles, cartoons and line drawings. * Personalization: Once downloaded, pictures can be assigned to individual callers or saved as the phone's screen saver. * Unlimited access to PCS Vision and picture sharing; $5 of premium content per month, including ringers, screen savers, games, 1KTV, etc.
Camera Phones from Sprint
Sprint has introduced seven phones that allow customers to capture pictures. Sprint expects more camera phones, from quality manufacturers like Sanyo and Samsung, will be added to its lineup later this year. All 13 existing PCS Vision-enabled phones can receive pictures.
* PCS Phone by Sanyo 8100 -- The newest built in camera phone from Sprint. Currently available for $99.99 after $100 instant or mail-in rebate. Gives customers ability to attach a 10-second voice message to any picture. Available in three colors: all silver, navy/gold and pearl/lilac. * PCS Phone by Sanyo 5300 -- America's first built-in camera phone. * PCS Phone by Samsung N400 with attachable PCS Vision camera * PCS Phone by Samsung A500 with attachable PCS Vision camera * Available Soon: - PCS Phone by Samsung A600: Built-in camera phone features America's first fully-rotating screen -- making the inside appear on the outside for full-screen picture viewing. - Microsoft Windows Powered PCS Phone by Samsung(R) SPH-i700-Pocket PC Phone Edition features a rotating, built-in camera - Microsoft Windows Powered PCS Phone by Hitachi(R) G1000-Sprint's Windows Device features the first built-in QWERTY keyboard and a built-in rotating camera
"The number one reason people use wireless phones is to communicate -- that is why the 8100 makes a great phone. But now, Sprint is taking communication one step further by allowing our customers to visually communicate anywhere on the PCS network and by offering enhancements designed to improve the customer experience by making picture sharing faster and easier," said Lauer. "With Sprint's enhanced service and full lineup of camera phones from manufacturers like Sanyo and Samsung, sending pictures as they happen will become as common as making a call."
Sprint recently announced 1.3 million PCS Vision customers through the end of first quarter. Sprint leads the industry in the use of advanced data services. PCS Vision from Sprint includes services that allow customers to take and receive pictures from select PCS Phones; browse the Internet at speeds faster than most dial-up connections; check personal and corporate e-mail; watch clips and stream audio for news and music; download polyphonic, animated and voice ringers, and full-color, graphically-rich games and screen savers, all on the enhanced Nationwide PCS Network.
The PCS Phone by Sanyo 8100 is available in Sprint Stores, RadioShack, Best Buy and Circuit City for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate (regular suggested retail price of $199.99). Offer is available to customers who activate a new line of PCS service. Existing customers who do not wish to add a new line of service may be eligible for other savings offers at Sprint Stores -- check your local Sprint Store for more information. In the coming months, the Sanyo 8100 will be available almost everywhere PCS Phones are sold.
About Sprint
Sprint is a global communications company serving more than 26 million business and residential customers in over 70 countries. With approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the- art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local voice and data services in 18 states and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States.
SOURCE Sprint PCS
CONTACT: Media, Nancy Sherrer, +1-913-762-7032, or nsherr02@mail.sprintpcs.com, or Jenny Stevens, +1-913-762-7071, or jmorfo01@mail.sprintpcs.com, both of Sprint PCS /Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840URL: http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_new">http://www.sprintpcs.comhttp://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: KansasINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TLS
DoCoMo, SingTel Tout Cooperation
Apr 23, 2003 (Communications Today/PBI Media via COMTEX) -- Dominant Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo [NYSE: DCM] will work with its counterpart in Singapore, SingTel, to develop wideband-CDMA 3G technology and wireless LAN services. The two companies, collaborating via what they call "technical exchange and joint studies," are working toward interconnecting their 3G networks and developing high-speed multimedia applications.
DoCoMo expects the alliance to help it expand W-CDMA-based multimedia services in Asia with interoperability a key to providing customers with seamless mobile multimedia services. The companies also describe their agreement as "a landmark" for cooperation among wireless operators in Asia Pacific, and will benefit the region's wireless industry by addressing 3G concerns such as evolving standards, roaming issues and handset compatibility.
[Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.]
Communications Today, Vol. 9, No. 72 [Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.]
Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Is Intel Now the Wireless MAN?
Apr 23, 2003 (Internet.com via COMTEX) -- Not many years ago, wireless networks were hugely expensive, often totally incompatible and were barely a blip on the public radar screen. With the help of the 802.11 standard and an industry seal of approval, high-priced proprietary gear turned into the inexpensive building blocks of Wi-Fi networks in millions of homes and offices.
Now, chip-making giant Intel and other supporters of fixed wireless broadband access hope they can turn that industry into the next wireless success story.
Soon after the IEEE approved 802.16a in January as the new standard for long-range wireless broadband, Sriram Viswanathan, keeper of Intel's investment purse strings (he's their managing director of strategic investments), declared "802.11 is the first key disruption. 802.16 is the next."
Attempting to prevent people from being "wrapped up in the hype" surrounding 802.16a is "quite futile," says Jupiter Research broadband analyst Joe Laszlo. Laszlo believes 802.16a can help areas not served by cable or DSL, but is not the killer technology proponents believe.
Intel and a group of other gear makers recently announced that the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability of Microwave Access) Forum would do for wireless metropolitan area networks (MANs) what the Wi-Fi Alliance has done for wireless local area networks (LANs). Products based on the 802.16a standard (nicknamed WirelessMAN) are expected to appear late in 2004 with the WiMAX Forum handing out their seal of approval in 2005.
Along with Intel, the WiMAX Forum membership includes Airspan Networks, Aperto Networks, Ensemble Communications, Fujitsu, Nokia, OFDM Forum, Proxim and Wi-LAN. The "Last-Mile"
The WirelessMAN standard has a range up to 30 miles with a data rate of up to 70 Mbits per second, capable of providing 60 businesses with Internet connections at T1 speeds of 1.5 Megabits or up to 400 homes at DSL rates. Dr. Roger Marks, chairman of the IEEE's 802.16 working group , says a typical 802.16a setup would have a data throughput of 10Mbps with a three to five mile radius. Your mileage will vary depending on available bandwidth, according to all involved.
While broadband wireless is strewn with bankruptcies (remember Teligent and Winstar of the late 1990s?) and bad ideas (Nokia recently aborted its Rooftop venture), the second coming of fixed wireless is marked by 802.16a including the popular low-frequency unlicensed bands. WirelessMAN stretches from 2-11GHz, an area that already encompasses 802.11b, a, and g. The point is not lost on vendors or analysts. Commercial Success
By including the lower frequencies, WirelessMAN has a better chance of having the same economies of scale as 802.11 radios, believes Russ Craig, analyst for the Aberdeen Group research firm.
"Low cost consumer equipment has been the missing catalyst for large volume broadband wireless deployments," said Mark Foley, CEO of RF Magic , a maker of chips for broadband applications.
WiMAX President Margaret LaBrecque, who is also part of Intel's broadband program, is hoping the popularization of 802.16a will mean the current $10,000 price tag for a WirelessMAN base station or the $1,000 subscriber unit will drop to a more consumer-friendly level.
Along with providing an alternative to the telephone company's DSL or cable outlet's cable modes for "last-mile" broadband connections, Intel sees 802.16a as playing a role in the red-hot Wi-Fi marketplace. WirelessMAN can serve as the "backhaul" or Internet connection for Wi-Fi hotspots. While 802.16a and 802.11 are incompatible, making a direct connection impractical, Intel and others are hoping that barrier is soon removed, opening up WirelessMAN to every wireless-enabled laptop.
But there could be some complications. Along with possible interference issues and a new 802.11 standard, some companies aren't in a hurry to join the race to 802.11a. Waiting for Mobility
While 802.16 addressed fixed wireless in a line of sight atmosphere and 802.16a is non-line-of-sight will include the popular unlicensed frequencies, companies such as Flarion and Navini Networks are holding out for the more mobile 802.16e and 802.20.
Flarion says 802.16e, expected to be complete by the end of 2003, will introduce mobility into stationary wireless. A user will be able to move about in an 802.16e coverage area and remain connected.
Navini, an Intel-funded wireless broadband vendor, is looking to 802.20 to provide both mobility and the ability to roam between base stations.
Along with increasing the chances of selling more 802.16a devices, including support for the 5GHz band opens the possibility of interference between 802.11a and 802.16a devices. There are also some enterprises considering 802.16a as an alternative for the upcoming 802.11e quality of service standard.
Just days after the WiMAX news and 802.16a, came (unofficial) word that the IEEE is working on a new standard dubbed 802.11n, which is expected to increase the throughput (not the marketing data rate) of both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz gear to 108Mbps.
Wondering about the latest on last-mile wireless solutions yourself? Join us at the 802.11 Planet Conference & Expo , June 25 - 27, 2003 at the World Trade Center Boston in Boston, MA. Intel speakers will be there and we'll have a panel addressing hotspots and backhaul connections to the Internet.
By Ed Sutherland
URL: http://www.internet.com
Copyright 2003 INT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.Republication and redistribution of INT Media Group content isExpressly prohibited without the prior written consent of INT MediaGroup, Inc.. INT Media Group, Inc., shall not be liable for any errorsor delays in the Content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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SUBJECT CODE: 802.11 802.11a DSL
OT:Wall Street Journal: Nokia gains on rivals in race to establish software
standard
Apr 23, 2003, (Wall Street Journal /FT Information via COMTEX) -- Figures from canalys.com Ltd., a market research firm, indicate that Nokia Corp.'s software for advanced mobile phones accounts for 41% of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market for such phones. According to canalys, Microsoft Corp. and Palm Inc., which offer competing software, control only 24% and 19% of the market, respectively. The figures are significant as they suggest that Nokia's software is becoming the new standard for advanced mobile phones.
Abstracted from: The Wall St Journal (US Edition)
Copyright 2003: Financial Times Information. All rights reserved
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KEYWORD: United States of America Americas North AmericaINDUSTRY KEYWORD: Communications Equipment Mfg Computer & Electronic Product Mfg Computer & Peripheral Equipment Mfg Electronic Computer Mfg Information Marketing Research & Public OpinionPolling Other Professional Scientific TechnicalServices Professional Scientific & TechnicalServices Publishing Industries Radio TV Broadcast & Wireless Communications EquipmentMfg Software Publishers
OT:Lucent Technologies: Lucent Technologies reports results for second
quarter of fiscal 2003 Revenues of $2.4 billion for the quarter show a
sequential increase of 16 percent; Loss per share of 14 cents includes a net
unfavorable impact of 6 cents per share for global settlement of shareowner
litigation and other items; Posts 10-point improvement in gross margin rate
MURRAY HILL, N.J., Apr 23, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today reported results for the second quarter of fiscal 2003, which ended March 31, 2003, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The company recorded revenues of $2.4 billion in the quarter, which represented a 16 percent sequential increase from the $2.08 billion in revenues achieved in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The company recorded $3.52 billion in revenues in the year-ago quarter.
The company's net loss for the quarter was $351 million or 14 cents per share^1. These results compare with a loss of $264 million or 11 cents per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 and a loss of $495 million or 16 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.
The second quarter's loss per share included the negative impact of charges associated with the global settlement of Lucent's shareowner litigation (11 cents per share) and the repurchase of convertible securities and certain debt obligations (6 cents per share). These charges were partially offset by certain income tax benefits (6 cents per share), a net reduction of reserves for certain business restructuring actions and certain other matters (5 cents per share). The net unfavorable impact of these items was 6 cents per share^2 in the second quarter.
By comparison, the loss per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 included the net favorable impact of 4 cents per share2 due to the reduction of reserves for a legal settlement associated with Lucent's former consumer products leasing business and certain business restructuring actions, customer financing recoveries and the repurchase of convertible securities, including the resulting tax benefits. The loss per share for the year ago quarter included the net unfavorable impact of 2 cents per share of several items, including tax charges associated with changes in tax legislation and income from discontinued operations.
EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY ON FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OUTLOOK
"We made significant progress on our turnaround this quarter," said Lucent Technologies Chairman and CEO Patricia Russo.
"Despite continuing market uncertainty, on a sequential basis we achieved double-digit revenue growth, significantly increased our gross margin, and excluding the impact of certain items, drove a substantial improvement to our bottom line.
"In addition, we've put some major issues behind us with settlements of our SEC investigation and shareowner litigation," said Russo. "Looking ahead, we added John Meyer, who brings 20 years of experience from EDS, to lead the expansion of our services business."
Based on market conditions and continuing uncertainty, the company is reducing its quarterly breakeven point to about $2.4 billion in quarterly revenue by the end of the fiscal year. While the company is not giving specific guidance for the third and fourth fiscal quarters, it reiterated its plan for profitability this year, excluding non-operational impacts such as further repurchases of convertible securities.
"We continue to work toward a return to profitability in late fiscal 2003 and have seen further operational improvements reflected in a 10-point improvement in gross margin, which includes continued cost and expense reductions," said Lucent Technologies Chief Financial Officer Frank D'Amelio. "We have also continued to focus on our recapitalization efforts, which have reduced our debt and convertible securities by more than $1.6 billion to date."
BALANCE SHEET UPDATE
As of March 31, 2003, Lucent had $3.4 billion in cash and short-term investments. This represents a decline of approximately $300 million in the quarter. The decline primarily resulted from cash used in operations, including business restructuring.
The company reaffirmed that it has sufficient liquidity to fund its plans, and said it now expects to end fiscal 2003 with more than $2.5 billion in cash.
During the second fiscal quarter, Lucent repurchased $777 million of its convertible securities and debt obligations for 310 million shares of common stock. An additional $65 million of these securities were repurchased for 38 million shares of common stock during April 2003. The company has repurchased more than $1.6 billion of these securities for 621 million shares of common stock since beginning these transactions during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002.
GROSS MARGIN AND OPERATING EXPENSES
Gross margin for the quarter was 32 percent of revenues as compared with 22 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2003, a sequential increase of 10 percentage points. The improvement was driven by continuing cost reductions across the business as well as higher sales volume and favorable product mix, primarily in the Mobility business. Increased patent licensing revenues this quarter also contributed to the higher margin rate.
Operating expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 were $742 million as compared with $766 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The sequential decline was primarily due to net reductions of business restructuring reserves and continuing cost reduction efforts, partially offset by lower customer financing recoveries and accelerated depreciation of certain real estate assets.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003
On a sequential basis, revenues in the U.S. increased 12 percent to $1.45 billion, and international revenues increased 22 percent to $952 million. Compared with the year-ago quarter, the U.S. and international revenues decreased by 40 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
The company continued to deploy products to help its customers evolve and expand existing networks and introduced new products that add next-generation capabilities where customers need them.
Integrated Network Solutions (INS) Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 were $1.02 billion, an increase of 1 percent sequentially and a decrease of 42 percent compared with the year-ago quarter.
In the second quarter, Lucent announced several optical, software and broadband contracts:
* Deutsche Telekom and BT Netherlands are using Lucent's fast Ethernet-over-SDH to connect a series of local area networks to other sites on their network directly via Ethernet.
* Deutsche Telekom will also deploy Lucent's LambdaUnite MultiService Switch to quadruple its network capacity across 10 European countries, and Lucent's Navis iOperations OneVision network management software, which, for the first time, will allow DT to manage its multivendor optical network using a single software package.
* Through its Global Business Partner organization, Lucent sold its Metropolis family of optical products to Shanghai Metro, Matanuska Telephone and Sierra Pacific Communications and sold its voice over IP (VoIP) technology to Multikabel. We also announced 10 new partners who will resell the VitalSuite portfolio.
* Sprint LTD (Local Telecommunications Division) selected Lucent's Stinger DSL Access Concentrator to deploy its FastConnect DSL service; this is one of the largest contracts ever for the Stinger product.
* Telekomunikacja Polska will deploy a new version of Stinger called the Stinger Micro-Remote Terminal 48, which supports high-speed services in space-constrained areas such as street cabinets or multi-tenant buildings.
* Both Arcor and Bell Canada will use Lucent's AnyMedia Access System to keep up with their growing demand for voice, video and data services.
Mobility Solutions Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 were $1.26 billion, an increase of 25 percent sequentially and a decrease of 20 percent compared with the year-ago quarter.
Lucent continued to show progress in its 3G spread spectrum technology offers. In the second quarter, Lucent announced:
* It is working with Verizon Wireless to launch a super-fast mobile data network in Washington, D.C., this summer that will provide businesses and consumers with data services at speeds of up to 2.4 megabits per second. Additional Flexent CDMA Modular Cell 4.0 base stations are being deployed for this 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network.
* Plans to deploy with T-Mobile a pilot 3G UMTS high-speed data network in Nuremberg, Germany.
* Lucent also won a significant CDMA2000 1X contract with Verizon Wireless Puerto Rico.
* Cingular Wireless and Orange UK have selected Lucent's PSAX MultiService Media Gateway to more efficiently move voice and data traffic on their networks.
* It will integrate and resell select Cisco Systems' packet data and media gateway products as part of Lucent's end-to-end Mobile offer.
The quarterly earnings conference call will take place today at 8:30 a.m. EDT and be broadcast live over the Internet at http://www.lucent.com/investor/conference/webcast. It will be maintained on the site for replay through April 30, 2003.
Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers networks for the world's largest communications service providers. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent relies on its strengths in mobility, optical, data and voice networking technologies as well as software and services to develop next-generation networks. The company's systems, services and software are designed to help customers quickly deploy and better manage their networks and create new revenue-generating services that help businesses and consumers. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about us, our future performance, the industries in which we operate, our beliefs and our management's assumptions. In addition, other written or oral statements that constitute forward-looking statements may be made by or on behalf of us. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include: the failure of the telecommunications market to improve or improve at the pace we anticipate; continued net losses may reduce or impair our legally available surplus; our ability to realize the benefits we expect from our strategic direction and restructuring program; our ability to secure additional sources of funds on reasonable terms; our credit ratings; our ability to compete effectively; our reliance on a limited number of key customers; our exposure to the credit risk of our customers as a result of our vendor financing arrangements and accounts receivable; our reliance on third parties to manufacture most of our products; the cost and other risks inherent in our long-term sales agreements; our product portfolio and ability to keep pace with technological advances in our industry; the complexity of our products; our ability to retain and recruit key personnel; existing and future litigation; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and the expenses we may incur in defending such rights; changes in environmental health and safety law; changes to existing regulations or technical standards; the social, political and economic risks of our foreign operations; and the costs and risks associated with our pension and postretirement benefit obligations. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.
1 For all periods presented, the loss per share information reported in this release represents basic and diluted loss per share. As a result of the net loss reported for the respective periods presented, potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the calculation of loss per share because their effect would reduce the loss. The loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2003, December 31, 2002 and March 31, 2002, include the impact of preferred dividends and accretion of $36 million, $25 million and $40 million, respectively. In addition, the loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, include the effect of $166 million and $100 million, respectively, of conversion expenseassociated with the repurchase of 8% redeemable convertible preferred stock.
2 Further details on the charges impacting results are available in Exhibit E in the accompanying financial reporting package.
CONTACT: Bill Price, Lucent Technologies Tel: +1 908 582 4820 e-mail: williamprice@lucent.com Frank Briamonte, Lucent Technologies Tel: +1 908 582 3193 e-mail: fbriamonte@lucent.com MaryAnn Niebojeski, Lucent Technologies Tel: +1 908 582 7793 e-mail: mn36@lucent.com Dina Fede, Lucent Technologies Tel: +1 908 582 0366 e-mail: fede@lucent.com
M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.
(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
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ot:Invitation to press and analyst conference for Ericsson's first quarter
report
Apr 23, 2003 (Hugin via COMTEX) -- Ericsson's financial report will be released at approximately 7:30 a.m. Central European Time (CET) on April 29, 2003.
The press conference will begin at 9.00 a.m. CET at Ericsson, Telefonvagen 30, Stockholm. Ericsson's President and CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg will comment on the results and take questions. The press conference is open for journalists and analysts. A live audio webcast of the press conference will be available on the Internet at http://www.ericsson.com/investors and http://www.ericsson.com/press. Ericsson's President and CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg, and Executive Vice President and CFO Karl-Henrik Sundstrom will also comment on the results and answer questions during a conference call for financial analysts and investors beginning at 3:00 p.m. CET (2:00 p.m. UK time, 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time U.S. and 10:00 p.m. local time Japan). Please call in at least 15 minutes before the conference call begins. In light of the usual high number of callers, it might take some time before you get connected. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Internet at http://www.ericsson.com/investors and http://www.ericsson.com/press. CALL-IN NUMBERS FOR THE CONFERENCE CALL ARE: European call-in number: +44 (0) 207 365 3732 Back-up number: +44 (0) 207 365 4243 U.S. and International call-in number: +1 212 329 1451 REPLAY: A replay of the conference call will be available from approximately one hour after the completion of the conference call until 5:00 p.m. CET, May 5, 2003. European replay number: +44 (0) 208 797 2499 Participants will need to enter the conference ID number 888111. U.S. and International replay number: +1 303 590 3000 Participants will need to enter the conference ID number 533913. On-demand webcasts of the press conference and the conference call with visual support will become available on the Internet at http://www.ericsson.com/investors and http://www.ericsson.com/press during the day. Please note that the Sony Ericsson first quarter results will be avalable at http://www.ericsson.com/investors April 24, 2003.
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Media Anna Ojdemark, External Relations Ericsson Corporate Communications (Sweden) Phone: +46 8 719 4041 E-mail: press.relations@lme.ericsson.se Investors and analysts Anna Dimert, Investor Relations Ericsson Corporate Communications (Sweden) Phone: +46 8 719 4414 E-mail: investor.relations@lme.ericsson.se Nathalie Mozdiniewicz, Program Coordinator, Investor Relations Ericsson Inc. (US) Phone: +1 212 843-8449 E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com
Copyright (c) 2003, HUGIN AS. All rights reserved.
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SUBJECT CODE: Finance
Hutchison Whampoa, NTT DoCoMo to join hands in development
HONG KONG, Apr 23, 2003 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Hutchison Whampoa Limited and NTT DoCoMo Inc. announced Wednesday an agreement to cooperate in the development and promotion of third generation mobile multimedia and communications services on an international basis.
Hutchison Whampoa is bringing the world's first 3G services operating on dual mode networks to consumers in nine countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific under the 3 brand.
This agreement initially unites the research and marketing capabilities of two of Hutchison Whampoa's nine 3G operations in Hong Kong and Britain with those of NTT DoCoMo Inc., an influential company in W-CDMA and mobile multimedia whose FOMA service in Japan was the world's first commercial 3G/W-CDMA service when it launched in October 2001.
Under the agreement, the two pioneers of 3G services will share information on handset development, radio network architecture and the development of global 3G standards.
The two companies will also examine potential areas of cooperation in the creation of multimedia applications, in international 3G roaming and in corporate sales and systems solutions.
Hutchison Whampoa Limited is one of the largest companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is the holding company of the Hutchison Whampoa Group of companies.
Copyright 2003 XINHUA NEWS AGENCY.
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Sharp in Agreement to Supply Mobile Phones to China
Tokyo, Japan, Apr 23, 2003 (JCN Newswire via COMTEX) -- Sharp Corporation has signed an agreement with Datang Telecom Technology Co., Ltd., a major Chinese manufacturer of communications equipment, to supply camera-equipped GSM mobile phones to the Chinese market.
Sharp has been manufacturing and selling audio-visual products, home appliances, office equipment and electronic components in China, but this is the company's first entry into the Chinese mobile phone market.
The phone will be a Chinese version of the GSM mobile phones that Sharp has developed for other Asian countries and Europe. It will be compatible with the value-added Monternet service provided by China Mobile Communications Corporation, the largest mobile phone service operator in China. Under the agreement, starting in April 2003 Sharp will provide 100,000 units to Datang, which will distribute them through its nationwide sales network. Sharp aims to strengthen its partnership with Datang, a company with strong links to the Chinese government, and fully expand its business in the Chinese market.
Datang Telecom Technology Co., Ltd., headquartered in Beijing, is a large telecommunication infrastructure systems group separated from the China Academy of Telecommunications Technology and formed in 1998. With 3,000 employees, it had net sales of 2.1 billion RMB (approximately 30 billion yen) in fiscal 2001. In addition to its main products of telephone switchboards and fiber-optic communications equipment, Datang aims to expand its share of the market for GSM mobile phones through cooperation with Sharp. Datang is also a key promoter of TD-SCDMA, a 3G mobile phone standard specific to China. Many speculate that this will likely lead to the coexistence of three systems-TD-SCDMA, W-CDMA, and cdma2000-in China.
Monternet, provided by China Mobile Communications Corporation, is a mobile phone data communications service that uses a GPRS network to allow users to send digital photographs and to download things like background screens and ring tones.
About Sharp Corporation
Sharp Corporation (TSE: 6753) was established in 1912 and is engaged in the manufacture and sale of electrical communications equipment, electric equipment and electronics-applied equipment, including televisions, video cameras, CD stereos, MD players, fridges, faxes, and mobile phones. Its other divisions cover electronics (TV, video, camcorder, CD stereo, MD player, fridges, fax, mobile phones) and electronics components (opto devices, CD-ROM devices, photo voltaic devices). Electronics accouted for 67% of fiscal 2000 revenues; Electronic components, 33%.
Source: Sharp Corporation
Contact:
Sharp CorporationArisa Morimori.arisa@sharp.co.jp03-3260-1870
Copyright (C) 2003 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.
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Vodafone seeks deal for 3G
Apr 22, 2003 (The Australian Financial Review - ABIX via COMTEX) -- Vodafone has expressed interest in striking a deal with Hutchison 3G, claiming that the Australian market cannot support multiple networks. Grahame Maher, Vodafone MD, believes that a network-sharing arrangement with Hutchison would be beneficial for both companies. However, he has also indicated that Vodafone may be interested in buying the 3G network. Hutchison 3G, of which Telecom New Zealand is a major stakeholder, is the only mobile telephone network to offer video calls.
Publication Date: 23 April 2003
VODAFONE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD:VODAFONE GROUP PLC:HUTCHISON TELECOMMUNICATIONS (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED - ASX HTA:HUTCHISON 3G AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS PTY LTD:TELECOM CORPORATION OF NEW ZEALAND LIMITED - ASX TEL:TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED - ASX TLS
By Katrina Nicholas
All copyright subsisting under the Copyright Act 1968 (Commonwealth) resides in us.No part of the copyright materials may be reproduced, re-used, re-transmitted,adapted, published, broadcast or distributed for any commercial purposeswhatsoever without our prior written permission.
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INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Communication ServicesSUBJECT CODE: MOBILE TELEPHONES - AUSTRALIA TELECOMMUNICATIONS - AUSTRALIA MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS - AUSTRALIA STRATEGIC ALLIANCES (BUSINESS) - AUSTRALIA
Nokia: sound and vision Nokia has reported a 13.2% increase in net
income.
Apr 22, 2003 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Nokia's increased profitability hides some problems. Wireless network equipment sales are expected to stay low, and its average handset price is slipping. Nokia is now hoping that demand for phones with color displays or multiple features will pick up, and consequently improve its position.
Nokia has reported a sharp increase in profitability for Q1 2003. It also forecast stronger sales growth in Q2, based on expectations that the world handset market will increase by 10% over the 405 million units shipped in 2002.
Much of its ambitions are centered on the US market where it aims to take on Motorola in a battle for the CDMA market. Seven new CDMA phones have started shipping, together with GSM models tailored for the US market.
In the first quarter to March 31, net income rose 13.2% to E977 million on revenue 3.4% higher at E6.77 billion. However, the Espoo, Finland-based telecoms equipment giant said revenue at its networks operation, where it announced a cut of 1,800 jobs earlier this month, fell 15% to E1.2 billion, while its mobile phone operation showed 1% growth to E5.5 billion.
The high cost of introducing the first implementation of 3G technologies was a big factor in the operating loss of E10.4 million recorded by the networks business, and the aim now is to get it profitable on quarterly revenue of E1.4 billion, 15% above the current level.
Chief executive Jorma Ollila said there had been "no improvement" in demand for network equipment from wireless operators, and it expects none in the near term. Nokia is also pruning its product range in an effort to return the business to profitability.
The substantial improvement in profit masks deeper problems. Average selling prices of handsets are falling. While unit shipments rose 13% to about 38 million in a market that expanded by just 10%, the value of sales increased by only 1% because much of the growth has been in emerging markets where low prices are important. The big hope now is that demand will take off for phones with color screens and more sophisticated features.
Source: Computerwire/Datamonitor
Related research: Datamonitor: "Mobile Consumer Update; data data data" (DMTC0864)
You can download a FREE technology report at www.dmfreereports.com
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Copyright (C) 2003 Datamonitor. All rights reserved
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KEYWORD: FinlandSUBJECT CODE: Financial reporting Nokia Corporation
Motorola and JAFCO Asia Invest in Dilithium Networks Company Secures $10M
in Series B Funding
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. and LARKSPUR, Calif., Apr 22, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Dilithium Networks, a leading provider of wireless multimedia solutions including voice and video transcoding gateways, announced today that it has closed $10M in Series B funding.
Motorola, Inc., through Motorola Ventures, its venture capital arm, and JAFCO Asia, one of the largest venture capital funds in Asia, invested in this second round of funding. Dilithium Networks' previous investors also participated in the financing, including Ericsson Technology Fund, Deutsche Bank Capital Partners, and CM Capital. The new capital will be utilized to expand global sales and support efforts, as well as to support ongoing research and development efforts.
"This funding represents an important milestone for Dilithium Networks and it will enhance our ability to support our growing global customer base," said Paul Zuber, Chief Executive Officer of Dilithium Networks.
Dilithium Networks' flagship product, DCT 2000, which incorporates the company's patent-pending Unicoding technology, is the first carrier-class, high density multimedia gateway allowing connectivity between 3G-324M based wireless networks and H.323 based packet networks.
"We believe that Dilithium Networks' Unicoding technology may have far- reaching potential in the 3G space," said Warren Holtsberg, Motorola Corporate Vice President and Director of Motorola Ventures. "Motorola Ventures views Dilithium Networks as a key player in driving multimedia services over 3G networks."
About Dilithium Networks
Dilithium Networks is the leading provider of solutions for interconnecting networks and terminals to enable seamless, efficient transport of voice and video. The company's products include Multimedia Transcoding Gateways, 3G-324M protocol analysis test tools, and Protocol Stacks. Dilithium Networks' global customer base includes network equipment suppliers, terminal manufacturers, and mobile operators. Dilithium Networks is headquartered in Larkspur, California near Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit -- www.dilithiumnetworks.com .
About Motorola
Motorola Ventures (MV) is the global, strategic venture capital investment arm of Motorola, Inc. MV actively invests at early stages in developing companies of strategic value to Motorola in order to accelerate access to new technologies, new markets and new talent. For more information, please visit: www.motorola.com/ventures .
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2002 were $27.3 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important technologies that make things smarter and life better for people, honored traditions that began when the company was founded 75 years ago this year. For more information, please visit: www.motorola.com .
About JAFCO Investment (Asia Pacific) Ltd.
JAFCO Investment (Asia Pacific) Ltd. ("JAFCO Asia"), formerly Nomura/JAFCO Investment (Asia) Ltd., is a venture capital firm investing in promising young technology enterprises with high-growth potential in the Asia Pacific region. First incorporated in Singapore in March 1990 as a joint venture between JAFCO Co., Ltd and The Nomura Securities Co., Ltd., JAFCO Asia became a wholly-owned subsidiary of JAFCO Co., Ltd on 31 March 1999.
JAFCO Asia offers in-depth local knowledge in the region, with offices in 5 countries: Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South Korea & Singapore. To-date, it has invested over US$700 million in 255 investees in 13 countries in the Asia Pacific, and has successfully achieved 155 exits.
JAFCO Co., Ltd., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is the largest venture capital company in Japan, with US$2.4 billion in committed capital in Asia, North America and Europe. The U.S. subsidiary, JAFCO America Ventures, has offices in Silicon Valley and Boston, and is recognized as a leading VC in America. It was ranked as one of the top five VCs in the US by Forbes magazine in February 2000.
Nomura Securities, the co-founding joint-venture partner, is Japan's largest securities house with over 128 domestic branch offices, subsidiaries and affiliates in 27 countries. Today, JAFCO Asia remains an integral part of the Nomura Group Network.
Globally, as at end of March 2002, the JAFCO group has invested in more than 2,553 portfolio companies, of which more than 665 have been listed. This represents a vast wealth of knowledge and experience that is available to JAFCO Asia's entrepreneurial partners.
Dilithium Networks and Unicoding are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Motorola, Inc.
CONTACT: Media, Harish Gandhi of Dilithium Networks, +1-415-925-2275, or Jennifer Weyrauch of Motorola, +1-847-435-5320, Jennifer.weyrauch@motorola.com /Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020307/MOTLOGO http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020415/MOTNOTAGLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840URL: http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_new">http://www.motorola.comhttp://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: Illinois California Arizona China South Korea Taiwan SingaporeINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TLS CPR NETSUBJECT CODE: VEN FNC
TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies Offers Industry-First 1xEV-DV Test
Solution for 3G Chipset Designers
PALO ALTO, Calif., Apr 22, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced the industry's first 1xEV-DV (1x evolution -- data and voice) testing solution for designers of dual-mode chipsets for 1xEV-DV and cdma2000 3G technologies. This new product, targeted for 3G chipset designers, extends Agilent's comprehensive offerings in both wireless design and manufacturing test solutions to support 1xEV technology.
1xEV-DV is the next stage of the cdma2000 3G format, permitting allocation of bandwidth on demand and the ability to support simultaneous performance of both voice and data traffic on the same device. The ability to integrate voice and high-speed data packet services such as video, video-conferencing, and other multimedia services will help propel the industry into the next wave of wireless subscriber growth. Wireless network equipment manufacturers are expected to begin 1xEV-DV interoperability testing and field trials in the third quarter of 2003.
The new Agilent Signal Studio for 1xEV-DV and cdma2000 software (E4438C-414) works with the Agilent E4438C ESG vector signal generator, giving mobile chipset designers a flexible test and verification tool based upon 3GPP2 standards (C.S0002-C). With this solution, designers do not have to hand-code their own signals for this new technology, significantly reducing development time and costs for early chip development.
Signal Studio for 1xEV-DV and cdma2000 provides continuous transmissions of the 1xEV-DV and cdma2000 channels necessary for testing mobile receivers for sensitivity and packet or frame error rate, as well as baseband testing of receiver application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The software application includes four new 1xEV-DV forward link channels: two short-duration, fully coded packet data channels (PDCH) and two real-time packet data control channels (PDCCH), in addition to forward and reverse link cdma2000 voice channels. This capability allows designers to
-- simulate multiple voice and data users simultaneously; -- emulate multiple active data channels and sub-packets; -- test wireless device capability for making packet error or frame error ratio (PER/FER) measurements; and -- save setup time with over 100 pre-defined radio configurations.
Signal Studio can be downloaded to a PC to evaluate the software prior to purchase. To use the signals created by the software, each E4483C ESG vector signal generator must be licensed separately.
Additional information is available at www.agilent.com/find/signalstudio. Photos are available at www.agilent.com/find/1xEVscreen.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The 1xEV-DV software (Option E4438C-414) is $6,000 and the E4438C ESG vector signal generator with minimum configuration for this option is $28,350. Both products are now available.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 35,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6 billion in fiscal year 2002. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Sales information is available by calling 800/452-4844, ext. 7819. Please do NOT use editor contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales and product information.
Information in this news release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in other markets.
If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response to their inquiries by mailing them to Agilent Technologies, Test and Measurement Organization, 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd., MS 54LAK, Santa Clara, Calif. 95052.
Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.
CONTACT: Agilent Janet Smith, 970/679-5739 janet_smith@agilent.com or Weber Shandwick, for Agilent Heather Van Schoiack, 425/452-5457 hvanschoiack@webershandwick.comURL: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: CALIFORNIAINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE NETWORKING HARDWARE PRODUCT SOURCE: Agilent
Visiongain: '77 percent of 20-40 year old i-mode users in Japan had
received e-mail from porn sites' says visiongain's Wireless Porn Content report
Apr 22, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- In 2001,an independent study found that 77 percent of 20-40 year old i-mode users in Japan had received e-mail from porn sites. The majority of these sites are geared for male users but that is only natural as 86 percent of the users of the internet, wireless and wire line, are male. Operators and service providers alike are hoping the success of adult services over the wireless net in Japan will be mimicked in the rest of the world. Pornography is one thing people have always been willing to pay for and they are hoping the success of adult content on the wireless internet will help reimburse them for the huge amounts spent on 3G licences.
As the technology that mobile communications is based upon evolves into 3G, the public will have a much wider choice of entertainment available to them on their mobile phones. Full colour, high resolution graphics and polyphonic sounds will change the face of mobile technology and high speed internet connections will change the way that phones are used.
A visiongain poll examined what it was that the public would be prepared to pay extra for and thus establish 3G as the preferred medium of mobile communications.
A 22% clear majority vote shows that pornography is the main attraction for many people and will be pivotal in the success of 3G. Major names in both the pornography and mobile communications industries have taken note and are making moves to introduce high quality pornographic material ready for the launch of 3G.
Playboy have identified the up and coming market for mobile pornography and are teaming up with big names in the mobile communications business to help them reach their goals. They have arranged a deal with European service providers to be one of the first companies to have a portal on the new 3G network. Playboy have teamed up with Virgin Mobile to plan a pornographic site for the 3G system in Europe.
Hutchison, the creators of the failed Rabbit and highly successful Orange mobile phone networks have also announced their plans to launch a soft porn site that will be accessible to 3G mobile phone in the UK.
Since the service providers paid huge amounts for their 3G licences, they have been under enormous pressure to increase their revenues. The service providers can use the demand for pornography to their advantage as they slice money off the top of the call charges for the porn access.
visiongain have decided to capitalize on the developments of porn material over wireless communications and have brought out a report, Wireless Porn Content - Increasing revenue through pornographic material, which looks at the revenue potential and also tackles key issues surrounding porn content over wireless communications.
For more information please email mailto:sara@visiongain.com
Wireless Porn Content - Increasing revenue through porn material
The provision of wireless services in developed markets is being driven by the need for network operators to address the decline in both average revenue per user and the rate of annual subscriber growth. Those services must be profitable, popular and easy to provide.
'Sex Sells' - Is it the killer content your company requires?
For operators the key drivers are:
-- increase customer retention and acquisition through service differentiation
-- new revenue streams, by providing third parties with access to new customers
-- establish the correct strategic alliances
-- brand management - improve length of time users remain on your services
For content providers the key drivers are:
-- access to a vast, captive, lucrative and previously untapped market
-- improvement of brand recognition - strategic advancement into the provision of content across multiple platforms and devices;
-- an increase in the revenue potential of existing content and services;
-- potential complementing of content
The report includes:
* A detailed breakdown of the legal and technical challenges involved in the high potential arena of adult content.
* An overview of existing research on the market
* Mobile technologies behind the new important access channel of mobile
* Analysis of case studies of adult content operations
PRICING
Individual report pricing - single copies of this report are available for only GBPGBP999
Company-wide License (CD Rom and .pdf for company intranet use) for only GBPGBP4,995
1. Adult content on the wire line web 1.1 Adult content is big business Graph 1 - Revenue created by the internet 1.2 Funding for adult content Graph 2 - Internet users in the US 1.3 Access to adult content Graph 3 - Typical adult content pass screen
2. Adult content on the wireless web Graph 4 - i-mode users in Japan who view adult content 2.1 Services currently available Graph 4 - Topics searched for on Sinpalm Graph 5 - Sinpalm viewing figures for the different OS's by week day Image 2 - Page3.com's misleading ad 2.1.1 Services world wide Image 3 - Puzzle adult content on FOMA network 2.2 Wapme's agenda Image 4 - Dolly Buster picture message 2.3 SMS chat line trial Graph 6 - What people use SMS for in the UK
3. The Future of wireless adult content Graph 7 - What will make 3G successful? 3.1 Playboy Graph 8 - Playboys recent internet deals 3.2 Hutchison 3.3 Verizon Graph 9 - Money spent on adult content
4. The technology behind the wireless web 4.1 Technology behind SMS adult content 4.1.1 CMG 4.2 Video phone on the horizon Image 5 - FOMA's P210v video phone 4.3 EMS: Enhanced mobile messaging Image 6 - EMS screenshot Graph 10 - The demand for more than just plain text messaging 4.4 MMS: The future of mobile messaging
5. Will mobile adult content work? 5.1 SMS spam & opt out clauses
6. Regulation & the law 6.1 The moral & regulatory issues 6.2 Current European regulation 6.3 Japanese regulation: Lessons from Asia Graph 11 - Network crime statistics for Japan 6.4 Adult content without operator consent Image 7 - Adult content text messages 6.5 ICSTIS 6.5.1 Guidelines 6.5.2 ICSTIS & adult content Graph 12 - Number of complaints ICSTIS received in January 2002 6.6 FCC 6.7 Other regulatory bodies
7. Paying for adult content 7.1 Costs of data & video calls Graph 13 - Likely cost of low and high res video calls 7.2 Security considerations 7.2.1 Credit card fraud Graph 14 - The rise in online data theft
8. Making money off wireless adult content 8.1 Adult content & advertising Graph 15 - Cost per click to advertisers of various products 8.1.1 Growth markets Graph 16 - Predicted growth of wireless banner ads in Western Europe Graph 17 - Predicted growth of wireless interactive alerts in Western Europe Graph 18 - Interactive alert response rate compared to mail shots Graph 19 - visiongain mobile advert predictions 8.1.2 Advertising Guidelines 8.2 Advert placement Image 8 - Dubious product placement Image 9 - Selection of operator logos available through the link on Image 8
9. Findings and conclusions Graph 20 - Predictions for adult content revenue in 2006 Graph 21 - Predictions for wireless advertising revenue in 2006
M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.
(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
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NTT DoCoMo to provide advanced cellular phone technology to SingTel
Mobile
TOKYO, Apr 22, 2003 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Japan's top mobile phone carrier NTT DoCoMo Inc. will provide Singapore's largest operator with its advanced "third generation" wireless technology, the company said Tuesday.
The agreement with SingTel Mobile is the seventh case where DoCoMo has licensed 3G technology to a foreign company, said NTT DoCoMo spokesman Takumi Suzuki.
DoCoMo, which introduced the technology into its home market in 2001, has similar deals with major carriers from the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain, Suzuki said.
The 3G technology enables phones to relay video and zip information at 40 times the speed of most cell phones currently in use.
Under their agreement, DoCoMo and SingTel Mobile will aim for their 3G cellular phone customers to make and receive calls in both Japan and Singapore. This will enable DoCoMo third generation clients to use their phones abroad for the first time.
The carriers will also jointly develop common 3G mobile multimedia services.
DoCoMo controls about 60 percent of Japan's mobile phone market.
SingTel Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., is Singapore's largest mobile operator serving more than 1.5 million customers.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved
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APO Priority=r (PROFILE (WS SL:BC-AS-FIN-COM--Japan-Singapore-Telecom; CT:f; (REG:ASIA;) (REG:ENGL;) (REG:EURO;) (REG:BRIT;) (REG:SCAN;) (LANG:ENGLISH;)) )
KEYWORD: TOKYO
InterDigital Announces Date for First Quarter 2003 Financial Results
Release and Conference Call
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Apr 21, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- InterDigital Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:IDCC), a leading architect, designer and provider of advanced wireless technologies and product platforms, announced today that it will release its first quarter 2003 financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, May 13, 2003.
InterDigital will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss its first quarter 2003 operating results and its outlook for the future. For access to the conference call within the U.S. please dial (877) 505-0448 by 9:50 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 13 and ask the operator for the InterDigital First Quarter Financial Call.
Participants calling from outside the U. S. should dial (706) 679-3165.
InterDigital also will provide live access to the call on its web site at: www.interdigital.com. The Company encourages participants to take advantage of the Internet option if possible. For the live Internet broadcast, click on the microphone icon next to "Live Web Cast" on the homepage and you will link to the web cast.
In preparation for the web cast, InterDigital recommends that you complete the Pre-Event System Test.
In addition, a replay of the call will be available for 48 hours after the completion of the call. To access the recorded replay, dial (800) 642-1687 and use the confirmation code 9890666.
Due to the listen-only nature of the broadcast, questions or comments should be directed before the call to InterDigital's Investor Relations department via e-mail at: investor.relations@interdigital.com. The Company will address e-mail questions on the call as time permits.
InterDigital architects, designs and provides advanced wireless technologies and products that drive voice and data communications. The Company offers technology and product solutions for mainstream wireless applications that deliver cost and time-to-market advantages for its customers.
InterDigital has a strong portfolio of patented technologies covering 2G, 2.5G and 3G standards, which it licenses worldwide. For more information, please visit InterDigital's web site: www.interdigital.com. InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital Communications Corporation.
CONTACT: InterDigital Communications Corporation Media Contact: Dawn Goldstein, 610/878-7800 e-mail: dawn.goldstein@interdigital.com or Investor Contact: Janet Point, 610/878-7800 e-mail: janet.point@interdigital.comURL: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIAINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS E-COMMERCE INTERNET HARDWARE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS CONFERENCE CALLS EARNINGS SOURCE: InterDigital Communications Corporation
NTT DoCoMo to Introduce Sigmarion III Handheld PC
Tokyo, Japan, Apr 22, 2003 (JCN Newswire via COMTEX) -- NTT DoCoMo, Inc. announced today that the company will unveil its latest series handheld PC, the sigmarion III, making it easier than ever before for mobile users to read and write messages, use popular applications and browse the internet via connection to a wireless terminal. DoCoMo expects to begin marketing the sigmarion III at the end of May or later.
The sigmarion series was launched in September 2000 as a highly mobile mini-PC with high-end functionality and enhanced performance. As the latest addition to the series, the sigmarion III works with Personal Handyphone System (PHS), 2G (PDC), 3G FOMA (R) and mobile packet data communications (DoPa) wireless systems. It is also the ideal device to use with @FreeD(TM) DoCoMo's PHS flat-rate internet access service that enables users to enjoy always-on internet access.
The sigmarion III utilizes the Microsoft(R) Windows (R) CE NET operating system and is powered by an Intel PXA255 400 MHz processor. It features a 5.0-inch semi-transparent TFT display with W-VGA 800 x 480 pixel resolution, approaching standard PC screen quality.
The new product also incorporates the Picsel Browser(TM) that allows users to scroll and resize web pages and documents with a stylus, making it easy to view charts and other graphics created with bundled applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint(R) A handy quick-start icon that appears on both sides of the display enables applications to be opened rapidly.
The sigmarion III's SD card slot (SDIO compatible) and Compact Flash(TM) Card slot can be used concurrently.
The keyboard has a 14.1 mm pitch for easy typing.
The sigmarion III also comes with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for CE, providing a web experience similar to that of a notebook PC. Microsoft Windows Media(TM) Player lets sigmarion III users enjoy music and watch videos. Another bundled application, mobileCustom(TM) Ver. 2, enables the desktop screen, icons and similar items to be customized with a wide variety of content and software.
About NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo is the world's leading mobile communications company with more than 44 million customers. The company provides a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimedia services. These include i-mode(R), the world's most popular mobile internet service, which provides e-mail and Internet access to over 35 million subscribers, and FOMA(R), launched in 2001 as the world's first 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA. In addition to wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe and North and South America, the company is expanding its global reach through strategic alliances with mobile and multimedia service providers in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North and South America. NTT DoCoMo is listed on the Tokyo (TSE: 9437), London (NDCM), and New York (DCM) stock exchanges.
Source: NTT DoCoMo
Contact:
NTT DoCoMoTakumi Suzukisuzukitaku@nttdocomo.co.jp+81 3 5156 1111
Copyright (C) 2003 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.
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Samsung Names QUALCOMM as Best Supplier of the Year - Award Recognizes
QUALCOMM's Outstanding Support -
SAN DIEGO, Apr 22, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), pioneer and world leader of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless technology, today announced that the Company's QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies (QCT) division has been selected by Samsung Electronics, a global leader in telecommunication, semiconductor and digital convergence technology, as "Best Supplier of the Year." The award, in recognition of QCT's significant contributions to Samsung Electronics becoming the world's leading wireless device manufacturer, was presented in Seoul at a formal ceremony held for the two companies.
"We thank QUALCOMM for their dedication and support in providing us with world class, highly-integrated chipsets and software solutions for Samsung's continued success," said Mr. KiTae Lee, president of Telecommunication Network Business, Samsung Electronics. "Through our close partnership with QUALCOMM, Samsung continues to rapidly produce industry-leading, feature-rich, high- quality CDMA2000 1X and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO handsets for the global wireless industry."
"We accept this award with much appreciation and commitment to our Samsung partnership, a productive partnership that we have developed over nearly a decade," said Dr. Sanjay Jha, president of QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "As a key customer of our CDMA chipset solutions, we are proud of Samsung's recognition of QCT's leadership in enabling the design of many new wireless devices, and to our dedication in ensuring only the highest quality of service support. We hope to continue our strong partnership and further grow CDMA markets together."
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ( www.samsung.com ) is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication and digital convergence technology. Samsung Electronics employs approximately 70,000 people in 88 offices in 47 countries. The company is the world's largest producer of memory chips, TFT-LCDs, CDMA mobile phones, monitors and VCRs. Samsung Electronics consists of four main business units: Digital Media Network Business, Device Solution Network Business, Telecommunication Network Business and Digital Appliance Network Business.
QUALCOMM Incorporated ( www.qualcomm.com ) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on the Company's CDMA digital technology. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2003 FORTUNE 500(R) company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.
QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For further information, please contact: Stacy Getz, CDMA Technologies Public Relations, +1-858-845-7674, or fax, +1-858-845-7435, stacyg@qualcomm.com, or Emily Gin, Corporate Public Relations, +1-858-651-4084, or fax, +1-858-651-5873, publicrelations@qualcomm.com, or Julie Cunningham, Investor Relations, +1-858-658-4224, or fax, +1-858-651-9303, jcunningham@qualcomm.com, all of QUALCOMM Incorporated.
SOURCE QUALCOMM Incorporated
CONTACT: Stacy Getz, CDMA Technologies Public Relations, +1-858-845-7674, or fax, +1-858-845-7435, stacyg@qualcomm.com, or Emily Gin, Corporate Public Relations, +1-858-651-4084, or fax, +1-858-651-5873, publicrelations@qualcomm.com, or Julie Cunningham, Investor Relations, +1-858-658-4224, or fax, +1-858-651-9303, jcunningham@qualcomm.com, all of QUALCOMM IncorporatedURL: http://www.samsung.com http://www.qualcomm.com http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: California South KoreaINDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR CSE TLS SEM MLM ECPSUBJECT CODE: AWD ASI
Intel Banks on Centrino Processor System to Tap WiFi Phenomenon
Apr 21, 2003 (The Seattle Times - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- Intel may have arrived late to the Wi-Fi party, but it's buying drinks all around, trying to convince revelers the bigger bar down the street is nicer, if a bit more conventional looking.
Last month, the chip-making giant launched Centrino, its first processor system designed from the get-go for laptops.
The trade press is enthusiastic over laptops using Centrino chips, hailing the system as the best combination so far of weight, performance, price and battery life.
Previous laptops used chips reformulated from desktop models, and which suffered from all of the compromises that come from squeezing a 30-pound sack of goods into a 5-pound box. Oddly, Intel doesn't emphasize those technological achievements.
Intel has instead opted to spend $300 million for ads that feature a single word -- "unwired" -- in large type. The company even snapped up most of the advertising in a special issue of Wired Magazine -- called, appropriately, the "Unwired" issue.
The Centrino system includes a plain wireless networking module that uses the industry standard 802.11b, or Wi-Fi protocol, to exchange data at up to 11 megabits per second.
There's nothing unique about Intel's version, which is similar to a system Apple rolled out in 1999. Nor is there much profit in selling Wi-Fi "radios," or adapters, say analysts, because the cost of the components has fallen.
Gartner Dataquest estimates 10 percent of all laptops shipped in 2002 contained wireless modules, with that number expected to rise to 31 percent by 2004, representing at least 10 million laptops.
Laptops are becoming "unwired" at this rate partly because of an increasing web of "hot spot" locations that offer high-speed Wi-Fi access for a fee. As part of the unwired campaign, Intel is sending scores of technicians worldwide to such venues as Borders, McDonald's and Starbucks outlets to certify that Wi-Fi connections in those locations work flawlessly and reliably with Centrino.
Hot spots typically charge from a few dollars an hour to $50 a month for unlimited use.
Intel partnered with IBM and AT&T last year to form Cometa Networks, a company that plans to build 20,000 hot spots by 2004 aimed primarily at business customers.
By hopping on the hot-pot bandwagon, Intel seems to be turning its "Intel Inside" slogan inside out. Intel wants the Centrino name to become synonymous with ubiquitous, fast, easy connectivity using hot-spot technology or third-generation (3G) cellular data networks of the future.
Call it "Intel Everywhere."
To that end, Intel is imposing strict Centrino requirements for computer makers. To use the Centrino brand name, a laptop must include a Pentium-M processor, a set of chips for USB and battery management and the Intel wireless module. Any less, and it's "just" a Pentium-M model -- and the laptop makers lose out on their chunk of that $300 million fund for marketing and advertising.
The Centrino campaign may help Intel forestall laptop makers from creating their own wireless packages using non-Intel equipment. That could make Intel the market leader in future wireless connections via laptops.
Sarah Kim, an analyst with The Yankee Group, said Intel is providing the processor with the wireless system included, so that it doesn't seem like buyers pay extra for it.
Intel's approach may motivate laptop makers, but consumers and business users are already interested in wireless. The company had to provide them with a different kind of promise.
Intel wasn't first to market, so it focused on the user experience, assuring a Centrino laptop will simply and consistently make wireless connections.
Intel said that when its engineers checked out hot spots, they helped operators solve numerous problems that would have prevented Centrino and non-Centrino users from making a seamless connection.
"The goal down the line is to always have a consistent connection," said Christine Vermes, an Intel spokeswoman.
Hot-spot networks stand to gain enormous credibility by putting Intel's name alongside their own. Intel, in turn, will receive exposure at tens of thousands of venues. The benefit of a Centrino logo on the window of every Wi-Fi-equipped Starbucks is likely incalculable.
In the near term, Intel hopes the Centrino branding program and its support of hot spots increases the number of places wireless can be used for a fee -- which now number about 4,000 in the United States.
"I think we've done more to fuel the market for wireless, whether it's Intel's wireless or somebody else's wireless, than any other company in the last 10 years," said Don McDonald, Intel's worldwide director of marketing for mobile computers.
McDonald said the company wants to become more involved in "convergence between computing and communication."
This includes working with cellular data, including future high-speed networks using increasingly advanced data-transfer technologies. "What we're starting today is just the first step of a journey that's going to take several years to get under way," McDonald said.
Intel's approach gives it a Trojan Horse advantage without the subterfuge. By associating its wireless vision with a soon-to-be familiar name -- Centrino -- the company hopes it will be at the front lines of any future wireless data revolution.
By Glenn Fleishman
To see more of The Seattle Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.seattletimes.com.
(c) 2003, The Seattle Times. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
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easymoney101, Yes. Check it out:http://www.interdigital.com/investing_calendar.jsp
Danny, Just in time:U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Technology Conference
05/14/2003 16:00:00 to 05/14/2003
New York , NY , US
InterDigital Announces Date for First Quarter 2003 Financial Results
Release and Conference Call
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Apr 21, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- InterDigital Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:IDCC), a leading architect, designer and provider of advanced wireless technologies and product platforms, announced today that it will release its first quarter 2003 financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, May 13, 2003.
InterDigital will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss its first quarter 2003 operating results and its outlook for the future. For access to the conference call within the U.S. please dial (877) 505-0448 by 9:50 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 13 and ask the operator for the InterDigital First Quarter Financial Call.
Participants calling from outside the U. S. should dial (706) 679-3165.
InterDigital also will provide live access to the call on its web site at: www.interdigital.com. The Company encourages participants to take advantage of the Internet option if possible. For the live Internet broadcast, click on the microphone icon next to "Live Web Cast" on the homepage and you will link to the web cast.
In preparation for the web cast, InterDigital recommends that you complete the Pre-Event System Test.
In addition, a replay of the call will be available for 48 hours after the completion of the call. To access the recorded replay, dial (800) 642-1687 and use the confirmation code 9890666.
Due to the listen-only nature of the broadcast, questions or comments should be directed before the call to InterDigital's Investor Relations department via e-mail at: investor.relations@interdigital.com. The Company will address e-mail questions on the call as time permits.
InterDigital architects, designs and provides advanced wireless technologies and products that drive voice and data communications. The Company offers technology and product solutions for mainstream wireless applications that deliver cost and time-to-market advantages for its customers.
InterDigital has a strong portfolio of patented technologies covering 2G, 2.5G and 3G standards, which it licenses worldwide. For more information, please visit InterDigital's web site: www.interdigital.com. InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital Communications Corporation.
CONTACT: InterDigital Communications Corporation Media Contact: Dawn Goldstein, 610/878-7800 e-mail: dawn.goldstein@interdigital.com or Investor Contact: Janet Point, 610/878-7800 e-mail: janet.point@interdigital.comURL: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIAINDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS E-COMMERCE INTERNET HARDWARE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS CONFERENCE CALLS EARNINGS SOURCE: InterDigital Communications Corporation
20.77 eom
span5, Yes it is.eom
Nokia Targets Motorola in Battle for US Handsets
Apr 21, 2003 (ComputerWire via COMTEX) -- Nokia Corp has reported a sharp increase in profitability and has forecast that with the world handset market set to increase by 10% over the 405 million units shipped in 2002, it expects to record even stronger growth. Much of its ambitions are centered on the US market where it aims to take on Motorola in a battle for the CDMA market.
In the first quarter to March 31, net income rose 13.2% to 977m euros ($1bn) on revenue 3.4% higher at 6.77bn euros ($7.4bn). However, the Espoo, Finland-based telecoms equipment giant said revenue at its networks operation, where it announced a cut of 1,800 jobs earlier this month, fell 15% to 1.2bn euros ($1.3bn), while its mobile phone operation showed 1% growth to 5.5bn euros ($5.9bn).
The high cost of introducing the first implementation of 3G technologies was a big factor in the operating loss of 10.4m euros ($11.3m) recorded by the networks business, and the aim now is to get it profitable on quarterly revenue of 1.4bn euros ($1.5bn), 15% above the current level.
Chief executive Jorma Ollila said there had been "no improvement" in demand for network equipment from wireless operators, and it expects none in the near term. Nokia is also pruning its product range in an effect to return the business to profitability.
The substantial improvement in profit masks deeper problems. Average selling prices of handsets are falling. While unit shipments rose 13% to about 38 million in a market that expanded by just 10%, the value of sales increased by only 1% because much of the growth has been in emerging markets where low prices are important.
The big hope now is that demand will take off for phones with color screens and more sophisticated features. "I don't think we have really seen yet an emergence of upgrades to color displays as well as multiple-featured phones. We are still expecting that to happen, and it will happen," said Ollila.
With a mobile phone market share of 38%, Nokia now has its sights on its nearest competitor Motorola Inc. Seven new CDMA phones have started shipping, together with GSM models tailored for the US market, and Nokia is confident of success. "We expect to gain market share in the US in CDMA in the second quarter and going forward," said Ollila.
Nokia forecasts a 4% to 12% increase in mobile phone sales in the second quarter, and a growing share of the market for high-end devices. It plans to take a charge of 350m to 400m euros ($381 to $436m) in the second quarter for the network restructuring and the write-off of some investments.
ComputerWire News: Issue 4651, April 21, 2003
(C) Copyright 2003 ComputerWire.Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.
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PRODUCT PROFILE: Nextel Gets Nudged in Push-To-Talk Realm
Apr 17, 2003 (NewsFactor.com via COMTEX) -- By now, most TV viewers have seen the ads with actor Dennis Franz using Nextel's (Nasdaq: NXTL) Direct Connect instant communication service to chat with his wife as he shops. Departing from his well-known tough guy character, New York cop Andy Sipowicz, Franz does his best to persuade the viewing audience that he really is not a shill for the carrier.
Maybe he means it -- Nextel might not actually need his help. The company has virtually cornered the push-to-talk (PTT) market with its offering of a walkie-talkie type connection for mobile phones . Still, that has not stopped other IT providers and operators from going after a piece of the action.
Togabi Technologies is one of them; PacketChat is its alternative to Nextel's voice over IP (VoIP) wireless packet-data service. Togabi is taking a two-pronged approach to the market, providing PacketChat as a client to phone manufacturers and as a server product to wireless operators.
The Push for PTT
Togabi can take on Nextel because PacketChat works on more networks, says company spokesperson Andrew Rimkus. Direct Connect is available only on Motorola's (NYSE: MOT) iDEN system and handsets, but PacketChat runs on the more widespread GSM/GPRS and CDMA 2000 1x wireless networks, as well as Wi-Fi (802.11) local-area networks.
"The packet-data networks needed to support push-to-talk are being set up by all of the major carriers, and this quick communication channel is now gaining a lot of traction," Rimkus told NewsFactor. "We have the software they need to get PTT up and running."
Targeting Device Makers
PacketChat offers instant one-to-one and one-to-many PTT calls and is based on standard IP technologies. It can be integrated into any 2.5G or 3G wireless handset, or distributed through infrastructure partners to wireless operators.
Togabi recently inked a deal with handset maker Samsung for its product, and has similar agreements with IT providers HP (NYSE: HPQ) and Commworks. PacketChat is sold as a software license on a one-time, per-subscriber basis. Commercial availability is expected in summer 2003, with a number of GPRS and CDMA carriers worldwide currently conducting trials, said Rimkus.
End users of the service are expected to come from both the enterprise and consumer markets.
Instant Gratification
"We see push-to-talk as the first application for our software, with other real-time voice and data applications, such as multimedia, group-entertainment content delivery, and multiplayer games eventually using the same infrastructure," he said. Togabi sees PTT as instant messaging with voice, and foresees carriers offering chat groups as well as information services like 411 number lookup.
Indeed, PTT has gained traction among major players in the wireless industry. Verizon Wireless , Sprint PCS (NYSE: PCS) and AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) all reportedly have plans to deploy such services in the near future. Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is developing PTT products for GSM/GPRS networks, and Qualcomm (Nasdaq: QCOM) has Qchat, a CDMA version of PTT for which Nextel now holds exclusive rights.
Togabi competes directly with Sonim and Winphoria , two companies that offer similar software-based systems.
Challenges Ahead
"Nextel has demonstrated a higher RPU (revenue per user) than anyone else, based primarily on its Direct Connect service," said IDC wireless analyst Keith Waryas, "but the uniqueness is wearing off as others enter the market." He did note that Nextel aims to stay ahead of the curve by extending Direct Connect from a local to a nationwide service.
For Togabi and others, though, there are some challenges. PTT suffers from latency -- pauses of a second or more between pushing the phone's walkie-talkie button and receiving a call -- that is typical of handling voice calls on a data network. Also, Waryas told NewsFactor, customers have to purchase a new handset, and widespread acceptance of PTT will hinge on roaming and/or interoperability agreements among carriers.
That said, Direct Connect has developed a strong following among construction and transportation businesses that appreciate the convenience of instant communications. "If location-based applications can be added, PTT could also generate interest as a sales force automation tool," Waryas said. "There is some opportunity for these services."
By Jay Wrolstad
URL: http://www.nextel.com http://www.togabi.com http://www.motorola.com http://www.samsung.com http://www.hp.com http://www.verizonws.com http://www.sprintpcs.com http://www.attws.com http://www.nokia.com http://www.qualcomm.com http://www.sonim.com http://www.winphoria.com http://www.idc.com
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