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last trade 12.25 eom
UTStarcom Signs New Contract Valued at $26.5 Million with China
RELATED SYMBOLS: (UTSI)
ALAMEDA, Calif., Feb 11, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- UTStarcom
Inc., (Nasdaq: UTSI), a leading provider of wireless, wireline, and broadband
access equipment, today announced that it has signed a contract valued at
approximately $26.5 million with China Telecom for new deployments of its
IP-based PAS(TM) (Personal Access System) platform in Wuhan city, the provincial
capital of Hubei Province of China.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001102/UTSILOGO )
As one of the major national telecom network hubs in China, Wuhan, with a
population of about seven million, enjoys fast telecom development due to a
growing local economy in the province of about 60 million people.
"This contract is the largest PAS/iPAS deployment in Hubei Province," said Simon
Le, senior vice president of UTStarcom China. "Through utilizing our softswitch
core network technology in the iPAS system, we are competitively positioned to
deploy more PAS/iPAS systems as well as other access systems in Hubei Province
that will support a comprehensive suite of voice, data, and broadband
connections."
Le adds, "UTStarcom is confident that this new iPAS system will repeat the same
success it has achieved in another provincial capital, Chengdu."
Chengdu, a city with a similar population size as Wuhan, is the provincial
capital of Sichuan Province, which is also located in inland China. Since its
inauguration of PAS services early last year, it has undergone two expansions
and now has over 640,000 total PAS users with an increasing value-added services
subscriber base.
Introduced in China in 1998 as a replacement to antiquated fixed-line systems,
UTStarcom's PAS technology gained more than seven and a half million Chinese
customers as of December 2002, and now owns more than 60 percent of the
country's market share for the sector. Marketed as a low-cost investment option
for wireless local telephone service, the PAS system features advanced voice and
data services within a flexible network architecture that can be seamlessly
integrated with future 3G and broadband technologies. With deployments in China,
Taiwan, Vietnam, and soon to be in the United States, UTStarcom dominated the
worldwide PAS market in 2002, being named the top manufacturer by Merrill Lynch
in October 2002. In addition to its leadership in PAS, UTStarcom also earned the
top spot in the worldwide softswitch market in the second and third quarters of
last year from Infonetics Research, and rated second in the DSLAM sector from
Synergy Research, both key technology areas in high-growth markets.
About UTStarcom, Inc.
UTStarcom designs, manufactures, sells, and installs an integrated suite of
future-ready access network and next-generation switching solutions. We enable
wireless and wireline operators in fast-growth markets worldwide to offer voice,
data, and Internet access services rapidly and cost effectively by utilizing
existing infrastructure.
UTStarcom's products provide a seamless migration from wireline to wireless,
from narrowband to broadband, and from circuit- to packet-based networks by
employing "Next Generation Network Technology. Now."
The company's customers include public telecommunications service providers that
operate wireless and wireline voice and data networks in rapidly growing
communications markets around the world.
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company
manufactures the majority of its products at its ISO9002 certified facilities
located in China, and maintains sales and customer support sites throughout
Mainland China and in Iselin, NJ; Alameda, CA; Miami, FL; Frankfurt, Germany;
Mexico City, Mexico; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and New Delhi, India.
For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company's Web site at
www.utstar.com.
NOTE: PAS, AN-2000, WACOS and the UTStarcom name and logo are trademarks of
UTStarcom, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing statements regarding the expansion of PAS deployments in the Hubei
province and the continued consumer demand for PAS services in the Hubei
province are forward-looking in nature and are therefore subject to the risks
and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These
factors include rapidly changing technology, the changing nature of China's
telecommunications markets, possible delays in the system deployments or product
introductions, possible downturns in the telecommunications markets both in
China and worldwide, the termination of new contracts, partnerships or alliances
in the Hubei province, reductions or potential cancellation or non-recognition
of backlog and uncertainties, such as changes in government regulation and
licensing requirements in China. The Company also refers readers to the risk
factors identified in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports
on Forms 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE UTStarcom, Inc.
CONTACT: Michael J. Sophie, Vice President of Finance, CFO,
+1-510-749-1510, or Chesha Kamieniecki, Investor Relations Manager,
+1-510-749-1560, both of UTStarcom, Inc.; or Stephanie Gallagher of Engage PR,
+1-510-748-8200, ext. 213, or stephanie@engagepr.com, for UTStarcom, Inc.
/Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001102/UTSILOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
URL: http://www.utstar.com
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: California
China
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
TLS
NET
ECP
SUBJECT CODE: CON
(Wall Street)
QUALCOMM Declares Quarterly Dividend and Announces Stock Repurchase
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
SAN DIEGO, Feb 11, 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 its Board of
Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share and approved a
stock repurchase program of up to $1.0 billion of common shares over 24 months.
The dividend is payable on March 31, 2003 to stockholders of record at the close
of business on March 14, 2003 and would pay out approximately $160 million per
year, if continued quarterly. Subject to continued capital availability and a
determination that cash dividends continue to be in the best interests of the
Company and its stockholders, it is the intention of the Board of Directors to
pay a comparable quarterly dividend on a going forward basis.
"QUALCOMM has been generating increasing amounts of free cash from operations as
a result of the success of CDMA technology, particularly with increasing third
generation (3G) CDMA network deployments around the world," said Dr. Irwin Mark
Jacobs, chairman and CEO of QUALCOMM. "QUALCOMM has benefited from the growth of
CDMA with increased revenues and earnings in our core semiconductor and
technology licensing businesses. In declaring the first dividend in our history
and a stock repurchase program, QUALCOMM's Board of Directors has determined
that the Company can return some of its cash to shareholders without impacting
future revenue and earnings growth or restricting strategic opportunities. The
combination of a dividend and a stock repurchase program demonstrates our
commitment to long-term shareholder value."
The stock repurchase program is effective immediately. The timing of repurchases
and the exact number of shares of common stock to be purchased will depend upon
prevailing market conditions and other factors. Repurchases under this program
will be made using the Company's own cash resources and may be commenced or
suspended at any time or from time-to-time at management's discretion without
prior notice. Repurchases may be made in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions, or through the use of derivative securities. The
Company had approximately 783 million shares of common stock outstanding as of
December 29, 2002.
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 traded on The Nasdaq Stock
Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release
contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Actual results, as well as the future executive of the dividend and repurchase
programs, may differ substantially from the results and programs referred to
herein due to a number of factors, including but not limited to risks associated
with: changing global economic conditions, particularly in the
telecommunications and Internet-related industries and the resulting uncertainty
in forecasting future results; the scale-up, acceptance and operations of CDMA
systems; the ability to sustain or improve operational efficiency and
profitability; decreases in the rate of growth in CDMA-based wireless data and
Internet access or the CDMA subscriber population; the development, deployment
and commercial acceptance of evolving CDMA technology standards; developments in
current or future litigation, the ability to continue to generate cash at a rate
necessary to continue paying cash dividends or repurchasing shares, the ability
to execute stock repurchases of the amounts indicated, as well as the other
risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's SEC reports.
QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For further information, please contact: Julie Cunningham, Sr. Vice President,
Investor Relations, of QUALCOMM Incorporated, +1-858-658-4224, or fax,
+1-858-651-9303, juliec@qualcomm.com
SOURCE QUALCOMM Incorporated
CONTACT: Julie Cunningham, Sr. Vice President, Investor Relations, of
QUALCOMM Incorporated, +1-858-658-4224, or fax, +1-858-651-9303,
juliec@qualcomm.com
URL: http://www.qualcomm.com
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: California
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
TLS
ECP
SEM
SUBJECT CODE: DIV
(Wall Street)
America Movil selects Nokia as main supplier for its new EDGE networks in
RELATED SYMBOLS: (AMOV)(NOK)
HELSINKI, Feb 11, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- America Movil, S.A. de C.V. (America
Movil) has chosen Nokia as the main infrastructure supplier for its new EDGE
networks in Colombia and Ecuador. Operated by America Movil's subsidiaries
Comunicacion Celular, S.A. (Comcel), and Occidente y Caribe Celular, S.A.
(Occel) in Columbia, and Consorcio Ecuatoriano de Telecomunicaciones, S.A.
(Conecel) in Ecuador, the deployment of the two nationwide networks will start
immediately.
The deal will allow America Movil to introduce GSM voice and GPRS/EDGE 3G data
services to Colombia and Ecuador. The network will be EDGE capable from day one.
Under the terms of the contract, Nokia will supply its high-capacity, end-to-end
GSM/GPRS/EDGE solution for 800 MHz mobile service, including both core network,
radio access and related services. Included in the contract are Nokia UltraSite
GSM/EDGE base stations, as well as the Nokia circuit-switched core network,
Nokia GPRS (general packet radio service) packet-core network, and the Nokia
NetAct(TM) operations support systems (OSS) solution.
The Nokia GSM/GPRS/EDGE solution chosen by America Movil offers a fast and
smooth migration path from legacy TDMA systems, helping America Movil to extend
the benefits of GSM, the world's most popular mobile technology, to all its
customers. As a part of a truly global standard, the GSM path brings the
incomparable benefits of global roaming and economies of scale.
Nokia currently offers several GSM/GPRS 800/1900 MHz dual-band phones and
recently announced the industry's first triple-band 800/900/1900 EDGE terminal,
the Nokia 6200. The prompt availability of 800 MHz phones in several price and
performance categories leverages the power of the GSM standard in both economies
of scale and in peak data speeds for 3G services.
"We at Nokia are delighted that America Movil has demonstrated so strongly its
commitment to the global standard of GSM and its trust in Nokia. We are excited
to deliver our EDGE technology to America Movil," said Dr. J.T. Bergqvist,
Executive Vice President, Nokia Networks. "America Movil, through its
subsidiaries, is a major power in the Latin American operator market and we are
very proud to become one of their strategic network vendor partners."
About America Movil
America Movil is the leading provider of wireless services in Latin America. It
has over 32 million wireless subscribers across the continent.
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.
CONTACT: Nokia Networks
Communications Department,
Tel. (Int.) + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: COLOMBIA INTERNATIONAL LATIN AMERICA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORKING
PRODUCT
MARKETING
AGREEMENTS
SOURCE:
Nokia
(Wall Street)
InterDigital Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2002 Financial
RELATED SYMBOLS: (NIPNY)(IDCC)
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Feb 11, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- InterDigital
Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: IDCC), a leading architect, designer and
provider of wireless technology and product platforms, today announced operating
results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2002.
The results were highlighted by year-over-year revenue growth of 64% in 2002,
including non-recurring items. Further, InterDigital's cash and short-term
investment position at December 31, 2002 remained very strong at $87.6 million.
The receipt of approximately $11.9 million (net of non-U.S. withholding taxes)
associated with an installment payment related to a 2G patent license agreement
with NEC Corporation of Japan (NEC) immediately after year-end further
strengthened the Company's cash position going into early 2003.
Revenues in the fourth quarter 2002 of $25.2 million, increased $16.8 million,
or 200%, over fourth quarter 2001 due to the recognition of significantly higher
patent licensing royalty revenue. Patent licensing royalty revenue increased
$19.2 million, or 316%, in the fourth quarter 2002 over the $6.0 million
reported in the fourth quarter 2001. The increase in patent licensing royalty
revenue in the fourth quarter 2002 was primarily due to three items: $5.1
million of new revenue resulting from agreements reached with NEC in early 2002;
an increase of $4.6 million in royalties related to improved marketplace
performance from a key licensee, Sharp Corporation (Sharp); and the recognition
of $9.7 million of deferred revenue associated with a non-refundable and
non-transferable patent license prepayment previously received from Denso
Corporation, relating to its discontinued PDC and PHS second generation (2G)
wireless products. As expected, no specialized engineering services revenue
associated with the final stages of the Wideband Time Division Duplex (WTDD)
technology development work for Nokia Corporation (Nokia) was recognized in the
fourth quarter 2002, resulting in a decrease in specialized engineering service
revenue of $2.3 million in fourth quarter 2002 versus fourth quarter 2001.
The Company reported net income of $4.0 million, or $0.07 per share (diluted),
for the fourth quarter 2002, compared to a net loss of $9.8 million, or $0.18
per share in the fourth quarter 2001. The improvement in operating results
compared to the fourth quarter 2001 was due to the overall increase in revenues,
partially offset by modest increases in operating expenses. Operating expenses
increased 2% over fourth quarter 2001 to $18.8 million, as increased patent
enforcement costs offset decreases in other expense areas. In addition, net
interest income for the fourth quarter 2002 decreased due to lower interest
rates on investments in 2002 compared to 2001. Tax expense increased in the
fourth quarter 2002 due to higher non-US withholding taxes related to the
increased royalty revenue recognized in the period.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, revenues were $86.0 million, an increase
of 64% versus comparable revenues of $52.6 million in 2001. Absent non-recurring
revenue items associated with the discontinuation of sales of covered products
by Denso and Kyocera and revenue attributable to the pre-2002 build-out of 3G
systems in Japan by NEC, 2002 revenue would have increased 17% to $61.5 million
in 2002 over 2001. Revenues from specialized engineering services associated
with the WTDD technology development work for Nokia totaled $4.5 million in
2002, down from the $21.8 million recorded in 2001. The Company reported net
income of $0.7 million for the year 2002, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net
loss of $19.4 million or $0.36 per share in 2001.
"In one of the most challenging years for the wireless industry, we are pleased
to report solid results for 2002," said Howard Goldberg, President and CEO. "We
achieved our most important objectives: substantial progress and continued
aggressive investment in 3G technology and product development while maintaining
the Company's financial strength, improving our industry positioning, and
enhancing our reputation in the investment community.
"The migration of our WCDMA technologies to product is progressing well. We
enter 2003 having commenced the marketing of our future FDD products to
potential customers worldwide and looking forward to demonstrating the first
standards-compliant WTDD end-to-end solution next week at the 3GSM Congress in
Cannes, France.
"As a result of our aggressive development efforts and focused financial
management, we are well positioned to take full advantage of the market
opportunities for traditional and emerging wireless communications," Mr.
Goldberg concluded.
Operational highlights of the year included: -- Posting significant advances
toward global 3G WCDMA product introduction. The Company began actively
marketing its FDD software protocol stack, developed through its strategic
partnership with Infineon, and demonstrated its portability to different
hardware platforms. -- Passing a major product development milestone in WTDD
product definition and development. As a result, the Company will demonstrate
the first standards compliant WTDD system at the 3GSM World Congress this month.
-- Strengthening the Company's patent licensing program through the addition of
four 3G licensees while also resolving outstanding 2G patent licensing disputes
with NEC and Samsung. -- Broadening the Company's patent licensing portfolio
through the acquisition of exclusive licensing rights to Tantivy Corporation's
CDMA2000 patent portfolio. -- Expanding the Company's technology outreach to
leading universities in wireless communications by adding a research partnership
with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, enhancing the
Company's 3G wireless development initiatives. -- Attaining the International
Standards Organization quality standard (ISO 9001:2000) Multi-Site Registration
Certificate for all the Company's development centers including Montreal,
Canada, and Munich, Germany.
Rich Fagan, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "As we enter 2003, our baseline
revenues continue to be largely dependent on trends in the mobile wireless
market, particularly in Japan. In addition, we expect that the performance of
NEC and Sharp will continue to be the major determinant of our baseline revenues
in the near term. To the extent that these and other Japanese licensees continue
their apparent early success in penetrating markets outside Japan, we expect to
see some improvement to our baseline royalty revenues from sales of covered
products in 2003. We also intend to work aggressively towards expanding our
licensee base with new agreements in 2003. We anticipate maintaining relatively
stable employment levels in the near term and expect quarterly operating expense
levels to be in the range, or slightly above, those experienced in the past few
quarters.
"Our total year 2003 results could also be affected materially by the nature of
any ultimate resolutions related to open licensing and infringement issues with
Ericsson (currently in litigation and scheduled for trial in May 2003) and Nokia
(pending determination of royalty rates associated with the existing license
agreement)," added Mr. Fagan.
About InterDigital
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.
This press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting, among other
things, the Company's beliefs and expectations as to (i) the migration of our
WCDMA technologies to product and our ability to take advantage of market
opportunities, (ii) revenues, our ability to expand our licensee base, employee
levels, and operating expenses and (iii) the impact of any resolutions with
Ericsson and Nokia, including our ability to achieve such resolutions and the
timing thereof. Words such as "looking forward", "opportunities", "expect",
"intend", "anticipate", and "could", or similar expressions are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual
outcomes could differ materially from those expressed in any such
forward-looking statement due to a variety of factors in addition to those
specifically identified above including, but not limited to: (i) the market
relevance of our technologies; limited or no deployment of WTDD technology;
changes in technology preferences of strategic partners or consumers;
unanticipated development costs, technical, financial or other difficulties or
delays related to the development of strategic relationships our technologies
and products; the availability or development of substitute technologies or
competition from competitive technologies; our ability to leverage our existing
and enter into additional strategic relationships; the ability of our
semiconductor partner(s) to provide capacity, competitively priced products and
possess adequate manufacturing and distribution networks; failure of the 3G
market or the wireless data services market to materialize in the manner, scope
or time frame anticipated, the ability of operators to fund new 3G network
deployments, the ability of operators to deliver 3G products in volume; the
success of underlying 3G technology; and the successful delivery of
differentiated services by 3G products; (ii) the effects of global economic
conditions, governmental licensing decisions, and delays in spectrum licensing,
(iii) our ability to enter into additional licenses, our ability to extend the
term of the Sharp patent license agreement on favorable terms or at all, the
market share and performance of our licensees in selling their products, our
ability to adequately enforce and protect our patents and other intellectual
property rights, developments in the Ericsson patent litigation, and our ability
to negotiate and finalize royalty rates with Nokia and Samsung. We undertake no
duty to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
--------------------------------------------
For the Periods Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
For the Three Months For the Twelve Months
Ended Ended
December 31, December 31,
-------------------- ---------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
REVENUES: $ 25,159 $ 8,379 $ 85,963 $ 52,562
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Sales and marketing 884 1,212 4,331 4,698
General and
administrative 3,466 3,995 14,477 14,898
Patents administration
and licensing 3,802 2,346 13,141 8,959
Development 10,614 10,765 46,686 44,500
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
18,766 18,318 78,635 73,055
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from
operations 6,393 (9,939) 7,328 (20,493)
NET INTEREST INCOME 439 873 2,019 4,627
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
income taxes 6,832 (9,066) 9,347 (15,866)
INCOME TAX PROVISION (2,770) (695) (8,555) (3,418)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) 4,062 (9,761) 792 (19,284)
PREFERRED STOCK
DIVIDENDS (33) (34) (136) (137)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $4,029 $(9,795) $656 $(19,421)
========== ========= ========== ==========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE - BASIC $0.08 $(0.18) $0.01 $(0.36)
========== ========= ========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
OF COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING -
BASIC 53,630 53,589 52,981 53,446
========== ========= ========== ==========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE - DILUTED $0.07 $(0.18) $0.01 $(0.36)
========== ========= ========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
OF COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING -
DILUTED 57,919 53,589 56,099 53,446
========== ========= ========== ==========
SUMMARY CASH FLOW
-------------------
For the Periods Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
For the Three For the Twelve
Months Ended Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
--------------------- --------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net income (loss) before
pref. stock dividends $4,062 $(9,761) $792 $(19,284)
Depreciation &
amortization 2,792 1,568 9,268 6,375
Increase in deferred
revenue 13,250 - 72,500 30,611
Deferred revenue
recognized (18,807) (2,331) (54,542) (9,877)
Decrease (increase) in
operating working
capital, deferred
charges and other (15,092) 6,305 (30,663) 1,963
Capital spending &
patent additions (3,962) (1,701) (11,994) (10,590)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
CASH FLOW BEFORE
FINANCING
ACTIVITIES (17,757) (5,920) (14,639) (802)
Debt decrease &
preferred dividends (69) (49) (470) (428)
Net stock issued 8,810 1,373 12,312 2,606
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
NET (DECREASE)
INCREASE IN CASH
AND SHORT-TERM
INVESTMENTS $ (9,016) $ (4,596) $ (2,797) $ 1,376
========== ========== ========== =========
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
December December
31, 2002 31, 2001
--------- ---------
Assets
------
Cash & short-term investments $87,566 $90,363
Accounts receivable 51,749 14,479
Other current assets 7,627 6,385
Property & equipment (net) 14,091 14,402
Patents (net) & other non-current assets 27,001 22,752
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS $188,034 $148,381
========= =========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
------------------------------------
Current portion of long-term debt $189 $184
Accounts payable & accrued liabilities 14,111 11,950
Foreign & domestic taxes payable 5,260 907
Deferred revenue 90,866 72,908
Long-term debt & long-term liabilities 1,970 2,158
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 112,396 88,107
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 75,638 60,274
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $188,034 $148,381
========= =========
CONTACT: InterDigital Communications Corporation
Media Contact:
Dawn Goldstein, 610/878-7800
dawn.goldstein@interdigital.com
or
Investor Contact:
Janet Point, 610/878-7800
janet.point@interdigital.com
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORKING
E-COMMERCE
INTERNET
EARNINGS
SOURCE:
InterDigital
Communications
Corporation
(Wall Street)
InterDigital Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2002 Financial
RELATED SYMBOLS: (NIPNY)(IDCC)
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Feb 11, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- InterDigital
Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: IDCC), a leading architect, designer and
provider of wireless technology and product platforms, today announced operating
results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2002.
The results were highlighted by year-over-year revenue growth of 64% in 2002,
including non-recurring items. Further, InterDigital's cash and short-term
investment position at December 31, 2002 remained very strong at $87.6 million.
The receipt of approximately $11.9 million (net of non-U.S. withholding taxes)
associated with an installment payment related to a 2G patent license agreement
with NEC Corporation of Japan (NEC) immediately after year-end further
strengthened the Company's cash position going into early 2003.
Revenues in the fourth quarter 2002 of $25.2 million, increased $16.8 million,
or 200%, over fourth quarter 2001 due to the recognition of significantly higher
patent licensing royalty revenue. Patent licensing royalty revenue increased
$19.2 million, or 316%, in the fourth quarter 2002 over the $6.0 million
reported in the fourth quarter 2001. The increase in patent licensing royalty
revenue in the fourth quarter 2002 was primarily due to three items: $5.1
million of new revenue resulting from agreements reached with NEC in early 2002;
an increase of $4.6 million in royalties related to improved marketplace
performance from a key licensee, Sharp Corporation (Sharp); and the recognition
of $9.7 million of deferred revenue associated with a non-refundable and
non-transferable patent license prepayment previously received from Denso
Corporation, relating to its discontinued PDC and PHS second generation (2G)
wireless products. As expected, no specialized engineering services revenue
associated with the final stages of the Wideband Time Division Duplex (WTDD)
technology development work for Nokia Corporation (Nokia) was recognized in the
fourth quarter 2002, resulting in a decrease in specialized engineering service
revenue of $2.3 million in fourth quarter 2002 versus fourth quarter 2001.
The Company reported net income of $4.0 million, or $0.07 per share (diluted),
for the fourth quarter 2002, compared to a net loss of $9.8 million, or $0.18
per share in the fourth quarter 2001. The improvement in operating results
compared to the fourth quarter 2001 was due to the overall increase in revenues,
partially offset by modest increases in operating expenses. Operating expenses
increased 2% over fourth quarter 2001 to $18.8 million, as increased patent
enforcement costs offset decreases in other expense areas. In addition, net
interest income for the fourth quarter 2002 decreased due to lower interest
rates on investments in 2002 compared to 2001. Tax expense increased in the
fourth quarter 2002 due to higher non-US withholding taxes related to the
increased royalty revenue recognized in the period.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, revenues were $86.0 million, an increase
of 64% versus comparable revenues of $52.6 million in 2001. Absent non-recurring
revenue items associated with the discontinuation of sales of covered products
by Denso and Kyocera and revenue attributable to the pre-2002 build-out of 3G
systems in Japan by NEC, 2002 revenue would have increased 17% to $61.5 million
in 2002 over 2001. Revenues from specialized engineering services associated
with the WTDD technology development work for Nokia totaled $4.5 million in
2002, down from the $21.8 million recorded in 2001. The Company reported net
income of $0.7 million for the year 2002, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net
loss of $19.4 million or $0.36 per share in 2001.
"In one of the most challenging years for the wireless industry, we are pleased
to report solid results for 2002," said Howard Goldberg, President and CEO. "We
achieved our most important objectives: substantial progress and continued
aggressive investment in 3G technology and product development while maintaining
the Company's financial strength, improving our industry positioning, and
enhancing our reputation in the investment community.
"The migration of our WCDMA technologies to product is progressing well. We
enter 2003 having commenced the marketing of our future FDD products to
potential customers worldwide and looking forward to demonstrating the first
standards-compliant WTDD end-to-end solution next week at the 3GSM Congress in
Cannes, France.
"As a result of our aggressive development efforts and focused financial
management, we are well positioned to take full advantage of the market
opportunities for traditional and emerging wireless communications," Mr.
Goldberg concluded.
Operational highlights of the year included: -- Posting significant advances
toward global 3G WCDMA product introduction. The Company began actively
marketing its FDD software protocol stack, developed through its strategic
partnership with Infineon, and demonstrated its portability to different
hardware platforms. -- Passing a major product development milestone in WTDD
product definition and development. As a result, the Company will demonstrate
the first standards compliant WTDD system at the 3GSM World Congress this month.
-- Strengthening the Company's patent licensing program through the addition of
four 3G licensees while also resolving outstanding 2G patent licensing disputes
with NEC and Samsung. -- Broadening the Company's patent licensing portfolio
through the acquisition of exclusive licensing rights to Tantivy Corporation's
CDMA2000 patent portfolio. -- Expanding the Company's technology outreach to
leading universities in wireless communications by adding a research partnership
with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, enhancing the
Company's 3G wireless development initiatives. -- Attaining the International
Standards Organization quality standard (ISO 9001:2000) Multi-Site Registration
Certificate for all the Company's development centers including Montreal,
Canada, and Munich, Germany.
Rich Fagan, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "As we enter 2003, our baseline
revenues continue to be largely dependent on trends in the mobile wireless
market, particularly in Japan. In addition, we expect that the performance of
NEC and Sharp will continue to be the major determinant of our baseline revenues
in the near term. To the extent that these and other Japanese licensees continue
their apparent early success in penetrating markets outside Japan, we expect to
see some improvement to our baseline royalty revenues from sales of covered
products in 2003. We also intend to work aggressively towards expanding our
licensee base with new agreements in 2003. We anticipate maintaining relatively
stable employment levels in the near term and expect quarterly operating expense
levels to be in the range, or slightly above, those experienced in the past few
quarters.
"Our total year 2003 results could also be affected materially by the nature of
any ultimate resolutions related to open licensing and infringement issues with
Ericsson (currently in litigation and scheduled for trial in May 2003) and Nokia
(pending determination of royalty rates associated with the existing license
agreement)," added Mr. Fagan.
About InterDigital
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.
This press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting, among other
things, the Company's beliefs and expectations as to (i) the migration of our
WCDMA technologies to product and our ability to take advantage of market
opportunities, (ii) revenues, our ability to expand our licensee base, employee
levels, and operating expenses and (iii) the impact of any resolutions with
Ericsson and Nokia, including our ability to achieve such resolutions and the
timing thereof. Words such as "looking forward", "opportunities", "expect",
"intend", "anticipate", and "could", or similar expressions are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual
outcomes could differ materially from those expressed in any such
forward-looking statement due to a variety of factors in addition to those
specifically identified above including, but not limited to: (i) the market
relevance of our technologies; limited or no deployment of WTDD technology;
changes in technology preferences of strategic partners or consumers;
unanticipated development costs, technical, financial or other difficulties or
delays related to the development of strategic relationships our technologies
and products; the availability or development of substitute technologies or
competition from competitive technologies; our ability to leverage our existing
and enter into additional strategic relationships; the ability of our
semiconductor partner(s) to provide capacity, competitively priced products and
possess adequate manufacturing and distribution networks; failure of the 3G
market or the wireless data services market to materialize in the manner, scope
or time frame anticipated, the ability of operators to fund new 3G network
deployments, the ability of operators to deliver 3G products in volume; the
success of underlying 3G technology; and the successful delivery of
differentiated services by 3G products; (ii) the effects of global economic
conditions, governmental licensing decisions, and delays in spectrum licensing,
(iii) our ability to enter into additional licenses, our ability to extend the
term of the Sharp patent license agreement on favorable terms or at all, the
market share and performance of our licensees in selling their products, our
ability to adequately enforce and protect our patents and other intellectual
property rights, developments in the Ericsson patent litigation, and our ability
to negotiate and finalize royalty rates with Nokia and Samsung. We undertake no
duty to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
--------------------------------------------
For the Periods Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
For the Three Months For the Twelve Months
Ended Ended
December 31, December 31,
-------------------- ---------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
REVENUES: $ 25,159 $ 8,379 $ 85,963 $ 52,562
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Sales and marketing 884 1,212 4,331 4,698
General and
administrative 3,466 3,995 14,477 14,898
Patents administration
and licensing 3,802 2,346 13,141 8,959
Development 10,614 10,765 46,686 44,500
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
18,766 18,318 78,635 73,055
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from
operations 6,393 (9,939) 7,328 (20,493)
NET INTEREST INCOME 439 873 2,019 4,627
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
income taxes 6,832 (9,066) 9,347 (15,866)
INCOME TAX PROVISION (2,770) (695) (8,555) (3,418)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) 4,062 (9,761) 792 (19,284)
PREFERRED STOCK
DIVIDENDS (33) (34) (136) (137)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $4,029 $(9,795) $656 $(19,421)
========== ========= ========== ==========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE - BASIC $0.08 $(0.18) $0.01 $(0.36)
========== ========= ========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
OF COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING -
BASIC 53,630 53,589 52,981 53,446
========== ========= ========== ==========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE - DILUTED $0.07 $(0.18) $0.01 $(0.36)
========== ========= ========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
OF COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING -
DILUTED 57,919 53,589 56,099 53,446
========== ========= ========== ==========
SUMMARY CASH FLOW
-------------------
For the Periods Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
For the Three For the Twelve
Months Ended Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
--------------------- --------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net income (loss) before
pref. stock dividends $4,062 $(9,761) $792 $(19,284)
Depreciation &
amortization 2,792 1,568 9,268 6,375
Increase in deferred
revenue 13,250 - 72,500 30,611
Deferred revenue
recognized (18,807) (2,331) (54,542) (9,877)
Decrease (increase) in
operating working
capital, deferred
charges and other (15,092) 6,305 (30,663) 1,963
Capital spending &
patent additions (3,962) (1,701) (11,994) (10,590)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
CASH FLOW BEFORE
FINANCING
ACTIVITIES (17,757) (5,920) (14,639) (802)
Debt decrease &
preferred dividends (69) (49) (470) (428)
Net stock issued 8,810 1,373 12,312 2,606
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
NET (DECREASE)
INCREASE IN CASH
AND SHORT-TERM
INVESTMENTS $ (9,016) $ (4,596) $ (2,797) $ 1,376
========== ========== ========== =========
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
December December
31, 2002 31, 2001
--------- ---------
Assets
------
Cash & short-term investments $87,566 $90,363
Accounts receivable 51,749 14,479
Other current assets 7,627 6,385
Property & equipment (net) 14,091 14,402
Patents (net) & other non-current assets 27,001 22,752
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS $188,034 $148,381
========= =========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
------------------------------------
Current portion of long-term debt $189 $184
Accounts payable & accrued liabilities 14,111 11,950
Foreign & domestic taxes payable 5,260 907
Deferred revenue 90,866 72,908
Long-term debt & long-term liabilities 1,970 2,158
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 112,396 88,107
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 75,638 60,274
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $188,034 $148,381
========= =========
CONTACT: InterDigital Communications Corporation
Media Contact:
Dawn Goldstein, 610/878-7800
dawn.goldstein@interdigital.com
or
Investor Contact:
Janet Point, 610/878-7800
janet.point@interdigital.com
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORKING
E-COMMERCE
INTERNET
EARNINGS
SOURCE:
InterDigital
Communications
Corporation
(Wall Street)
Candy Bar-Sized Wireless Phone Offers Sweet Style; LG VX2000 From Verizon
RELATED SYMBOLS: (VZ)(VOD)
BEDMINSTER, N.J. & SAN DIEGO, Feb 11, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tech lovers and
fashion victims will love the new tri-mode VX2000 by LG Mobile Phones from
Verizon Wireless. A sleek and attractive handset, the VX2000 also delivers the
benefits of the Verizon Wireless Express Network(SM), a high-speed wireless data
network service that offers speeds between 40 and 60 kilobits per second (kbps)
with bursts of up to 144 kbps -- similar to or better than most home dial-up PC
connections.
The compact phone offers a sleek package and uncompromising functionality that
weighs only 3.98 ounces -- about as much as a Butterfinger candy bar. The VX2000
is also designed with the gadget lover in mind, featuring a variety of
changeable faceplates offered in a five pack of color that includes red, orange,
blue, green and purple. Trendy users can change the look of the phone to match
their mood or wardrobe. The VX2000 includes a two-way speakerphone and features
voice-activated dialing. The handset also offers Global Position Satellite (GPS)
tracking technology where available.
The Express Network-capable VX2000 must be connected to a laptop with a mobile
connectivity kit for access to high-speed wireless data service. The VX2000 by
LG also offers advanced features such as modifiable sounds and settings using PC
Sync along with CMX MIDI sound for ringers and games.
Other features of the VX2000: -- Talk time: 3.2 hours (Digital), 1.8 hours
(AMPS) -- Standby time: 5 days (Digital), 18 hours (AMPS) -- Voice Recording --
One Touch Voicemail Access -- TTY/TDD Capable -- Dual languages: English and
Spanish
The VX2000 retails for $69.99 with a 2-year service agreement. For more
information or to purchase the VX2000, visit www.verizonwireless.com or one of
Verizon Wireless' 1,300 Communications Stores and RadioShack locations
nationwide.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications.
The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 32.5
million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a
joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD)
(LSE:VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.
About LG Mobile Phones
Headquartered in San Diego, California, LG Mobile Phones is part of the North
American wireless division of LGE USA, a business unit of LG Electronics of
Seoul, Korea. With annual sales of $14.8 billion, LGE employs more than 55,000
individuals worldwide and operates research and development, manufacturing, and
sales and marketing facilities around the world. LGE was the first manufacturer
to commercialize the CDMA digital mobile communication system with its support
of the launch of the SK Telecom Network in Korea. LG's expertise in designing
sleek, user-friendly phones has proven extremely successfully in the U.S.
market, where the company's market-share of all CDMA handsets has grown
exponentially in just three years. Gartner recently reported that LG has claimed
nearly 19.4 percent of the U.S. CDMA market-share for Q3 2002. LG is further
increasing this penetration with an aggressive brand campaign and a competitive
line of next generation high-speed voice and data mobile phones. More
information can be found at http://www.LGMobilePhones.com.
CONTACT: LG Mobile Phones
Melissa Elkins, 858/635-5329
Melkins@lge.com
or
Bender/Helper Impact for LG
Christine Oh, 310/473-4147 ext. 277
christine_oh@bhimpact.com
or
Verizon Wireless
Brenda Boyd Raney, 908/306-4834
Brenda.Raney@verizonwireless.com
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY CALIFORNIA SOUTH KOREA INTERNATIONAL
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD
COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
MARKETING
AGREEMENTS
PRODUCT
SOURCE:
LG
Mobile
Phones
(Wall Street)
QUALCOMM Announces More Than 10 Million Subscribers Served by
SAN DIEGO, Feb 11, 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 more than 10 million gpsOne(TM)-enabled devices are now in commercial use in Japan, South Korea and the United States. Sales of phones and devices with the gpsOne Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) location feature now outstrip global sales of consumer GPS terminals from all manufacturers, making QUALCOMM's gpsOne technology the world's most widely deployed personal location system.
"This milestone represents a turning point in the wireless industry, and gpsOne is now delivering the benefits of precision GPS location to the mass market. From this point forward it is more likely than not that a CDMA phone will come equipped with gpsOne position location as a standard feature, ushering in a new wave of value-added services and safety applications," said Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs, chairman and CEO of QUALCOMM. "Phones equipped with gpsOne capabilities are bringing new revenue opportunities to CDMA carriers and helping save lives. And while CDMA carriers are enjoying the benefits of gpsOne today, we see increased demand and interest in other wireless segments as well."
While limited sales of gpsOne terminals began in 2001, wireless consumers purchased more than eight million gpsOne-equipped phones and devices in 2002 alone.
Major manufacturers serving carriers in the United States, Japan and South Korea are currently offering more than 50 different gpsOne-enabled handsets and devices. A broad range of location-based services is being offered by carriers, including child-safety and personal navigation applications, friend- finder services, sales force management, and asset tracking services. Several carriers in the United States are selling gpsOne-enabled phones to meet the Federal Communications Commission E911 wireless safety obligations and may also choose to offer additional location-enabled services.
The gpsOne A-GPS location capabilities are implemented in handsets through QUALCOMM's Mobile Station Modem (MSM(TM)) chipsets and system software, and in networks through SnapTrack's SnapSmart(TM) location server software. QUALCOMM's gpsOne solution, featuring SnapTrack(R) technology, offers robust data availability under the most challenging conditions, whether in concrete- and-steel high-rises, convention centers, shopping malls or urban canyons.
Using a hybrid A-GPS approach that utilizes signals from both the GPS satellite constellation and CDMA cell sites, the gpsOne solution enhances location services availability, expands terrain coverage, accelerates the location-determination process and provides better accuracy for callers, whether during emergency situations or while using GPS-enabled commercial applications. With its built-in Location at Hand(TM) feature, gpsOne technology protects privacy, allowing users to control their location information in most commercial implementations. QUALCOMM's gpsOne technology is supported for IS-95/CDMA2000 and GSM/GPRS/UMTS.
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 traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the Company's ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of CDMA components on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed to which CDMA is deployed, change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002, and most recent Form 10-Q.
QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. gpsOne and MSM are trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. SnapTrack and SnapSmart are trademarks of SnapTrack, Inc. 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 Patty Goodwin, Corporate Public Relations, +1-858-651-4127, 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 Patty
Goodwin, Corporate Public Relations, +1-858-651-4127, 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
URL: http://www.qualcomm.com
http://www.prnewswire.comCopyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: California
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
TLS
CSE
MLM
STW
SE
Radical Horizon signs an MOU with Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL to speed
Montreal, Canada, Feb 10, 2003 (PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX) -- Montreal, Canada, February 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Radical Horizon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL to jointly work on the design of 3G test solutions that integrate software defined radio (SDR) technology for the emulation of 3G networks. These solutions will be designed for commercial 3G networks (UMTS - WCDMA) that require integrated testing and simulation of 3G mobile terminals, 3G Node B equipment and 3G RNC equipment, thereby emulating the network environment. Wireless operators and OEMs will benefit from enhanced flexibility through software-based, multi-function equipment and real-time, simultaneous testing of multiple network features with easy upgrade capability. Radical Horizon's CEO and President, Mike Cegelski states, "We have been working closely with Mitsubishi Electric ITE- TCL for a good part of 2002 to integrate their highly advanced test solutions onto our powerful SDR-based flexCELL(TM) platform. Our unique digital processing solution combined with our RF signal processing capability brings, to Mitsubishi, the processing power required to enable 3G network testing for wireless operators and OEMs."
Radical Horizon's flexCELL(TM) platform gives equipment manufacturers a solution for reducing risk and preparing for future standards with the ability to handle multiple protocols and frequencies through software modifications utilising standard hardware equipment. Through this strategic MOU, Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL and Radical Horizon will combine their technical strengths to jointly develop a 3G test solution to meet market demands. Jean-Pierre Coudreuse, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL, states, "Our innovative Virtual Field Test(TM) solution requires a breakthrough in software radio technology to support real and complex signal generation. We found with Radical Horizon's flexCELL(TM) architecture an outstanding answer to our technology challenge."
As operators work to reduce costs, accommodate data services, expand market penetration and increase Quality of Service, they must also support multiple standards. There is a clear demand for integrated solutions that specifically address the needs of the wireless industry. This partnership brings together a new technology (SDR) in an established industry (test & measurement) that combine to create improved efficiencies for all parties in the wireless value chain. "Visit Radical Horizon at 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, France at the Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL booth in Hall 2 - Stand G64. The exhibit hall is open from the 18th - 21st of February 2003".
About Radical Horizon
Radical Horizon designs and markets software defined radio (SDR) solutions, taking radio computing to a new level. Radical Horizon's SDR- based flexcell(TM) platform provides unique design flexibility with an open and modular architecture that unifies wireless radio communications on a single platform. Radical Horizon offers real world radio experience for developing customised, scalable radio solutions for the Commercial Wireless, Aerospace and Defense industries. Based in Montreal, Radical Horizon is a member of the SDR Forum, OBSAI, CWTA, IWPC, PICMG, and Inter logiQ. http://www.radicalhorizon.com/
About Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL
Established in Rennes, France, in 1995, Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL, a fully owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan, is a telecommunication R&D centre designing future communication technologies for wireless and broadband communications, from advanced research on protocols and digital communication to the development and implementation of complete solutions and support tools to be used in front line telecommunication equipment. For more information about Mitsubishi Electric ITE, visit http://www.mitsubishi-electric-itce.fr/
CONTACT: Josee-Michelle Simard, Simard Hamel Communications, +1 514 287 9811, ext. 13,
josee-michelle.simard@shc.ca; Pamela Rasey, Director of Marketing, Radical
Horizon, +1 514 937 1757 ext. 203, prasey@radicalhorizon.com; François de
Ryck, Development Strategy, Mitsubishi Electric ITE (Rennes, France), +33 (0)22
345 5858, de_ryck@tcl.ite.mee.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire Europe
-0-
SUBJECT CODE: Computing & Information Technology
Radi
10 a.m. Market Calls Defined by Skittish Street
February 11, 2003 (financialwire.net via COMTEX) -- (FinancialWire) The skittish market rebounded Monday after Iraq said it would accept U-2 surveillance flights, but that didn't seem to phase President Bush, who was seen to be ploughing straight ahead with the bearing of a Texas mule wearing blinders to all else. Alan Greenspan delivers his semi-annual report on monetary policy to the Senate Banking Committee, with continued signs that the Fed will continue to aggressively tweak the economy.
These conditions may impact the conference calls planned during morning trading during the 10 a.m. to period on Investrend Broadcast via partner Bestcalls by Akzo Nobel N.V. (ADR) AKZOY), Bob Evans Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ: BOBE), Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC), Colorado MEDtech, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMED), CONMED Corporation (NASDAQ: CNMD), Deere & Company (NYSE: DE), Florida East Coast Indust (NYSE: FLA), InterDigital Communicatio (NASDAQ: IDCC), ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: ISIS), Lincoln National Corp. (NYSE: LNC), NS Group, Inc. (NYSE: NSS), Parkway Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PKY), PartnerRe Ltd. (NYSE: PRE), SEMCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SEN), Sykes Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYKE), Veeco Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: VECO), Albany Molecular Research (NASDAQ: AMRI), Optibase Ltd. (NASDAQ: OBAS), Interstate Hotels & Resort (NYSE: IHR), Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI), Gentiva Health Services (NASDAQ: GTIV), Innovative Solutions & Su (NASDAQ: ISSC), Third Wave Technologies TWTI), Stelmar Shipping Ltd. (NYSE: SJH), Noranda Inc. (NYSE: NRD), Fording Inc. (NYSE: FDG), Heritage Property Invest. (NYSE: HTG) and Perot Systems Corp. (NYSE: PER).
Earnings will be released after the market closes today for Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT) but the market had already adjusted last week to the company's warning. Analysts expect $0.02. Other earnings under the microscope include BP Plc (NYSE: BP), at $0.68, and Prudential (NYSE: PRU), at $0.47. The technology sector is in the spotlight today at the two-day Bank of America Conference, which begins in San Francisco. Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) and EMC (NYSE: EMC) are all scheduled to present. Conference call details are at Investrend Broadcast at http://www.investrend.com/articles/secondlevel.asp?level=164.
Clickable links for FinancialWire news are at http://www.financialwire.net.
URL: http://www.financialwire.net(C) 2003 financialwire.net, Inc. All rights reserved.
-0
Alcatel Establishes Strategic Partnership With IPWireless For Mobile
SAN BRUNO, Calif., Feb 10, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Alcatel, the world's largest telecom infrastructure vendor, today enhanced its leading role in next generation wireless broadband access solutions, by announcing a strategic partnership with IPWireless, the world's leading TD-CDMA (TDD) solutions company. Alcatel has chosen to partner with IPWireless to serve the needs of mobile operators wishing to complement their GSM/GPRS and WCDMA service offerings with TDD broadband wireless services. This solution is particularly well adapted to deploy cost effective coverage of "hot zones" such as dense business areas. This TDD solution will support Alcatel's extensive portfolio of UMTS/3G and WLAN networks and services. The IPWireless(TM) broadband solution delivers data rates of up to 3Mbps (1.5Mbps in a 5MHz channel) direct to users' laptops or PCs via a PC card (PCMCIA). In a fully deployed network, broadband coverage is as ubiquitous as today's GSM networks.
The TDD solutions of IPWireless are already integrated and showcased in Alcatel's 3G Reality Center in Paris. The cooperation between the two companies illustrates the breadth and value of Alcatel's worldwide 3G Reality Center program, bringing together and integrating key partners along the entire mobile value chain to foster the timely availability of end-to-end revenue-generating solutions for operators.
"By partnering with IPWireless, Alcatel will be able to provide mobile network operators with the latest TDD technology and services that deliver data at broadband speeds," said Alcatel's Mobile Communications COO Marc Rouanne. "The IPWireless solution will enable mobile operators to develop a whole range of new applications and services that users are already demanding, and to offer to their key customers a real end-to-end continuity of 3G services."
"Alcatel is the worldwide leader in broadband access solutions, with significant customer, portfolio and geographic capabilities. It is a big step forward for IPWireless to have Alcatel as a partner and to join Alcatel's 3G Reality Center program. It shows the momentum that IPWireless' broadband technology is building globally," said Chris Gilbert, CEO, IPWireless. "The relationship will ensure that mobile network operators have the latest 3G broadband solutions coupled with complete service assurance, through the deployment, integration and support skills and assets which Alcatel has established around the globe."
Next-Generation Wireless Network Delivers on the Promise of High-Speed Data Services
IPWireless mobile broadband access is the first total network solution on the market that complies with the industry standard TD-CDMA (TDD) standard. The IPWireless solution will provide users with peak communications rates of up to 3Mbps (1.5 Mbps in a 5MHz channel), which will enable a whole new generation of wireless data services. Available for operation in the 1.9 GHz and 2.5 GHz licensed bands (the UMTS unpaired allocations), the IPWireless solution includes a complete network infrastructure solution and pocket-sized wireless modems and PCMCIA cards.
The innovative solution enables mobile network operators to deploy cost effective "hot zones" coverage which complement existing 2G and planned 3G FDD networks; offering end users secure, wireless access to the Internet, office Intranet, and a range of other applications and services at true broadband speeds.
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides end-to-end communications solutions, enabling carriers, service providers and enterprises to deliver contents to any type of user, anywhere in the world. Leveraging its long-term leadership in telecommunications networks equipment as well as its expertise in applications and network services, Alcatel enables its customers to focus on optimizing their service offerings and revenue streams. With sales of EURO 16.5 billion in 2002, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com .
About Alcatel in Mobile
Alcatel is now the world's fastest growing GSM/GPRS and EDGE supplier. Currently, over 110 mobile operators worldwide rely on Alcatel's Evolium(TM) core and radio solutions. Alcatel offers mobile operators a GSM 800, 900, 1800 and 1900MHz end-to-end solution offering, including radio access and core network systems, services platform and mobile terminals, allowing them to provide new and attractive services. Alcatel's services range from business and technology consulting, network and application design, implementation management up to customer support and facility management. Alcatel's End-to-End solutions include Alcatel's Open Service Delivery Environment; the ideal applications environment based on next generation IN and J2EE technology. It enables the implementation of a wide range of applications such as network proxies, WAP or SMS gateways, messaging solutions such as UMS or MMS, 0800 and 0900 services, mobile or fixed VPN solutions, a complete and convergent real-time payment chain, and more.
By creating Evolium SAS, an Alcatel-Fujitsu company, Alcatel clearly reinforces its position in both mobile infrastructure and mobile Internet. Alcatel's UMTS solutions are a reality today, with 20 UMTS pilot networks delivered by Alcatel in Europe and in Asia by end 2002. Alcatel's strategy covers all aspects of UMTS deployment, from radio access and core network to terminals. Evolium SAS delivers a mobile infrastructure that is 3GPP-compliant, field-proven and capitalizes on Japanese 3G technical and field experience. Alcatel, which played a vital part in developing the mobile Internet market, in particular through the successful roll out of GPRS commercial networks worldwide, has today a timely UMTS offering.
Alcatel Public WLAN ("WiFi") solution easily integrates into mobile operators' network infrastructure allowing them to enrich their service portfolio. The solution consists in setting-up a WLAN ("WiFi") "hot spot" (hotels, airports, etc.) network and to couple it with the existing GSM network.
About IPWireless
IPWireless, Inc. offers a groundbreaking, global standards-based broadband wireless technology solution that enables service providers to offer true high-speed mobile wireless Internet access to worldwide consumer and business markets. The IPWireless solution is in commercial deployment around the world by operators looking to deliver the most cost-effective, convenient, and widely available broadband that will deliver two-way data transmission speeds of up to 9 Mbps, mobility, affordability, and ubiquity of coverage superior to any broadband alternative -- including DSL or cable modems. Founded in April 1999, IPWireless is led by a world-class management team of seasoned entrepreneurs and technology and marketing executives from leading mobile and communication companies including Cisco, Lucent, Motorola, and QUALCOMM. The company, backed by over $150 million in funding from leading venture capital firms, is headquartered in San Bruno, California, with R&D and sales facilities based in the U.K. For more information about IPWireless, visit the company's Web site at www.ipwireless.com .
IPWireless, the IPWireless logo, and IPW are trademarks of IPWireless, Inc. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
SOURCE IPWireless; Alcatel
CONTACT: Ross Perich of Trainer Public Relations, +1-925-556-5463,
ip@trainerpr.com, for IPWireless
URL: http://www.alcatel.com
http://www.ipwireless.com
http://www.prnewswire.comCopyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: California
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
MLM
ITE
TLS
SUBJECT CODE: LI
RATING(=): Investec Keeps IDCC @ Buy, $25 TP
Ridgeland, MS, FEB 10, 2003 (EventX/Knobias.com via COMTEX) -- Company: Interdigital Communications Corp (NasdaqNM: IDCC)
Analyst Firm: Investec
Rating Action: Coverage Reiterated
Rating: Buy
12-Month Target Price: $25
Source: Briefing.com
GET KNOBIAS IN REAL-TIME: Delivery of this proprietary Knobias alert has been delayed by 10 minutes. To get all Knobias alerts in real-time daily, visit http://www.knobias.com/cmtx
ABOUT KNOBIAS: Knobias is a financial information provider serving retail investors and trading professionals. Knobias collects and maintains real-time and historical market intelligence on all U.S. securities, with special emphasis on Over-the-Counter (OTC) stocks. Knobias provides customers with two core products: 1. Knobias FUNDAMENTALS: A comprehensive web-based database of fundamental research covering thousands of U.S. securities; 2. Knobias RAiDAR: A web-based desktop application that delivers thousands of real-time, intraday alerts daily. RAiDAR alerts include real-time news, filings, trading alerts, earnings alerts, coverage alerts and critical corp actions.
KNOBIAS DISCLAIMER: Knobias has received no compensation from the Company or Companies mentioned in this story. Knobias is not a registered broker-dealer, nor investment advisor, and does not endorse or recommend any securities mentioned. This story is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended for trading purposes. Knobias shall not be liable for any actions taken in reliance of any information provided herein. Republication or redistribution of Knobias content is expressly prohibited without prior written consent of Knobias.com, LLC.
CONTACT: Knobias.com, LLC
601-978-3399
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info@knobias.com
www.knobias.com/cmtx
Copyright 2002 Knobias.com, LLC, All rights reserved.
-0-
SUBJECT CODE: RATING(o
Cingular Wireless Adds Two New Siemens Phones Loaded With Style and
RELATED SYMBOLS: (BLS)(SI)(SBC)
LAS VEGAS, Feb 10, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cingular Wireless and
Siemens today announced the immediate availability of two new phones -- the CT56
and A56 -- broadening Siemens' product offerings for Cingular customers with
fashionable design, personalization features and next-generation technology. The
CT56 and A56 are both powered by Cingular's Global System for Mobile
communications (GSM) network.
The handsets offer features that improve mobile communication for work or play,
including mobile Internet access, via Cingular Wireless Internet and Wireless
Internet Express, Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS), allowing users to
personalize their wireless experience by adding sounds, animation and graphics
to their text messages and downloadable ringtones. With these two new
feature-rich products, individuals can naturally extend their personality
through music, art and technology. These features are available from Cingular's
online portal, My Wireless Window (www.mywirelesswindow.com ).
"With Siemens' attention to style, technology and a full range of user needs at
competitive prices, we're confident the A56 and CT56 mobile phones will appeal
to our growing GSM subscriber base," said Michelle Mindala, executive director,
supply chain, Cingular Wireless.
"Mobile phones are increasingly a reflection of who you are, and we're excited
to be giving additional personalization choices to Cingular's customers," said
Bernt Klein, senior vice president and general manager of the Mobile Phones
unit, NAFTA region, within Siemens Information and Communication Mobile. "We
want to offer consumers access to data, the Internet and features that speak to
their personal styles and tastes. The A56 and CT56 mobile phones represent how
the mobile lifestyle can be more than just two voices talking in a handset."
CT56
The CT56 wireless phone is a dual band 850/1900 MHz GSM phone supporting GPRS
packet data. It allows users to make calls using voice dialing or take calls
using the phone's integrated speakerphone feature. The CT56 mobile phone's
polyphonic sound capabilities deliver a fuller, realistic sound to ring tones,
(e.g., a dog barking, an ambulance siren, a cat meowing). Built- in wireless
Java technology gives customers access to applications such as games with real
vibration feedback.
A56
The A56 wireless phone is a dual band 850/1900 MHz GSM phone designed to meet
everyday communication needs. It can be easily personalized through numerous
interchangeable color CLIPit(TM) front/back covers, customized covers and a
variety of downloadable ring tones and display images. Customers can choose
various screensaver animations and liven up incoming calls by assigning
different images and ring tones to the callers. Short Messaging Service (SMS) to
specified groups enables subscribers to contact multiple people simultaneously
with a text message.
ABOUT CINGULAR WIRELESS
Cingular Wireless, a joint venture between SBC Communications (NYSE: SBC) and
BellSouth (NYSE: BLS), serves more than 22 million voice and data customers
across the United States. A leader in mobile voice and data communications,
Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover, the wireless plan
that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Cingular provides
cellular/PCS service in 43 of the top 50 markets nationwide, and provides
corporate e-mail and other advanced data services through its GPRS and Mobitex
packet data networks. Details of the company are available at www.cingular.com .
ABOUT SIEMENS INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION MOBILE
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (Siemens mobile) offers
the complete range of mobile solutions including mobile devices, infrastructure
and applications. Devices include mobile phones, fashion accessory phones,
wireless modules, mobile organizers and cordless phones as well as products for
wireless home networks. The infrastructure portfolio includes GSM, GPRS and 3G
mobile network technologies from base stations and switching systems to
intelligent networks, e.g. for prepaid services. Mobile Applications cover
end-to-end solutions for Messaging, Location Based Services or Mobile Payment.
For fiscal 2002 (September 30), Siemens mobile recorded sales of EUR 11 billion
and employed approximately 28,600 people worldwide. You can access further
information about Siemens mobile on the Internet at
http://www.siemens-mobile.com .
ABOUT SIEMENS AG
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global electronics
and engineering company. It employs 426,000 people in 192 countries and reported
worldwide sales of $77.8 billion in fiscal 2002 (10/1/01 - 9/30/02). The United
States is Siemens' largest market in the world, with sales of $21.5 billion in
fiscal 2002 and approximately 70,000 employees in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Corporate headquarters for Siemens' U.S. businesses are located in New York
City. For more information visit www.usa.siemens.com .
Any statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward-
looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties; actual results may
differ from the forward-looking statements. Siemens AG undertakes no obligation
to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward- looking
statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Siemens is a
trademark of Siemens AG. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
* Battery performance is approximate. Feature availability depends on
network configurations, signal strength, usage patterns, and
subscription. Not available in all areas.
SOURCE Cingular Wireless
CONTACT: Clay Owen of Cingular Wireless, +1-404-236-6153, or
clay.owen@cingular.com , or Jacob Rice of Siemens Information and
Communication Mobile, +1-858-521-3212, or jacob.rice@icm.siemens.com
URL: http://www.cingular.com
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: Georgia
Germany
Nevada
New York
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
TLS
SUBJECT CODE: JVN
PDT
(Wall Street)
Thanks Jim.eom
Just to remind everyone:InterDigital will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m.
Eastern Standard Time to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2002 operating
results and its outlook for the future. For listen-only access to the conference
call within the U.S. please dial (877) 505-0448 by 9:50 a.m. Eastern Standard
Time on February 11 and ask the operator for the InterDigital Fourth 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 Home Page and you will link to
the web cast.
ALCATEL: Alcatel establishes strategic partnership with IPWireless for
RELATED SYMBOLS: (ALA)
Paris, Feb 10, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Alcatel, the world`s largest
telecom infrastructure vendor, enhanced its leading role in next generation
wireless broadband access solutions, by announcing a strategic partnership with
IPWireless, the world`s leading TD-CDMA (TDD) solutions company. Alcatel has
chosen to partner with IPWireless to serve the needs of mobile operators wishing
to complement their GSM/GPRS and WCDMA service offerings with TDD broadband
wireless services. This solution is particularly well adapted to deploy cost
effective coverage of "Hot Zones" such as dense business areas. This TDD
solution will support Alcatel's extensive portfolio of UMTS/3G and WLAN networks
and services. The IPWireless broadband solution delivers data rates of up to
3Mbps (1.5Mbps in a 5MHz channel) direct to users` laptops or PCs via a PC Card
(PCMCIA). In a fully deployed network broadband coverage is as ubiquitous as
today`s GSM networks.
The TDD solutions of IPWireless are already integrated and showcased in Alcatel`
s 3G Reality Centre in Paris. The co-operation between the two companies
illustrates the breadth and value of Alcatel`s worldwide 3G Reality Centre
program, bringing together and integrating key partners along the entire mobile
value chain to foster the timely availability of end-to-end revenue-generating
solutions for operators.
"By partnering with IPWireless, Alcatel will be able to provide mobile network
operators with the latest TDD technology and services that deliver data at
broadband speeds," said Alcatel`s Mobile Communications COO Marc Rouanne. "The
IPWireless solution will enable mobile operators to develop a whole range of new
applications and services that users are already demanding, and to offer to
their key customers a real end to end continuity of 3G services".
"Alcatel is the worldwide leader in broadband access solutions, with significant
customer, portfolio and geographic capabilities. It is a big step forward for
IPWireless to have Alcatel as a partner and to join Alcatel`s 3G Reality Center
program. It shows the momentum that IPWireless` broadband technology is building
globally," said IPWireless` Chief Executive Officer, Chris Gilbert. "The
relationship will ensure that mobile network operators have the latest 3G
broadband solutions coupled with complete service assurance, through the
deployment, integration and support skills and assets which Alcatel has
established around the globe".
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides end-to-end communications solutions, enabling carriers, service
providers and enterprises to deliver contents to any type of user, anywhere in
the world. Leveraging its long-term leadership in telecommunications networks
equipment as well as its expertise in applications and network services, Alcatel
enables its customers to focus on optimising their service offerings and revenue
streams. With sales of EURO 16.5 billion in 2002, Alcatel operates in more than
130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet:
http://www.alcatel.com
About Alcatel in Mobile Alcatel is now the world's fastest growing GSM/GPRS and
EDGE supplier.
Currently, over 110 mobile operators worldwide rely on Alcatel's Evolium core
and radio solutions. Alcatel offers mobile operators a GSM 800, 900, 1800 and
1900MHz end-to-end solution offering, including radio access and core network
systems, services platform and mobile terminals, allowing them to provide new
and attractive services. Alcatel`s services range from business and technology
consulting, network and application design, implementation management up to
customer support and facility management. Alcatel's End-to-End solutions include
Alcatel`s Open Service Delivery Environment; the ideal applications environment
based on next generation IN and J2EE technology. It enables the implementation
of a wide range of applications such as network proxies, WAP or SMS gateways,
messaging solutions such as UMS or MMS, 0800 and 0900 services, mobile or fixed
VPN solutions, a complete and convergent real-time payment chain, and more.
By creating Evolium SAS, an Alcatel-Fujitsu company, Alcatel clearly reinforces
its position in both mobile infrastructure and mobile Internet. Alcatel's UMTS
solutions are a reality today, with 20 UMTS pilot networks delivered by Alcatel
in Europe and in Asia by end 2002. Alcatel's strategy covers all aspects of UMTS
deployment, from radio access and core network to terminals. Evolium SAS
delivers a mobile infrastructure that is 3GPP-compliant, field-proven and
capitalises on Japanese 3G technical and field experience. Alcatel, which played
a vital part in developing the mobile Internet market, in particular through the
successful roll out of GPRS commercial networks worldwide, has today a timely
UMTS offering.
Alcatel Public WLAN ("WiFi") solution easily integrates into mobile operators`
network infrastructure allowing them to enrich their service portfolio. The
solution consists in setting-up a WLAN ("WiFi") "Hot Spot" (hotels, airports,
etc) network and to couple it with the existing GSM network
About IPWireless
IPWireless, Inc. offers a groundbreaking, global standards-based broadband
wireless technology solution that enables service providers to offer true
high-speed mobile wireless Internet access to worldwide consumer and business
markets. The IPWireless solution is in commercial deployment around the world by
operators looking to deliver the most cost-effective, convenient, and widely
available broadband services. The IPWireless solution will deliver two-way data
transmission speeds of up to 4.5Mbps (in 5MHz of spectrum and 9Mbps in 10MHz),
mobility, affordability, and ubiquity of coverage superior to any broadband
alternative - including DSL or cable modems. Founded in April 1999, IPWireless
is led by a world-class management team of seasoned entrepreneurs and technology
and marketing executives from leading mobile and communication companies
including Cisco, Lucent, Motorola, and Qualcomm. The company, backed by over
$150 million in funding from leading venture capital firms, is headquartered in
San Bruno, Calif., with R&D and sales facilities based in the U.K. For more
information about IPWireless, visit the company`s Web site at
www.ipwireless.com.
Next-Generation Wireless Network delivers on the promise of high speed data
services.
IPWireless Mobile Broadband access is the first total network solution on the
market that complies with the industry standard TD-CDMA (TDD) standard. The
IPWireless solution will provide users with peak communications rates of up to
3Mbps (1.5 Mbps in a 5MHz channel), which will enable a whole new generation of
wireless data services. Available for operation in the 1.9 GHz and 2.5 GHz
licensed bands (the UMTS unpaired allocations); the IPWireless solution includes
a complete network infrastructure solution and pocket-sized wireless modems and
PCMCIA cards.
The innovative solution enables mobile network operators to deploy cost
effective "Hot Zones" coverage which complement to existing 2G and planned 3G
FDD networks; offering end users secure, wireless access to the Internet, office
Intranet and a range of other applications and services at true broadband
speeds.
CONTACT: Regine Coqueran, Alcatel Tel: +33 (0)1 40 76 49 24 e-mail:
Regine.coqueran@alcatel.fr Roxanne Van Gelder, Alcatel Mobile Networks Division
Tel: +33 (0)1 30 77 95 48 e-mail: Roxanne.Van_Gelder@alcatel.fr Claire Pedini,
Alcatel Investor Relations Tel: +33 (0)1 40 76 13 93 e-mail:
claire.pedini@alcatel.com Laurent Geoffroy Tel: +33 (0)1 40 76 50 27 e-mail:
Laurent.geoffroy@alcatel.com Pascal Bantegnie Tel: +33 (0)1 40 76 52 20 e-mail:
Pascal.bantegnie@alcatel.com Peter Campbell Tel: +1 972 519 4347 e-mail:
Peter.campbell@alcatel.com Charlotte Laurent-Ottomane Tel: +1 703 668 3571
e-mail: charlotte.laurent-ottomane@alcatel.com Guy Douglas/Henny Valder/Joanna
Lane, Brodeur Worldwide for IPWireless Tel: +44 (0)20 7298 7070 e-mail:
gdouglas@uk.brodeur.com e-mail: hvalder@uk.brodeur.com e-mail:
jlane@uk.brodeur.com Mark Pittick, IPWireless Tel: +44 (0)1666 828 753 e-mail:
Mpittick@ipwireless.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
-0-
(Wall Street)
CDMA2000 Reaches 30 Million Subscriber Mark; 3G Rapid Expansion to
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb 10, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The CDMA Development Group
(CDG) (www.cdg.org) today reported that the CDMA2000 subscriber base surpassed
30 million in January 2003.
The CDMA industry continues to lead in 3G deployments, subscriber growth and
bringing advanced products and services to the market.
2002 saw tremendous expansion of CDMA2000. 27 operators launched CDMA2000
networks, increasing the number of commercial systems to 37 on five continents.
In addition, three operators introduced CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, the most advanced
wireless data technology available in the market today, capable of delivering
data at rates of up to 2.4 Mbps.
The number of CDMA2000 subscribers grew nearly nine-fold and now account for
more than 20 percent of total CDMA users. In Korea, CDMA2000 has captured more
than 50 percent of the market after only two years of service.
CDMA2000 services are a true market success, demonstrating that there is a
significant demand for 3G applications such as streaming video clips, music and
picture downloads, location-based services and Web browsing.
One of the key factors of this success is the broad availability of compelling
products at attractive prices: there are more than 250 CDMA2000 devices
commercially available with advanced features such as color displays, cameras
and MP3 players.
"With additional roll-outs and exponential growth of the subscriber base, we
expect that CDMA2000 will continue to dominate 3G in 2003 and beyond," said
Perry LaForge, executive director for the CDG.
"Capitalizing on the robustness and high-speed data capabilities of CDMA2000,
operators will be able to broaden the range of their advanced service offerings,
creating greater value to consumers and higher overall revenues."
In 2003, 22 additional CDMA2000 networks are scheduled to be deployed and the
subscriber base is expected to double. Deutsche Bank estimates that more than 66
percent of CDMA handsets shipped this next year will be 3G.
The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide
development, implementation and use of cdmaOne(TM) and CDMA2000. The 110 member
companies of the CDG include many of the world's largest wireless operators and
equipment manufacturers.
The primary activities of the CDG include development of CDMA features and
services, public relations, education and seminars, regulatory affairs and
international support. Currently, there are more than 500 individuals working
within various CDG subcommittees on CDMA-related matters.
For more information about the CDG, contact Valerie Christopherson of the CDG
News Bureau at 714/540-1030, ext. 14, e-mail vchristopherson@bockpr.com, or
visit the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
CONTACT: CDG News Bureau
Valerie Christopherson or Ricca Silverio
714/540-1030 (ext. 14 or 15)
714/540-1060 (fax)
vchristopherson@bockpr.com
rsilverio@bockpr.com
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA TRACK
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SOURCE:
CDMA
Development
Group
(Wall Street)
loophole, Give me your email, I'll send you the presentation.
China Fast-Tracks 3G Licences Push for Cell Phone Firms
Feb 07, 2003 (Evening Standard - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via
COMTEX) -- The Chinese government has announced plans to distribute 3G licences
as early as this year.
It plans to approve licences for TD-SCDMA, an original communications standard
developed in China, as well as the WCDMA system used by Vodafone and cdma2000
standard, most common in Japan.
The approval is expected to trigger a total of more than UKpound 5.7 billion in
capital spending to develop the required infrastructure.
The move will mean a windfall for communications equipment manufacturers as they
clamour to supply the world's largest mobile phone market.
Four firms are in the running for the licences. Besides existing cellphone
service providers China Mobile and China Unicom, two fixed-line carriers --
China Telecommunications and China Netcom -- are also expected to be included to
stimulate competition and promote lower prices.Licensees will choose from one of
the three standards. The Chinese market caters to more than 200 million
cellphone users.
To see more of the Evening Standard, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk
UKpound preceding a numeral refers to the United Kingdom's pound sterling.
(c) 2003, Evening Standard, London. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune
Business News.
-0-
(Wall Street)
Hi3G says no decision to enter Norway's telecom market
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb 07, 2003 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) --
Hutchison-Whampoa Ltd.'s Nordic telecom operator, which has said it may enter
the Norwegian market, reacted coolly Friday to the Norwegian government's
decision to relax the rollout requirements for 3G networks.
"We'll continue to keep our ear to the ground in Norway," said Niclas Lilja, a
spokesman for Hi3G Access AB, the Hutchison-controlled startup operator. "It's
not like the change created any 'Whoo-hoo! let's go and look."'
Hi3G, which has 3G licenses in Sweden and Denmark, said previously that license
conditions would need to be eased before it would consider entering Norway. One
concern was that the coverage requirements were too extensive, given Norway's
mountainous terrain and fjords.
Lilja said Hi3G executives met with Norwegian officials three or four times to
talk about their concerns.
Earlier Friday, the Norwegian government said it would now require operators to
provide coverage to 30 percent of its 4.5 million residents within six years of
being granted a license. The original terms required 40 percent coverage within
five years.
The government also said it will attempt to auction off the two licenses that
have been returned by Tele2 AB and Broadband Mobile, a joint venture of Sonera
and Enitel ASA that's been disbanded. TeliaSonera AB and Telenor ASA own the
other two licenses.
Hi3G has also bid on a 3G license and assets that TeliaSonera AB is selling in
Finland.
Lilja said Hi3G still plans a gradual launch of commercial services in Sweden
this spring. It will operate under the '3' brand, as will other Hutchison-backed
operators in Europe.
---
On the Net:
http://www.hi3gaccess.com
Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved
-0-
APO Priority=r
(PROFILE
(WS SL:BC-EU-FIN-COM--Sweden-Hi3G; CT:f;
(REG:EURO;)
(REG:BRIT;)
(REG:SCAN;)
(REG:ENGL;)
(LANG:ENGLISH;))
)
KEYWORD: STOCKHOLM, Sweden
Eds: 'Niclas' in 2nd graf cq.
(dj-mpm)
(Wall Street)
J-Phone beats KDDI in terms of new contract rise for 2 months
RELATED SYMBOLS: (KDDIF)
TOKYO, Feb 07, 2003 (Kyodo via COMTEX) -- J-Phone Co. outstripped KDDI Corp. in
Japan's mobile phone market in January in terms of net subscription contract
rises, the second straight month it has beaten its rival, the Telecommunications
Carriers Association said Friday.
Net increases -- new contracts minus the number of canceled contracts -- came to
159,000 contracts at industry leader NTT DoCoMo Inc., 133,000 at J-Phone, an
ally of Britain's Vodafone group, and 115,000 at KDDI, the association said.
NTT DoCoMo was boosted by the popularity of its camera-equipped mobile phones
capable of taking photos and sending them to other cell phones, it said.
J-Phone bolstered its subscription number on the strength of its policy of
holding down the prices of sophisticated mobile handsets, it said.
But when the market is assessed on the basis of the total number of subscription
contracts, KDDI retained the No. 2 position with its contract total standing at
13.58 million, 126,000 more than J-Phone.
The total number of subscription contracts held by the three mobile service
providers came to 73.90 million at the end of January, up 0.5% over the previous
month, it said.
J-Phone and KDDI will step up their rivalry prior to the annual mobile handset
shopping season around March, when many students buy or are given handsets to
commemorate their entrance to new schools, industry officials said.
When the market positions of the three are examined from the angle of net
contract increases for their third-generation (3G) mobile phone handsets, KDDI
had the No. 1 position with 639,000 contracts obtained during the month.
J-Phone and NTT DoCoMo were far behind, with J-Phone's 3G net contract increase
for the month coming to only 3,500 and that of NTT DoCoMo to 2,600, it added.
The two suffered from the limited range in which their 3G capabilities can be
utilized.
3G mobile phones enable holders to talk while watching a video of their
conversion partners on the monitor of a palm-sized handset, and also allows them
to swap moving images of objects which they photograph with their handset
camera.
2003 Kyodo News (c) Established 1945
-0-
KEYWORD: TOKYO
(Wall Street)
3G cellular phone licences to be handed out in China
BEIJING, Feb 7, 2003 (Asia In Focus via COMTEX) -- Licenses for 3G
(third-generation) cellular phone services look set to be distributed by the
Chinese government. It plans to approve licenses for TD-SCDMA, an original
communications standard developed in China, as well as the WCDMA (wide-band code
division multiple access) and cdma2000 standards now used in other countries.
* The approval is expected to trigger a total of more than 1 trillion yen
(US$8.3 billion) in capital spending to develop the infrastructure necessary for
3G services, which enable the high-speed transmission of video.
* The Chinese government is expected to provide 3G licenses to four firms,
including cell phone service providers China MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS CORP. and
CHINA UNITED TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. (China Unicom), and two fixed-line
carriers - CHINA TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. and CHINA NETCOM CORP.
(C) Copyright 2003 Asia In Focus
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KEYWORD: China
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Telecommunications
(Wall Street)
European Operator Unveils Third-Generation Mobile-Phone
Feb 02, 2003 (Sunday Business - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX)
-- It is 10 centimetres long, weighs 150 grams, is silver and dark blue, and
takes up less pocket space than a cigarette packet. Yet a product unveiled last
week could mean life or death for some of the world's biggest companies, which
have spent tens of billions of pounds on its development.
Last week the world had its first glimpse of a genuine third-generation mobile
phone. It was launched by Hutchison 3G, one of the European mobile operators
which together spent $100 billion (UKpound 61 billion, E92 billion) on licences
at the top of the internet/telecoms boom in 2000. It will enable customers to
make mobile video calls, send and receive video clips and surf the internet. It
will be available to Hutchison customers before the end of March -- long before
a similar product is available from rivals Vodafone, MmO2, Orange and T-Mobile.
The technology is undoubtedly impressive. But the question remains: will the
public pay the UKpound 1.6 billion a year needed to turn into profit the $11
billion Hutchison is so far estimated to have sunk into its new service, dubbed
"3"? As yet, the signals are unclear; Hutchison is taking a huge risk.
With its translucent white plastic panelling and designer lighting, 3's new
flagship store in London's Oxford Street looks more like the surgery of a
Hollywood cosmetic surgeon than a high street phone shop. Behind a gleaming
glass case are displayed the mobiles the industry has been waiting anxiously to
see.
At first touch, the new phones feel no different from the lightweight
flip-screen phones already on the market -- apart from the price tag, which at
UKpound 399 feels distinctly heavy.
But take the phone on to the street to make a video call and you begin to
understand where the $11 billion investment has gone. A hands-free earpiece
allows you talk while looking at a live video of the person you are talking to.
A smaller picture of yourself and the way you look on their handset also appears
on your screen but can be dismissed at the touch of a button. As well as seeing
the person you are talking to, you can send them live footage of your
surroundings.
The phones also offer a variety of services in addition to making video calls.
Watching replays of sporting moments, particularly soccer, has been identified
as a key application and 3 has an exclusive agreement with England's Football
Association Premier League for the provision of video clips of goals and other
events to mobiles.
The cost of the deal has been estimated at UKpound 35 million for three years,
al-though 3 could end up paying substantially more if the service proves a
success. Users will have to await anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to
download a video; having done so, they can store it on the phone to show it to
friends.
Last week, 3 announced it had done a deal with Reuters, the global information
and news group, for content. Under the agreement, 3 users will have access to
breaking news, archive stories, company reports, market news and investor data.
This is available direct from the 3G phone's homepage screen and is updated in
real-time via a feed from Reuters.
The Business understands another deal with film entertainment provider My Movies
is also on the table, which will provide users with video clips of movies
currently playing at the cinema. When used in conjunction with the new phone's
location-based software, this allows the user see what is showing.
By the end of the year, all of 3's phones will have what the industry calls
assisted global position service, the satellite location services that precisely
pinpoints a cellphone's location. Although only handsets made by Motorola will
have this precise location service, 3 believes it can still offer customers an
acceptable location service based on a network identification technology called
cell ID that can locate a phone within a couple of streets.
Unlike NTT DoCoMo's 3G phones in Japan, 3 users can also roam on to MmO2's
global voice network using their 3G handset to make ordinary mobile calls.
Japanese users wanting to do this have been forced to carry two phones.
But all this innovation has come at a high price for Hutchison 3G and its three
shareholders: Hutchison Whampoa (65 percent), NTT DoCoMo (20 percent) and KPN
(15 percent). The UK 3G licence alone cost Hutchison UKpound 4.4 billion and the
company is currently working through a UKpound 3.2 billion loan from 16 banks
plus another UKpound 700 million of vendor financing.
Nomura calculates that by November of 2002, Hutchison had already invested more
than $11 billion in European 3G licences and capital expenditure before signing
up a single commercial customer. The $11 billion question facing 3 is whether
customers will sign up in sufficient numbers to justify this investment. Having
conducted 16,000 customer interviews, 3 says it is confident there is a strong
enough demand for 3G. But the privately-owned company remains secretive about
its strategy.
Canning Fok, managing director of Hutchison's lead investor Hutchison Whampoa,
has previously indicated that the 3 network should attract about 1 million users
in the UK and Italy by the end of 2003.
Every UK user will pay either UKpound 59.99 a month for a package for all
services including voice, with heavy users being offered a basic package for
UKpound 99.99 that 3 believes will be sufficient for nearly everyone. But even
if 3 achieved the predicted 1 million users by the end of the year and even if
they all opted for the heavy user tariff, Hutchison would still be a long way
from recovering its costs.
Nomura telecoms analyst Chris Alliott says: "Hutchison 3G is going to have to go
some in terms of market share to make any money." He says 3 will have to capture
a 13 percent market share by 2010, generating average monthly revenues of over
UKpound 25 per subscriber, representing UKpound 1.6 billion a year, before it
can begin to break even.
The first 20,000 subscribers to the new service will be offered significant
reductions on the price of mobile phone handsets. After that, 3 intends to rely
on clever marketing and the must-have appeal of video phones to attract big
customer numbers.
If the targets look ambitious, there are still technological hurdles to
overcome. The industry is waiting to see if 3 can solve those problems when the
network launches commercially in March. There are concerns that the 3G network
could experience temporary loss of service as it begins attract significant
numbers of users in addition to the 1,000 trial users. The 3G networks are known
to work well in test conditions with a small group of users but tend to fall
down when accessed by larger numbers.
Nomura's Alliott says: "The whole user experience will have to work well. People
now take reliability of service for granted when making voice calls and they
will expect the same from 3G."
Previous technical delays in the launch of 3G may work against 3, as it has to
compete with other technologies. The kind of picture messaging offered by
operators such as Vodafone Live are already nicknamed "2.5G" because of their
ability to provide many of 3G services over existing networks.
But there is a bigger threat, one you do not have to walk far from Hutchison's
glitzy shop to find. Anyone sitting in the Costa Coffee shop near 3's Oxford
Street store can access the internet faster and cheaper. A rival wireless
technology called Wi-fi, currently being billed by its main UK promoter BT as
"fast secure broadband internet access for people on the pause", is being rolled
out in 4,000 hotspots by 2005.
Wi-fi hotspots can usually only be accessed within a 100-metre radius of a base
station but the low cost (around $100) of stations means that BT and its
partners such as Hilton Hotels, BAA and Costa Coffee, can install them wherever
they think business travellers may need them. Wi-fi has the potential to siphon
off the kind of high-spending business customer that 3 will need to underpin the
revenues needed to pay back its massive early investment.
BT's official line has always been that Wi-fi and 3G are "complimentary"; but
significantly the operator chose the week of 3's product unveiling to take the
gloves off and give 3G a body blow.
David Hughes, BT Retail's director of mobility and the man in charge of BT's
Wi-fi rollout, announced a price comparison that showed Wi-fi internet access to
be one-tenth the price and four times the speed of 3G. He added that there were
already 20 million devices such as laptop and handheld computers shipped
worldwide that were Wi-fi enabled -- far in excess of the number of 3G phones.
So far, BT has 80 live Wi-fi hotspots and deals announced with BAA, Welcome
Break and Hilton Hotels take BT's Wi-fi network national with hotspots now
beginning to appear in 27 Welcome Break Service Stations, 36 Hilton Hotels in
England, Scotland and Wales and in key regional transport hubs such as Aberdeen
airport.
A total of 45 companies have signed up for trials of BT's Wi-fi network. These
include the BBC, Carlton Communications, Toshiba. Scottish Enterprise, Royal and
Sun Alliance, John Lewis, Microsoft and GE Capital. These companies can now also
use any of TeliaSonera's network of 500 Wi-fi hotspots in Sweden, France, Italy,
Denmark and the United States.
More worrying for 3, Hughes also chose last week to reveal BT's new global Wi-fi
roaming strategy. In addition to the 400 sites that BT intends to make
operational by the summer of this year, BT intends to provide users of its Wi-fi
service BT Openzone, with international roaming via a network of partnership
agreements. In addition roaming agreement in place with Scandinavian operator
TeliaSonera, BT told The Business it is in talks with 12 operators worldwide
with which it hopes to close roaming deals by the end of this year.
Roaming is crucial for any mobile network hoping to attract the high-spending
early-adopter professional market. Worldwide roaming by 2004 could give BT
Openzone a big edge over 3. Business travellers and holiday makers are more
likely to want to make video calls to family and friends when abroad; 3's
service will initially be limited in this area.
While 50 percent of the UK population will be included within the 3G network at
its launch, when abroad 3 customers will initially only be able to make video
calls in Italy. This will be extended to Hong Kong, Australia and Sweden, but 3
can give no indication as to when anything like full international roaming will
become available.
When 3 opens the doors of its Oxford Street store to the public in March far
more than Hutchison 3G's $11 billion investment will be at stake. Between them,
Europe's mobile operators have invested over $100 billion in 3G operating
licences and have to invest as much again to build the networks to operate 3G.
In the UK, operators like Vodafone and MmO2 have delayed full commercial launch
of their 3G networks until 2004.
Hutchison's early launch of 3G has in effect put them in a no-win situation.
Although they seem happy to watch Hutchison trailblaze 3G, the other main mobile
operators are likely to lose out and see dramatic share price falls if
Hutchison's 3G succeeds or it if fails.
It is impossible to overstate the size of the gamble. If 3 proves popular and
the network starts to grab the kind of market share it needs, the other mobile
operators will face a choice between annihilation or consolidation in market
that will be unable to support five high-spending mobile network operators.
If, on the other hand, 3 gets off to a slow start, other operators will face
strong shareholder pressure to write off the billions already spent on 3G
licences and make substantial downward reductions on their revenue predictions.
If the general public were to give 3G the cold shoulder, Hutchison would have
had the distinction of giving birth to technology's biggest and most expensive
white elephant ever.
To see more of Sunday Business, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.sundaybusiness.co.uk
UKpound preceding a numeral refers to the United Kingdom's pound sterling.
(c) 2003, Sunday Business, London. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business
News.
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(Wall Street)
Nokia Is New Game in Town
Feb 02, 2003 (Sunday Business - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX)
-- Mobile phone giant Nokia will unveil its long-awaited games handsets this
week. Instead of the outdated fare available on current mobiles, the N-Gage
phones are understood to run the latest offerings from producers such as Sega.
While details of the handsets have been a closely guarded secret in Nokia's
Finnish research centres, reports say the company has teams of developers
working on its own high-quality three-dimensional games.
Consumer reaction to this week's launch is critical for the entire mobile
industry as well as for Nokia chief Jorma Ollila. Using mobiles as games
terminals allows the industry to reach into another consumer electronics sector.
According to undisclosed research carried out in Scandinavia over recent years,
there is a relatively low ceiling on the kind of monthly tariff users are
prepared to pay for phone services, no matter how advanced.
However, the industry may be able to boost revenues by crossing over into games.
According to a report released last week by specialist mobile technology
consultant Strand Consult, the revenue from mobile games and entertainment is
set to rise from E44.7 million ($48.3M, UKpound 29.5 million) in 2002 to E3.2
billion in 2005.
According to Strand, this sharp increase is based on the introduction of phones
with colour screens, such as the Nokia handsets, that will have similar
capabilities to Game Boys, the popular handheld consoles.
Mobile phones doubling as gaming devices have a real advantage over products
such as Game Boys as they can use the mobile industry's new high-speed data
networks such as GPRS and 3G to download the newest games straight on to their
phones.
One advantage of this technology is that the same game could be sold in
different ways. The user could, for example, pay to use the game for a day, a
week, a month or for an unlimited period.
Network operators such as Vodafone are also predicting that dedicated gamers
will start taking advantage of high-speed mobile phone networks to engage in
multiplayer games, where they can test their skills against other mobile gamers.
The level of success of Nokia's N-Gage phones will indicate how realistic the
industry's predictions of a gaming revenue bonanza really are.
By Tony Glover
To see more of Sunday Business, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.sundaybusiness.co.uk
UKpound preceding a numeral refers to the United Kingdom's pound sterling.
(c) 2003, Sunday Business, London. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business
News.
-0-
(Wall Street)
TI Boosts Wireless Chipset Portfolio
RELATED SYMBOLS: (TXN)
Feb 3, 2003 (NewsFactor.com via COMTEX) -- Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) has
unveiled a handful of new wireless chipsets, promising improved performance
among its industry-leading power plants for mobile phones , PDAs and other
devices running on advanced wireless networks.
TI said the five new chipsets, based on its OMAP (open multimedia applications
protocol) wireless technology , add on-chip security; boost processing speed
eightfold for such applications as graphics, multimedia content and Java ; and
significantly reduce standby power drain.
Eye on 3G
The chipmaker also launched an integrated, dual-mode chipset and reference
design for third-generation (3G) wireless devices. The dual modes are GSM/GPRS
and WCDMA -- that is, global system for mobile communications/general packet
radio service and wideband code division multiple access. The chipset will
operate on the forthcoming 3G network standard known as UMTS, or universal
mobile telecommunications system.
The most noteworthy improvements with these new wireless technologies are
integration in applications and power management, as well as integration in the
RF (radio frequency) space, Jim Koutras, TI's marketing manager for 3G wireless
chipsets, told NewsFactor.
For mobile device manufacturers, that means more attractive 2.5G and 3G
applications -- such as videoconferencing, interactive gaming and speech
processing -- and smaller and more power-efficient models.
Targeting Converged Devices
"We are making it easier for applications developers working on 2G and 3G
applications, and we have produced a single chip with both a WCDMA and a
GSM/GPRS transceiver," he said.
The new OMAP chipsets are the first processors to feature wireless built-in
security hardware and power management that offers an "extreme deep sleep mode,"
which reduces power consumption as much as 10 times more than existing
technologies.
Koutros said the new chipset technology is aimed primarily at the PDA and
converged voice/data device, or smartphone , market. He noted that OMAP already
has a gained a foothold among device manufacturers, such as Palm (Nasdaq: PALM)
and HP.
Ahead of the Curve
Aberdeen Group analyst Isaac Ro supported that claim, telling NewsFactor that TI
is ahead of the curve in developing chipsets for mobile devices. "They have the
best of what's out there," he said, pointing out that OMAP technology is used in
the Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) SPV smartphone currently available in the United
Kingdom, as well as in the Palm Tungsten T and HP JornHP Jornada handhelds.
"Manufacturers will see the value of these new processors, because they all want
to upgrade the performance of their devices," said Ro. "Boosting battery life
and providing more power for applications will be critical as new networks are
launched."
The impact of TI's new chipsets on cell phones will be minimal, Ro said, as most
of the major manufacturers, such as Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Motorola (NYSE: MOT) ,
use their own chipset designs. "But on the PDA side, the list of products using
this technology can be expected to grow," he said.
Timing Is Right
All five new processors should be available in quantity by the end of the year.
"We think the timing is right. There should be a significant takeup of UMTS by
2004" led by a few pioneers such as T-Mobile , which will roll out the networks
later this year, Koutras said.
The latest developments represent the convergence of two TI strategies, Koutras
added: the OMAP open applications platform and 3G networks. "Combining our radio
technology with applications processing is a significant step forward."
By Jay Wrolstad
URL: http://www.ti.com
http://www.palm.com/
http://www.aberdeen.com/
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.nokia.com
http://www.motorola.com
http://www.tmobile.com/
Copyright (C) 2003, NewsFactor Network. All rights reserved
-0-
(Wall Street)
3 UK: 3 UK reveals highly competitive pricing options Customer pre-orders
London, Feb 06, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- 3 UK unveiled its highly
competitive pricing options designed to bring the UK's first commercial 3G
mobile video and multimedia service to mass-market consumers and announced that
its third-party retail partners will begin taking pre-orders online from
customers signing up from February 22nd.
In early March customers will also be able to pre-order in-store in 3 UK's
flagship 3Store outlets in London and Birmingham and in selected branches of
Dixons, The Link, Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U and via a range of independent
retailers across the UK. Fulfilment of confirmed pre-orders is expected to begin
in mid-March.
3 UK also revealed details of tariffs and handset options which will offer
compelling and highly competitive voice, multimedia and mobile video services at
prices which are well within reach of the mass-market.
The company announced it will offer a price plan for customers looking for the
flexibility of 'pay as you use' tariffs with no monthly line rental, in addition
to offering two generous 'bundle' pricing options for customers looking to pay a
fixed monthly cost for a large number of voice calls, video calls, multimedia
downloads and multimedia messaging.
All of 3's price plans are based on a simple and transparent event-based
charging system linking payment to specific items of content downloaded by the
customer - in contrast to existing mobile data services where access is charged
by the megabyte. Additionally there are no complex peak and off-peak charges:
voice and video calls are billed according to fixed tariffs, regardless of the
time of day or day of the week
Prospective customers can find out more and pre-register online at
www.three.co.uk
3 UK Managing Director Colin Tucker said: "We are looking forward to bringing
3's unique products and services to the UK market. 3 will bring about a
fundamental shift in the mobile communications landscape. We are offering
consumers the kind of services that were in the realm of science fiction just a
few years ago - but at pricing which is highly competitive with existing mobile
voice and text services. This is an incredibly exciting time for all of us at 3
as our vision finally begins to become reality."
The price plans are:
Option 1: 3ToGo
* No monthly line rental
* Send emails and explore news reports, sports news and fixture listings, share
prices, Lotto results and more for FREE until June 30th 2003
* Voice calls on 3's network to other 3 customers charged at 5p a minute
* Other voice calls start from 10p a minute
* Video calls charged at 50p a minute
* Video downloads from 50p each, depending on content, including FA Premier
League action, cartoons, comedy and more
* Text messages charged at 10p each, picture messages at 25p and video messages
at 50p
* Up to GBP10 worth of video downloads free each month for your first three
months
* Buy two handsets and get GBP100 off the total price, plus a 20% discount off
the price of your video calls.
Other rates apply to international calls, usage while abroad, directory
enquiries, premium rate calls and certain other special telephony services.
Option 2: Kit On 3
Generous 'bundle' of voice calls, video calls, video downloads and interactive
content, including:
* 1,000 minutes of voice calls a month
* 100 video call minutes a month
* 250 text messages, 50 downloads, 60 picture messages and 40 video messages
* Send emails and explore news reports, sports news and fixture listings, share
prices, Lotto results and more for FREE until June 30th 2003
* Fixed monthly cost of GBP59.99 for a minimum 12 month contract
Voice calls above the allocated 1,000 minutes a month are charged at 15p a
minute, and video calls above the allocated 100 minutes a month are charged at
50p a minute. Other rates apply to international calls, usage while abroad,
directory enquiries, premium rate calls and certain other special telephony
services.
Option 3: Caboodle On 3
Double the Kit On 3 'bundle' for less than double the price!
* 2,000 minutes of voice calls a month
* 200 video call minutes a month
* 500 text messages, 100 downloads, 120 picture messages and 80 video messages
* Send emails and explore news reports, sports news and fixture listings, share
prices, Lotto results and more for FREE until June 30th 2003
* Fixed monthly cost of GBP99.99 for a minimum 12 month contract
Voice calls above the allocated 2,000 minutes a month are charged at 15p a
minute, and video calls above the allocated 200 minutes a month are charged at
50p a minute. Other rates apply to international calls, usage while abroad,
directory enquiries, premium rate calls and certain other special telephony
services.
Special promotional offer for Kit On 3 and Caboodle On 3
3 also announced that the first 20,000 customers to register on either the Kit
On 3 price plan or the Caboodle On 3 price plan before 31st March 2003 will be
eligible for a 50% discount off the RRP of any handset.
Handset prices (RRP before discounts) begin at GBP399. See online at
www.three.co.uk <http://www.three.co.uk> for more details.
NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs
About 3
Hutchison 3G UK Limited will deliver third-generation mobile multimedia and
communications services under the 3 brand in the UK, offering a convergence of
media, information and telephony to enable live video calls, multimedia content
and entertainment while on the move.
3 services will be available from sister companies in Australia, Austria,
Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Israel and Sweden.
For further information, please visit: www.three.co.uk
CONTACT: 3 Tel: +44 (0)20 7010 9312 e-mail: media@three.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
-0-
(Wall Street)
Intuwave: Survey highlights the 3G 'myth' that is holding back business
Feb 06, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- The majority of UK corporate
telecommunications infrastructure managers are intent on delaying deployment of
mobile data applications until 3G networks are fully established, according to
survey findings released today by Intuwave, a leading developer of mobile
middleware software and services.
Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of those polled felt that the lack of
next-generation networks was either a `significant` or` very significant`
deterrent in deploying smartphones as business tools. This is despite the
current widespread roll-out of 2.5G technology that has many of the advantages
claimed for 3G but is available `right here, right now`, according to Intuwave.
Intuwave called on all elements of the industry to unite in the education of the
business community as to the features and effectiveness of existing network
technologies in order to prevent further delaying the growth of mobile data and
stymieing its positive effect on economic growth.
Andew Wyatt, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Intuwave, said, "The myth
that serious deployment of mobile data solutions must wait for 3G is clearly
well-established. This belief, combined with ongoing delays in 3G network
deployment, is a recipe for an industry that at best treads water and at worst
declines - with a direct impact on the UK`s global competitiveness.
"Today`s 2.5G networks - based on GPRS - are largely complete and already
provide the features associated with 3G - `always-on` connectivity, higher
bandwidth rates and compelling billing models. This makes the opportunity for
serious business use of mobile applications a reality - today. We - as an
industry - must do more to make sure this is properly understood and ensure that
UK plc benefits."
The survey was conducted on behalf of Intuwave in December 2002 by research
specialists Vanson Bourne who interviewed 100 IT managers in companies with
turnovers in excess of GBP100 million, with half of all respondents having
turnovers in excess of GBP250 million.
Wyatt continued, "The eventual arrival of 3G will not be like European Monetary
Union, when people went to bed on January 31st using existing national
currencies and woke up the next day using Euros: 2G, 2.5G and 3G technologies
will co-exist for many years. GPRS can bring benefits immediately but can also
provide an ideal testbed for mobile solutions, even if large-scale rollout waits
for 3G. Those companies that simply wait for 3G to appear before implementing
mobile strategies will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. The time
to act is now."
"IT managers are well aware just how complex wireless technologies still are and
this is obviously a source of trepidation," said Jessica Figueras, senior
e-Infrastructure analyst at Ovum. "And no one should make a decision to invest
in wireless-enablement on the believed strengths of a particular technology
alone. It ultimately comes down to the business case."
About Intuwave
Intuwave is a leading developer of middleware software and services that enables
the rapid creation and deployment of applications for smartphones.
Intuwave`s m-Network is an application framework that allows the building of
applications which realise the benefits of a XML service based architecture in a
pervasive environment, and exploits the benefits of the new rich, mobile devices
and packet-data wireless networks.
Further information is available at www.intuwave.com.
Notes to editor
The survey was conducted for Intuwave by market research firm Vanson Bourne Ltd.
The survey results were based on 100 telephone interviews with IT managers
evenly employed across Manufacturing, Retail/Distribution/Transport (RDT),
Finance and Other Commercial (Business Services, Telecoms, Utilities and
Construction) companies based in the UK.
CONTACT: Vicki Cook, Brodeur Worldwide Tel: +44 (0)20 7298 7113 e-mail:
vcook@uk.brodeur.com Lena Ahmed, Brodeur Worldwide Tel: +44 (0)20 7298 7097
e-mail: lahmed@uk.brodeur.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
-0-
(Wall Street)
2003 and beyond What's next? Smaller hardware, wireless everywhere, and
Feb 05, 2003 (PCWorld via COMTEX) -- For the past 20 years, PC World has kept
readers up-to-date on key innovations in personal computing--at work, at home,
and on the road. So what better way to start off our third decade than by
previewing the technologies and trends we'll be covering next?
We asked dozens of product researchers, developers, and analysts to share their
predictions about the next couple of years. And even though our crystal ball
hasn't always been right on the money in issues past (see "Flashback"), this
time a few common themes emerged.
The Big Trends
Consumer electronics devices such as TVs and stereos should start to communicate
wirelessly and automatically--no configuration will be required with computers
and peripherals. Indeed, one of the major developments of the next year or two
may be seamless, fast, and invisible connectivity everywhere.
You'll also see technology offered in much smaller packages. PCs will shrink;
many more of them will be laptops.
Processing and graphics performance of personal digital assistants and cell
phones will rival those of desktop PCs from only a few years ago. Handhelds will
become prescient, as well--able to determine where you are and to anticipate
what information you'll want, such as the prices of plasma TVs when you walk
past an electronics store (think Minority Report). The Internet will be
everywhere: Even your wristwatch will be connected. But the connections will
happen behind the scenes and automatically.
Although many of these developments won't be widespread at the end of 2004,
products will be available for early adopters. And they will grow commonplace
toward the end of the decade, changing the way you interact with technology in
your office, on the road, and back at home.
In the Office
After years of being confined to executive suites, LCDs are coming to the cube
farm. "Price, price, price. That's the main thing in the industry these days,"
says William Wang, president of monitor maker Princeton Graphics. By 2004, Wang
expects, prices on 15-inch LCDs will drop below $200, and prices on 17-inch
models will fall below $300. By then, LCDs will be outselling CRTs, predicts
Christian Brantley of rival vendor Eizo Nanao Technologies.
Today's CRTs still offer a fuller, more accurate color palette than LCDs for
high-end graphics work. But even that may change by year's end as the first few
high-end LCDs acquire hardware calibration and backlight technologies that could
enable them to match or surpass the color reproduction of CRTs.
Diminutive Desktops
Like bulky monitors, big and boxy systems are due to fall out of fashion,
especially at the office. More and more companies will ditch desktops in favor
of notebooks. And since most businesses never upgrade or expand their desktop
PCs, IT departments that go the desktop route will opt for space-saving models
over large boxes full of empty PCI slots and drive bays. Should expansion become
necessary, soon-to-be-ubiquitous USB 2.0 ports will let users add components
without cracking the case. "You will see 'smalls' from everybody," says IDC
analyst Roger Kay, "and they're getting to be a higher proportion [of overall
sales]." Most office and home computers will probably continue to run a Windows
operating system--either Windows XP or a later version (see "Windows XP's
Successor").
Safest prediction of the year: Processors will continue to get faster. Intel may
rev up the Pentium 4 as high as 4 GHz by year's end. Meanwhile, rival AMD's new
PC processor, code-named ClawHammer, should narrow the gigahertz gap when it
premieres later this spring. ClawHammer will mark the transition from 32-bit to
64-bit desktop CPUs. If that processor catches on, according to Dean McCarron,
principal analyst for Mercury Research, Intel may bring out its own 64-bit
desktop chip which, rumor has it, is currently being developed under the code
name Yamhill. Apple may jump aboard the 64-bit wagon, too: Many industry
watchers expect the company to adopt IBM's new 64-bit PowerPC 970 processor,
which is scheduled to debut in the second half of this year.
New drive technologies such as Serial ATA, with its thin, 0.25-inch-wide cables
(see "Hands-On With Next-Generation Drive"), will help computers slim down
further. IDC hard-drive analyst Dave Reinsel expects that adoption of Serial ATA
will accelerate in 2003; by the end of 2004, it should be the dominant
technology. By then, it may also start appearing on optical drives. Many more
desktop PCs will jettison 3.5-inch hard drives in favor of 2.5-inch
notebook-style models; their performance will improve as the drives move from
today's typical 4200-rpm rotational speed to 5400 rpm and even 7200 rpm.
By 2004, 3.5-inch hard drives that have rotational speeds of 10,000 rpm and
capacities up to 500GB may emerge. These faster drives will be able to take
advantage of the greater data throughput that Serial ATA provides, enabling them
to challenge pricey SCSI hard drives in high-end workstations and low-end
servers. On the optical storage front, blue-laser DVDs--with capacities of up to
30GB per disc--won't quite be ready by the end of 2004; 9.4GB, dual-layer DVD+RW
discs and drives, on the other hand, should be.
On the Go
Of course, smaller desktop systems will never match the portability of
notebooks. And while notebooks are less powerful, they do have multigigahertz
processors, 3D graphics boards, and high-resolution screens, all of which
provide enough performance and features to replace most desktops. "When people
are reaching the end of their desktop['s useful life], they are considering
notebooks," says IDC's Kay. Stephen Baker, director of IT research at NPD
Techworld, expects notebook retail sales to outpace desktop retail sales by 2004
or 2005.
Even gigahertz-crazy Intel recognizes that customers have a growing preference
for portability over raw power. Though its desktop Pentium 4 processors may hit
4 GHz by the end of 2003, by March of this year the company plans to introduce a
new mobile processor and motherboard architecture called Centrino Mobile
Technology that emphasizes power conservation over clock speed. Even so,
Centrino systems won't be pokey: Intel has not specified CPU speeds, but
spokesperson Shannon Johnson says the new chip "will deliver better performance
than what exists today."
These and other developments will help increase the battery life of notebook
PCs. Howard Locker of IBM says that his company hopes, within the next 20
months, to produce Centrino-based systems capable of 8 hours of battery
life--versus the 4 to 5 hours that IBM's current notebooks provide. Also this
year, Transmeta will launch a new low-power processor, code-named Astro, that
promises to complete twice as many operations per clock cycle as the company's
current, relatively sluggish Crusoe processor.
Wireless, Wireless Everywhere
Another key element of Centrino is integrated 802.11-based wireless (or Wi-Fi)
technology. Analysts expect it to be in virtually all portables by 2004. Aside
from its continued growth in office and home settings, Wi-Fi is becoming an
important component of wireless access for all the locations in between, filling
the void caused by the delayed roll-out of third-generation (3G) cellular
phone-based networks capable of offering speeds of up to 2 mbps. Several
companies are piecing together overlapping Wi-Fi "hot spots" in order to achieve
blanket coverage in major cities. "Our goal for the fall of 2005 is to be in the
top 50 metropolitan areas," says Steve Harris of Cometa Networks, an enterprise
put together by Apax Capital, AT&T, IBM, and Intel.
John Ankcorn, principal research scientist at HP Labs, predicts that future
handhelds and notebook PCs will connect seamlessly to whatever wireless service
is available, hopping from one Wi-Fi network to the next and even jumping
between Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth wireless networks. To support devices
that are connected constantly or frequently, Ankcorn anticipates, location-based
information services will emerge.
"Imagine walking down the street and getting a consumer rating of a restaurant
or a record store before you set foot inside," says Hank Nothhaft, CEO of
Danger, the company that designed and provides Internet services for the
T-Mobile Sidekick handheld. Nothhaft expects that wireless service fees will
drop steadily to about $15 per month (from around $40 per month today) for 10MB
of data.
It won't be necessary to have a PDA and high-speed data services in order to
pick up information, however. By the end of this year, Microsoft plans to
activate its DirectBand network, which uses ordinary FM radio frequencies to
beam customized information to a multitude of everyday devices--watches, pens,
wallets, key chains, and the like. The network and transmission protocols,
combined with tiny receivers built by National Semiconductor, make up a new
platform called Smart Personal Object Technology (SPOT). Watchmakers Citizen,
Fossil, and Suunto have already announced plans to market SPOT-enabled models
capable of displaying location-specific weather forecasts, for example, or
traffic conditions on the road ahead.
Microsoft is betting that increased mobility will heighten demand for its .Net
initiative, one of several forays into Web services that provide centralized
information accessible anywhere from any device. The company envisions such
scenarios as an injured person using a wireless-enabled PDA to authorize the
transfer of medical records to a hospital. Of course, given Microsoft's
inability to build a secure Web browser, the prospect of entrusting your
personal information to the company may not be entirely appealing.
Even without Web services, you can access all of your computer's data if you
carry it with you. Last year, OQO previewed its eponymous handheld PC, a Windows
box that isn't much larger than an IPod; another company, Vulcan, is developing
its similar Mini-PC.
But while some computers will start to look like handhelds, many handhelds will
acquire PC functionality. Later this year, Intel will introduce a mobile phone
chip, code-named Manitoba, that integrates the company's XScale PDA processor
with flash memory and even some analog circuitry. Intel spokesperson Manny Vara
expects that Manitoba-based "gamer's cell phones" will appear next year.
Integrated chips will permit phones to become smaller and more power
efficient--critical improvements in the hardware, since battery technology isn't
expected to make great strides in the near future.
Intel's XScale chip, together with a new Microsoft platform called Media2Go,
will appear in handheld personal video players (from Samsung, Sonicblue,
ViewSonic, and possibly other companies) that should debut by the end of this
year. "Think of it as snackable video for a bus ride, or 2 or 3 hours on a
plane, or for a road trip with the kids," explains Intel spokesperson Bryan
Peebler. Non-Intel chips will power similar video players produced by companies
such as RCA.
At Home
Some of the most exciting technology changes, however, will be in the home,
where new hard drive-based products and PCs will distribute digital
entertainment wirelessly to TVs and stereos anywhere in the dwelling.
Discrete recorders such as ReplayTV and its rival TiVo should continue to sell
well in the next few years, but they will face new challenges from media-savvy
PCs equipped with TV tuner cards and Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition
or Sony's GigaPocket software. These systems enable you to perform such tasks as
changing channels, recording programs, playing music, and clicking through
digital photos via a TV-style remote control.
Home Broadcasting
Most people don't want to watch television and listen to music on a PC--or lug
their PC into the living room. But high-speed home networks can obviate these
issues, combining the storage and processing power of a PC with the convenience
and simplicity of consumer electronics.
This was evident at the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, where CD3O,
HP, Linksys, Motorola, Pioneer, Prismiq, Rockford Fosgate, Sony, Yamaha, and
other companies launched products that bring digital music or images to a stereo
or TV.
In the living room, technology companies increasingly will deal with customers
who have no wish to spend hours configuring a home network. Fortunately,
Universal Plug and Play technology, introduced in the first generation of media
receivers, allows all devices on a wired (ethernet) or wireless network to
detect each other and set up relationships automatically.
Eventually, UPnP should appear in a wide range of devices, including printers,
scanners, digital cameras, televisions, and stereos.
Prior to that--and well before the end of 2004--Intel expects to deliver a
wireless media adapter design to manufacturers for use in products that
cost-conscious consumers can use to connect existing PC and CE devices through
standard jacks and inputs. Linksys recently became the first company to announce
a product based on the Intel design.
The first waves of wireless products, already starting to appear, use the
11-megabit-per-second 802.11b standard, which lacks the bandwidth to transmit
video (though music and photos are not a problem). But when the
second-generation products show up next year with faster 802.11a or 802.11g
wireless standards (the latter backward-compatible with 802.11b), streaming
video could become a killer app. Apple's new notebook computers, which were
introduced in January, already have built-in 802.11g capability.
The Big Picture
Using UPnP over either an 802.11 or a Bluetooth connection, you'll be able to
send pictures from a digital camera to a printer, burn them to CDs and DVDs, and
display them on a TV--without ever touching the PC. Of course, this will also
sidestep computer software for tweaking the appearance of photos; some of these
functions, however, will move into digital cameras with onboard software for
tasks such as color correction and detail highlighting.
Dramatic price drops will encourage the digital camera boom. Greg Young,
director of imaging for Sony, expects 5-megapixel models to sell for under $500
by the end of this year and perhaps for even less in 2004. By that time, most
high-end digital cameras will be around 8 megapixels.
But digital photographers will probably continue to refine and organize their
shots on a PC. And that takes us to a final (daring?) prediction: PCs will
remain at the center of your digital universe for many years to come. Not only
do they offer the most power, but they have the flexibility to incorporate new
technologies as they emerge. Two decades from now, when we predict even more
dramatic innovation, we expect still to be writing about PCs.
Copyright (C) 2000 PC World Communications. All Rights Reserved.
-0-
(Wall Street)
F6, Thanks.eom
Congressional Internet Caucus Reception Feb. 12 to Demonstrate
Feb 05, 2003 (U.S. Newswire via COMTEX) -- News Advisory:
-- Congressional Internet Caucus Reception Demonstrates Technologies and
Introduces Policy Debates for the 108th Congress
-- Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee Hosts the Sixth Annual Kick
Off Reception and Technology Fair, Feb. 12
WHAT: The sixth annual Kick Off Reception and Technology Fair. This event,
through key speakers and demonstrations, will introduce some of the pointed
issues that may face the 108th Congress.
Hands-on demonstrations of the latest technologies in wireless, tele-medicine,
e-learning, cyber security, online gaming, Internet movies and music and more,
will help illustrate these debates and possible solutions. This year's Kickoff
comes on two anniversaries. The Internet is now celebrating its historic 20-year
anniversary as well as the 10-year anniversary of the commercial Internet. The
Internet Caucus Co-Chairs, Senators Conrad Burns and Patrick Leahy, and
Congressmen Bob Goodlatte and Rick Boucher, will preview the technology issues
they feel will be drivers for the next 10 years of the Internet. This event is
hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee in conjunction
with the Internet Caucus and its Co-Chairs.
WHO: The Internet Caucus Co-Chairs will be joined by Timothy Muris, Chairman of
the FTC, Howard Schmidt, Acting Chairman of the President's Critical
Infrastructure Security Board, other Members of Congress, Congressional staff
and Internet industry and non-profit representatives.
Demonstrators include: -- Internet Movie Downloads, MovieLink -- Wi-Fi
Technology, Proxim -- Wearable Computing Technologies, Xybernaut -- Biometric
Security Application, Advanced Biometric Systems -- Internet Music Downloads,
Full Audio -- 3G, NTT DoCoMo -- Tele-health Application, University of VA --
Accessible E-gov Demonstration, E-Gov OS -- and many more
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5 - 7 p.m.. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be
served.
WHERE: Hart Senate Office Building, Room 902, Washington, DC
RSVP: For those planning to attend this event send an email to
RSVP(At)netcaucus.org or call 202-637-4370. Please include your name, office and
email. Member of the press are welcome.
The Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee hosts this event. For more
information, please contact Megan Kinnaird at 202-638-4370,
http://www.netcaucus.org.
http://www.usnewswire.com -0- /U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ 02/05 10:29
Copyright 2003, U.S. Newswire
CONTACT: Megan Kinnaird, 202-638-4370,
for the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee;
E-mail: megan@netcaucus.or
Copyright (C) 2003, U.S. Newswire
-0-
(Wall Street)
Shanghai Unicom Testing CDMA1X EV-DO
RELATED SYMBOLS: (CHU)
SHANGHAI, Feb 05, 2003 (SinoCast via COMTEX) -- An executive from China Unicom
Shanghai Branch revealed recently that Shanghai Unicom will continue to expand
its CDMA users. The company plans to include all the expected 500,000 new CDMA
users into CDMA1X business.
The executive was confident that the issue of unstable performance of CDMA
network will gone this year.
In the first quarter of this year, China Unicom's CDMA Phase 2 project will
complete, and the network capacity will expand from 15.15 million users to 30
million users, with a broader coverage.
Shanghai Unicom plans to conquer 1000 office building in the year. Therefore,
China Unicom will solve the problems of unstable performance, weak indoor
signals, smaller coverage than GSM, and so on.
Another source said that China Unicom will start CDMA Phase 3 as soon as the
Phase 2 completes.
Before long, China Unicom exhibited its under-testing CDMA1X EV-DO technology at
the Hong Kong Asia Telecommunication Expo. China Unicom called this technology
2.75G, however, IEA has acredited it into the scope of 3G.
EV-DO technology allows wireless internet users a download speed of 300 K per
second. It is tens times of faster than the current CDMA network. EV-DO supports
VOD and video conference on mobile phones.
Insiders believe that if China Unicom can launch EV-DO in the year, it will be
the first domestic 3G carrier.
From Source: Shanghai Youth Daily page 9, Thursday, February 06, 2003
info@SinoCast.Com
Copyright (C) 2003 SinoCast, All rights reserved
-0-
KEYWORD: SHANGHAI
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Marketing
Investment
SUBJECT CODE: Computers, Telecom and Information Technology
(Wall Street)
ellismd, I'm asking myself the same thing.
Ericsson sales slump to continue
RELATED SYMBOLS: (ERICD)
Feb 04, 2003 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Ericsson is clinging to the belief
that the worst of the worst of the market decline may be behind it but still
faces a further slump in sales this year. While sticking to his belief that the
market for wireless systems this year will be flat to down 10%, chief executive
Kurt Hellstrom said that "it looks right now it's more toward the lower end of
that range,"
"I have to underline that we do not yet see any visible kind of an industry
recovery," said Hellstrom. Like the other players in the market, Ericsson is
relying on cost-cutting to bring down its break even point and aims to return to
profit "at some point" in 2003. Hellstrom believes it will now be able to make
money on sales of SEK 120bn ($13.9bn).
In the fourth quarter to December 31, the net loss was SEK 8.3bn ($966.4m), up
from a loss of SEK 3.5bn ($407.5m) on revenue 37.3% down at SEK 36.7bn ($4.3bn).
For the year the loss was SEK 19bn ($2.2bn), down from a loss of SEK 21.3bn
($2.5bn) on revenue that fell 30.8% to SEK 145.8bn ($16.9bn).
While orders for the year dropped by 36% to SEK 128.4bn ($14.9bn), by the fourth
quarter the decline had slowed to a 23% decline to SEK 30.7bn ($3.6bn).
But the outlook ahead is daunting. Ericsson reckons that the mobile systems
market fell around 20% to $42bn in 2003 and sees a further 10% fall in 2003. It
believes it will maintain its share of the mobile systems market with an
increase in 3G sales partly offsetting lower sales of TDMA and PDC products.
While Ericsson believes that the historical correlation between operator capital
expenditure (CAPEX) and revenue growth will eventually resume, it predicts the
current level of lower CAPEX spending as a percentage of operator revenues will
most likely remain.
To provide a new source of revenue, Ericsson sees a large and growing
opportunity to provide services to network operators. Even when network rollout
services are excluded, it reckons that the available market in 2003 for
professional services will be worth more than $30bn with a compound growth rate
of more than 10%.
Last week Ericsson and its partner Sony Corp agreed to invest a total of 300m
euros ($324.6m) in their under-performing handset joint venture. The venture
lost $69.8m in the fourth quarter, down from $162.8m a year earlier and shipment
rose 42% to 7.1 million units as it increased its product portfolio.
Source: Computerwire
URL: http://www.datamonitor.com
Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means,
is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall
not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions
taken in reliance thereon
Copyright (C) 2003 Datamonitor. All rights reserved
-0-
SUBJECT CODE: LM Ericsson Telephone Co.
(Wall Street)
Jim, Do you know a secret?
TI Unveils Chips for PDAs, Phones Five new Omap processors will boost
Feb 03, 2003 (PCWorld via COMTEX) -- Chip maker Texas Instruments has announced
five new processors intended to make next-generation phones smaller, more
powerful, and less power-hungry.
The five Omap chips include three in the 161x series that can be coupled with
chip sets for any cellular network, and two 73x series chips that incorporate a
GSM/GPRS modem. They are intended for handsets that will offer enhanced
multimedia, connectivity, and security applications running on fast
third-generation (3G) wireless networks.
They are expected to be ready for use in handsets when the first 3G nets start
up in this country, which is anticipated to be late this year or in 2004.
"The products provide another level of reduction in power requirements and an
increase in performance that's going to be required to provide next-generation
mobile communications services," says Garner analyst Stan Breuderle. Among other
things, these phones are expected to play movies, games, and music without
paying a heavy price in battery life.
While 3G networks are already available in Japan and Korea, Breuderle says the
first phones being used on these networks are rather large and have a fairly
limited battery life. With these new TI chips and their competitors, hardware
vendors "will be able to make those kinds of products with battery lives that
start to approach what people expect from a handset," Breuderle says.
More Power, Endurance
TI says all five of its new chips deliver significant performance improvements
over their existing competitors. Specifically, 2D graphics apps will run up to
2.5 times faster, and Java code will execute up to 8 times faster, according to
the company. Also, audio applications such as MP3 playback will see gains of up
to 1.7 times thanks to TI's multimedia instruction set architecture.
All of the chips include hardware-based security, which will make it simpler to
enable digital rights management or data encryption features on handsets. Adding
such security features to existing devices in software would exact a heavy toll
in power consumption.
Finally, TI's new "extreme deep sleep mode" enables these chips to consume less
than 10 microamperes when idle, or one-tenth the standby power consumption of
their predecessors.
"All the hooks and handles are there to make some pretty elaborate cell phones,"
says Will Strauss, principal analyst with the semiconductor market research firm
Forward Concepts.
Strauss says TI's chip lineup will allow hardware developers great flexibility
in designing devices. "The Swiss army knife approach allows companies to
differentiate their products," he says.
TI chips already account for half the unit shipments in the cell phone market,
Straus said. "TI is not only protecting its turf, it intends to be in a lot of
other devices."
The Fine Print
The baseline member of the Omap161x series is the Omap1610, successor to the
Omap1510 stand-alone applications processor. The Omap1611 adds 2MB of internal
memory plus a low pin count, dedicated connection for all three major flavors of
Wi-Fi (11-mbps, 2.4-GHz-band 802.11b; 54-mpbs, 2.4-GHz-band 802.11g; and
54-mbps, 5-GHz-band 802.11a). The Omap1612 is the same as the Omap1611 but with
256MB of stacked ultra-low-power mobile DDR memory.
The Omap73x series combines an application processor with a GSM/GPRS Class 12
modem--on a single chip. TI says the Omap73x series delivers twice the
applications performance of its predecessor, the Omap710, while doubling standby
time and requiring less than half the board space, meaning devices can get
smaller.
The Omap730 has an internal SRAM frame buffer as well as the same low pin count
Wi-Fi connection as the 161x series. The Omap732 adds up to 256MB of stacked
mobile SDRAM.
TI expects to deliver samples of the Omap1610, 1611, and 730 to customers by
April, with samples of the chips with stacked memory to follow by midyear. All
five chips should be in volume production by the fourth quarter of 2003, and TI
believes the first devices using the new chips could be on the market by year's
end.
By Yardena Arar, PCWorld.com
Copyright (C) 2000 PC World Communications. All Rights Reserved.
-0-
(Wall Street)
Daniel Nieves
Japan's No. 2 telecom KDDI posting 3G success, raises forecast<
RELATED SYMBOLS: (KDDIF)
TOKYO, Feb 04, 2003 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- KDDI Corp. posted a profit
of 51.3 billion yen (US$427 million) for the first nine months of the fiscal
year on the success of its third-generation mobile phone service.
Japan's second-largest telecommunications company began reporting quarterly
earnings for the first time Tuesday, so on-year comparisons weren't possible.
The Tokyo-based company said the 2 trillion yen (US$16.6 billion) revenue for
the April-December period was driven by the success of its cell phone service
using a technology called "CDMA2000 1x."
Handsets with 1x are slower in relaying information than 3G phones from domestic
rival NTT DoCoMo, but 1x phones are cheaper. They can also relay fast-speed
video like DoCoMo phones.
KDDI revised its profit forecast for the fiscal year through March, expecting
demand for 3G to stay strong, marketing costs to ease and data communications
revenue to climb.
KDDI expects fiscal 2002 profits to total 54 billion yen (US$449 million), up
from the previous forecast for 49 billion and more than four times the 13
billion yen profit in fiscal 2001.
Since KDDI's 3G began last April, it has attracted 4.67 million subscribers,
sharply outperforming DoCoMo's 3G, which has attracted only 152,000 users.
Consumers have flocked to KDDI's service because of the wider coverage area,
lower prices and longer battery life. E-mail attachments of 15-second videos
users can take with the digital cameras in the handsets have also proved
popular.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved
-0-
APO Priority=r
(PROFILE
(WS SL:BC-AS-FIN-EARNS--Japan-KDDI; CT:f;
(REG:EURO;)
(REG:BRIT;)
(REG:SCAN;)
(REG:MEST;)
(REG:AFRI;)
(REG:INDI;)
(REG:ASIA;)
(REG:ENGL;)
(LANG:ENGLISH;))
)
KEYWORD: TOKYO
(Wall Street)
Daniel Nieves
TI Boosts Wireless Chipset Portfolio
RELATED SYMBOLS: (TXN)
Feb 3, 2003 (NewsFactor.com via COMTEX) -- Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) has
unveiled a handful of new wireless chipsets, promising improved performance
among its industry-leading powerplants for mobile phones , PDAs and other
devices running on advanced wireless networks.
TI said the five new chipsets, based on its OMAP (open multimedia applications
protocol) wireless technology, add on-chip security; boost processing speed by
eight-fold for such applications as graphics, multimedia content and Java ; and
significantly reduce standby power drain.
Eye on 3G
The chipmaker also launched an integrated, dual-mode (GSM/GPRS-WCDMA, or global
system for mobile communications/general packet radio service-wideband code
division multiple access) chipset and reference design for third-generation (3G)
wireless devices operating on the forthcoming UMTS (universal mobile
telecommunications system) third-generation network standard.
The most noteworthy improvements with these new wireless technologies are
integration in applications and power management, as well as integration in the
RF (radio frequency) space, Jim Koutras, TI's marketing manager for 3G wireless
chipsets, told NewsFactor.
For mobile device manufacturers, that means more attractive 2.5G and 3G
applications -- such as video conferencing, interactive gaming and speech
processing -- and smaller and more power-efficient models.
Targeting Converged Devices
"We are making it easier for applications developers working on 2G and 3G
applications, and we have produced a single chip with both a WCDMA and a
GSM/GPRS transceiver," he said.
The new OMAP chipsets are the first processors to feature wireless built-in
security hardware and power management that offers an "extreme deep sleep mode,"
which reduces power consumption by up to 10 times that of existing technologies.
Koutros said the new chipset technology is aimed primarily at the PDA and
converged voice/data device, or smartphone , market. He noted that OMAP already
has a gained a foothold among device manufacturers such as Palm (Nasdaq: PALM)
and HP.
Ahead of the Curve
Aberdeen Group analyst Isaac Ro, supported that claim, telling NewsFactor that
TI is ahead of the curve in developing chipsets for mobile devices. "They have
the best of what's out there," he said, pointing out that OMAP technology is
used in the Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) SPV smartphone currently available in the
UK, as well as in the Palm Tungsten T and the HP Jornada handhelds.
"Manufacturers will see the value of these new processors, because they all want
to upgrade the performance of their devices," said Ro. "Boosting battery life
and providing more power for applications will be critical as new networks are
launched."
The impact of TI's new chipsets opsets on cell phones will be minimal, Ro said,
as most of the major manufacturers such as Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Motorola (NYSE:
MOT) use their own chipset designs. "But on the PDA side, the list of products
using this technology can be expected to grow," he said.
Timing Is Right
All five new processors should be available in quantity by the end of the year.
"We think the timing is right. There should be a significant takeup of UMTS by
2004," led by a few pioneers such as T-Mobile which will roll out the networks
later this year, Koutras said.
The latest developments represent the convergence of two TI strategies, Koutras
said: the OMAP open applications platform and 3G networks. "Combining our radio
technology with applications processing is a significant step forward."
By Jay Wrolstad
URL: http://www.ti.com
http://www.palm.com/
http://www.aberdeen.com/
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.nokia.com
http://www.motorola.com
http://www.tmobile.com/
Copyright (C) 2003, NewsFactor Network. All rights reserved
-0-
(Wall Street)
Daniel Nieves
One Step Closer to the Wireless Holy Grail
RELATED SYMBOLS: (HPQ)
Feb 03, 2003 (Internet.com via COMTEX) -- Hewlett-Packard joined forces with
wireless networking specialist Transat Technologies Monday in an effort to push
a joint solution that would enable seamless and transparent roaming between
2.5G/3G wireless networks and 802.11 hotspots.
The partnership brings together HP's OpenCall SS7 telecommunications middleware
and Transat's WeRoam technology to give mobile operators the ability to create
inter-networking agreements with wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) and
public wireless local area network (pwLAN) aggregators while still owning (and
billing) their customers end-to-end.
WeRoam is based on standard Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) -- postage
stamp-sized chip cards found in most GSM phones these days. SIMs typically have
between 16 and 64kb of memory and are removable. By basing its solution on SIM
cards, Transat gives mobile operators the security of GSM phones and the ability
to provision and manage pwLAN users in the same way as mobile phone users. This
supports users through PIN and password/credit card billing and authentication
systems.
SS7 , short for Signaling System 7, is a telecommunications protocol defined by
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a way to offload PSTN data
traffic congestion onto a wireless or wireline digital broadband network. It is
the core inter-operator signaling infrastructure in use today, and enables,
among other things, mobile subscriber authentication and advanced services like
Caller ID and Call Forwarding.
Together with OpenCall SS7, WeRoam will form the cornerstone of a wireless
infrastructure solution, running on Linux platforms, which will allow users to
access voice and data services from a single provider, whether they are on the
move or in a hotspot, using a cell phone, a notebook PC or a Pocket PC. Whatever
network users happen to be on, their notebooks and PDAs will authenticate with
their "home" networks and create a billing record in the home network. HP will
round out the offering with solutions consulting, customization and support
services.
"Hotspots are proliferating, and mobile operators have a huge opportunity to
serve high-value mobile customers -- in hotspots, where customers really need
the bandwidth," said Sebastino Tevarotto, vice president and general manager, HP
Network and Service Provider Business Unit. "With Transat and HP, operators can
tap the opportunity in the only way that makes sense -- by leveraging their
existing network investment."
To support the offering HP also said Monday that it has extended its OpenCall
HLR (home location register) -- which manages mobility services for more than 70
million subscribers on CDMA networks -- to support GPRS/GSM networks, creating a
multi-mode HLR that provisions both standards through a single interface.
By Thor Olavsrud
URL: http://www.internet.com
Copyright 2001 INT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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SUBJECT CODE: 802.11
Business
CDMA
GSM
(Wall Street)
Daniel Nieves
picoChip Samples "Software System On Chip" -SSoC- to Cut the Cost of 3G
BATH, England, Feb 3, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Massively Parallel Processor
Array Delivers 30 GigaMACS At 160MHz: Dramatically Out-performs Legacy DSPs
picoChip Designs Ltd, the 3G wireless "Software System on Chip" (SSoC) provider,
today announced it has sampled its first device, the PC101, which delivers a
massive computational power of 30 Giga-MACs per second, twenty times more than
traditional devices despite needing only a fraction of the clock rate (160MHz).
Shipped with a complete toolchain and a comprehensive UMTS systems library, the
PC101 SSoC dramatically cuts the cost of third generation mobile infrastructure
and enables the strategic advantage of in-the-field flexibility - a
reprogrammable basestation.
The PC101 has a heterogeneous array of 430 16-bit processors on a single die
interconnected by a fast deterministic fabric, delivering 200 Giga-instructions
per second. The SSoC delivers the performance and efficiency of a conventional
fixed function System on Chip but is completely programmable from standard C or
assembler. The architecture was developed with a strong emphasis on ease of
design/verification and deterministic performance for embedded signal processing
- especially wireless and 3G. Complementing the device is a complete development
tool-chain and a comprehensive systems library, providing a complete baseband
platform for 3G infrastructure.
Co-Founder and CTO, Doug Pulley, said, "picoChip has overcome the design
challenges of 0.13 um through architectural innovation and given our customers a
viable alternative to the pains of SoC design. With the introduction of the
picoArray, systems companies can place their own algorithms onto groups of
processors in the same way as they would like to be able to place hardware IP
blocks onto silicon in an ASIC - the Software System on Chip, or SSoC. In one
device, users can integrate different processing tasks and algorithms, including
DSP, protocol handling and control all using one consistent design environment
and toolchain."
CEO, Dr. Rodger Sykes, added," We are proud of the PC101 - right first time
0.13um working silicon. We've implemented redundancy that provides very good
yield despite the PC101's massive processing power. This provides our customers
with a truly dramatic cost advantage compared to traditional approaches,
delivering a compelling roadmap to the lowest cost/channel. As importantly, the
tools and system library reduce development time and risk, accelerating
time-to-market. Developing a 3G basestation can cost well over $100M - using our
solution can reduce that significantly."
The PC101 is optimized for wireless communications tasks in two principal ways.
At one level, the structure of the array and the arrangement of the different
element types across the chip reflects the balance of requirements of a wireless
system. Secondly, the characteristics and instruction set within processing
elements varies according to their role, to include specialist operations or
larger memory complements for control type operations.
Sean Lavey, an analyst from IDC, concludes, "Current WCDMA basestation designs
are still not economic enough for mass deployment in the market. The need for
flexibility in this evolving standard has made costly FPGAs the choice of most
designs shipped over the past year, but we are now finding OEMs shifting most if
not all of their baseband architectures to more cost effective flexible ASSP
approaches. We expect this change will result in lower costs to the OEM sparking
further cuts in pricing making WCDMA a more mainstream build-out issue for
service providers over the next few years."
(Photograph available upon request from vicki.parker@publitek.com)
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.
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.com
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: UNITED KINGDOM INTERNATIONAL EUROPE
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SOURCE:
picoChip
Designs
Limited
(Wall Street)
Daniel Nieves
NOKIA: Nokia to deliver Mobile Internet platform to BellSouth in Chile
Jan 30, 2001 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- BellSouth is developing and
introducing new value-added services, built on Nokia's unique mPlatform
solution, for its TDMA network in Chile.
Initial services, based on WAP, were launched on December 10, 2000.
As networks evolve, Nokia mPlatform Solution is scaleable to be used for future
technologies such as 3G. The Nokia mPlatform Solution includes open application
interfaces, the advanced API, which enables the integration and tailoring of
operator and third-party integrated applications according to Bellsouth's
subscriber needs. The deal also includes Professional Services covering Project
Management and Implementation.
"The agreement with Nokia will ultimately lead to benefits for our subscribers,"
said Domingo Cruzat, CEO of BellSouth in Chile, "Nokia mPlatform will enable
BellSouth to introduce new exciting services, both in WAP and mobile Internet.
We will continue with development for true mobile Internet applications."
"Nokia mPlatform Solution will give BellSouth a short time-to-market for the
introduction of new revenue generating services, while increasing the customer
loyalty and trust," said Nils Kampe, Vice President and General Manager,
Customer Operations, Nokia Networks Latin America, "Nokia is pleased to be
working with BellSouth in Chile, which is a new customer as Nokia continues to
strengthen its position in the Latin American market."
Nokia mPlatform Solution is a network and terminal independent solution working
across various access methods from WAP and GRPS to 3G and fixed Internet
technologies. It combines the key elements for offering new value-added
messaging and information services for end-users. It includes core products,
such as WAP gateways and profile directories; enhanced access solutions, such as
proxy servers and authentication; intelligent middleware and customer specific
solutions.
BellSouth in Chile, a 100% BellSouth company, has been in Chile since 1991, and
provides mobile, long distance and Internet access services nationwide to more
than 600.000 subscribers.
BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS) is an integrated communications services
company headquartered in Atlanta, GA serving more than 41 million customers in
the United States and 16 other countries.
BellSouth, consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, provides
residential, business and wholesale customers with integrated voice, video and
data services to meet their communications needs. BellSouth is a Fortune 100
company with total revenues exceeding $26 billion. In Latin America, BellSouth
provides a wide range of telecommunications services to more than 10.8 million
customers in 11 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,
Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
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 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.
CONTACT: Yolande Pineda, Latin America Communications, Nokia Networks Tel. +55
215437074 2033 e-mail: yolande.pineda@nokia.com WWW: http://www.nokia.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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(Wall Street)
Daniel Nieves