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Nokia forms GSM/EDGE radio network deal with Astelit
Mar 17, 2006 (M2 EQUITYBITES via COMTEX) -- Nokia (NYSE:NOK), a mobile communication company, and Astelit, a Ukrainian mobile services operator, announced on Thursday (16 March) that theyhave extended their existing frame agreement for the supply of network equipment and services.
Under the extended agreement Nokia will carry out a new turnkey GSM/EDGE radio network expansion project, valued at USD75m, toexpand Astelit's network coverage in the Eastern and Western Ukraine. Thisexpansion is expected tohelp Astelit to increase its market share and attract new subscribers.
Nokia will deploy GSM/EDGE radio network equipment, including base stations, base station controllers and transmission. The full turnkey services for new sites include network planning, project management, site acquisition, civil works and implementation.
Nokia will provide network optimisation, consultancy and maintenance services to support fast network roll-out and the Nokia NetAct network and service management system will be used to support the network. The company said that deliveries under the contract have already started.
(C)2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
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=DJ Supreme Crt To Hear EBay Case, Steps Up Patent Law Review
By Mark H. Anderson Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--When the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in eBay Inc. v. MercExchange LLC later this month, it will be the third patent-law case granted this term, a trend indicating the high court's renewed interest in patent law.
What's at issue is whether a federal judge should have handed down an immediate injunction barring eBay (EBAY) from infringing on patents held by MercExchange, a Great Falls, Va., patent-holding company. The two companies have been fighting over patent rights to software processes for instant purchase - or Buy It Now - functions used in online auctions.
But the eBay case is also significant because the underlying issue - federal patent injunctions - is an area of patent law that cuts across the corporate world and has, amid a lot of publicity, become the poster child for patent reforms.
"There is a very legitimate debate here because a lot of companies rely on patents as their lifeblood," said Mitchell Stockwell, an Atlanta intellectual property attorney with Kilpatrick Stockton LLP.
The issue of patent injunctions - most recently on display in the highly publicized battle over BlackBerry email service patents - has eBay and other technology companies calling for more flexibility on injunctions in the court system, while manufacturers, particularly pharmaceutical companies, believe the threat of an immediate patent injunction protects their valuable products from infringement.
The Supreme Court is reviewing almost 100 years of legal precedent in this area, indicating when it granted eBay's appeal that it will specifically try to decide whether the current standard for patent injunctions should be changed or, at a minimum, clarified.
Patent Injunction Standards Split Corporate Sector
How the Supreme Court rules has sparked an intense debate in the business world.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, in a friend-of-the-court brief, urged the high court to keep a "general rule that injunctive relief will be granted against patent infringers absent exceptional circumstances."
The U.S. Solicitor General's office, which filed a brief for the Patent and Trademark Office, took a similar position and urged the Supreme Court to uphold the ability of federal courts to easily issue injunctions in patent cases. "There is no basis for withholding injunctive relief," Solicitor General Paul Clement wrote, urging a high-court ruling that gives judges discretion based on the facts of each case.
A group of technology companies, including Time Warner Inc. (TWX) and Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), said in a brief supporting eBay that the current rules on injunctions invite abuse of the system. "The availability of automatic injunctive relief can enable holders of dubious patents to use them to extract lucrative fees through threats of litigation," the companies said.
EBay has already been slapped with $25 million in penalties after being found guilty of patent infringement in a U.S. District Court, but a federal judge refused to issue an injunction. On appeal, the Washington-based Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, a special appeals court set up to handle patent cases, said legal precedent required an injunction to be issued.
The power of the patent injunction was recently on display in Research In Motion Ltd.'s (RIMM) fight with another patent-holding company from Virginia, NTP Inc., that had patent claims on technology RIM uses for its popular BlackBerry wireless email devices. After fighting the patent claims for years in federal courts and losing, RIM recently settled with NTP for $612 million to avoid an injunction being issued by a federal judge in Richmond, Va., which could have shut down the service.
Patent experts say it will be a close call to anticipate how the court might rule on eBay's appeal. "I think the Supreme Court will end up ameliorating the rule somewhat," said Stockwell, the Atlanta intellectual property attorney. He added that the justices are likely to reinforce the assumption that the winner in a patent dispute is predisposed to getting an injunction but also reaffirm that federal judges may exercise discretion.
The Supreme Court's Role In Reviewing Patent Law
The Federal Circuit was set up in 1982 by Congress to handle the highly specialized area of patent law. Since then, the Supreme Court's involvement in patent cases has been more limited. The Federal Circuit, in many instances, is virtually the final legal word on patent matters.
The Supreme Court has only rarely gotten involved, but a trend is emerging where the high court takes on the most significant patent law issues that come before the Federal Circuit. "It's been a banner year for intellectual property cases at the Supreme Court," said Alan Fisch, a Washington intellectual-property attorney with Kaye Scholer LLP.
The justices granted three patent cases this year, have already accepted one appeal for next year and have additional important patent appeals waiting in the pipeline.
One reason for the renewed interest may stem from a boom in patent approvals and other intellectual-property activities stemming from ongoing technology and biotechnology revolutions. "I think it's the case that structurally they have to pay more attention because of the economic importance of these issues," Stockwell said.
Another reason for the sudden increase in granted patent appeals could be turnover at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. was confirmed to the court last October and participated in decisions to grant the eBay case, among others. Roberts was recently joined by new Justice Samuel Alito.
Whatever the reason, patent attorneys are watching closely to see if a patent revolution is beginning at the Supreme Court.
A Growing List Of Patent Matters At The High Court
Other patent cases at the Supreme Court are:
- Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) v. Independent Ink, 04-1329. The justices, in an 8-0 ruling, made it easier for companies with a valuable patented product to tie-in the sale of a related unpatented product. This case turned on interpretation of civil antitrust laws.
- Laboratory Corp. v. Metabolite Laboratories. Arguments will be heard March 21 in a case that reviews the extent to which scientific processes can be patented.
- MedImmune Inc. (MEDI) v. Genentech Inc. (DNA), 05-608. This appeal will be heard in the fall of 2006. The court will review whether a company must refuse to pay royalties to another company before challenging a patent claim.
- Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) v. AT&T Corp. (T), 05-1056. This appeal, part of a patent dispute between the two companies over digital speech processing software, was recently filed at the Supreme Court and has yet to be reviewed by the justices. The legal question deals with the extent to which U.S. patent laws apply to patent infringement in computer products sold abroad. The case is being closely watched by patent experts.
- SmithKline Beecham v. Apotex Inc., 05-489. The justices have asked the federal government to comment on whether it should hear this drug patent case and a brief is expected mid-2006. At issue is whether a patent on a drug ingredient is invalid because it was discovered by accident.
-By Mark H. Anderson, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9254; mark.anderson@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-17-06 0800ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
WSJ(3/17) NTP's Law Firm Gets $200 Mln In BlackBerry Case
(From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL) By Peter Lattman
The Washington, D.C., law firm that represented patent-holding company NTP Inc. in its nearly five-year legal battle with Research In Motion Ltd. earned roughly $200 million in fees from the case.
Wiley Rein & Fielding LLP received approximately one-third of the $612.5 million settlement that RIM agreed to pay NTP to avert a potential court-ordered shutdown of its popular BlackBerry wireless email devices. Roughly $400 million has been divvied up between about two dozen NTP shareholders. NTP was founded in 1992 by Donald Stout, a patent lawyer, and Thomas Campana, a Chicago inventor who died in 2004, to protect Mr. Campana's patents.
Wiley Rein's James Wallace, the lead lawyer for NTP, said, "A lot of effort was invested in the case and we're very pleased to have delivered for our client one of the largest patent settlements ever."
"They deserve what they got," said Mr. Stout. "Wiley Rein earned it."
The firm represented NTP on a contingency-fee basis, in which lawyers typically receive one-third of any settlement or judgment. The arrangement generally carries more risk for a firm than hourly fees, as final payment depends on the outcome of the case. Had Wiley Rein charged NTP at an hourly rate, the way it typically bills for legal services, the tab would have been a fraction of what it got.
The $200 million fee, reported earlier this week in the Legal Times newspaper, exceeds Wiley Rein's 2004 revenue, which totaled $140 million, according to the American Lawyer magazine. The firm has 250 lawyers, 67 of whom have ownership stakes in the partnership. Known for its telecommunications practice, Wiley Rein was founded in 1983 when 39 lawyers left the Washington office of Chicago's Kirkland & Ellis to start their own firm. Mr. Wallace was a founding partner.
Also enjoying a big payout from the settlement are a group of lawyers at Mr. Stout's law firm, Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Krauss LLP. Of the roughly two dozen NTP shareholders, about half are attorneys at Antonelli Terry, an Alexandria, Va., firm with patent expertise.
Hunton & Williams also worked for NTP in the RIM litigation. The Richmond, Va., law firm served as Wiley Rein's local counsel in the NTP lawsuit, filed in 2001 in federal court in Richmond, and worked on portions of the settlement. NTP paid Hunton & Williams on an hourly basis.
The lawsuit alleged that RIM's wireless email device infringed on several patents owned by NTP. In 2002 a jury found that the BlackBerry violated NTP's patents. RIM fought to stave off the threat of a court-ordered injunction and convince the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to review the validity of NTP's patents. Despite the settlement, the patent office will continue its review.
Mr. Wallace is busy preparing for his next patent-infringement trial, on Apr. 3 in a federal court in New York. While away from the home office, Mr. Wallace plans to communicate with his Wiley Rein colleagues via his BlackBerry, which he acquired from NTP after it was used as a trial exhibit in the RIM case.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-16-06 1947ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
DOVADO adds support for WCDMA/HSDPA PCMCIA modems
Mar 17, 2006 (TELECOMWORLDWIRE via COMTEX) -- DOVADO, a provider of products and applications for wireless broadband access and telephony, has added support for WCDMA/HSDPA PCMCIA modems from telecomms company Huawei, wireless technology provider Option and Novatel Wireless, a provider of wireless broadband access solutions.
The company already supports modems from Flarion (Qualcomm), UTStarcom and IPWireless. The Wireless Residential Gateway (WRG) from DOVADO can be firmware-upgraded over-the-air in order to handle the requirements of newer modems as networks move to new technologies. This means that subscribers do not need to obtain a newer gateway every time a new generation of technology is released, DOVADO said.
The WRG connects via a PCMCIA modem slot to the mobile network and allows the Internet access to be shared simultaneously as a WiFi/LAN router by many users. It can be used within an office, home, vehicle or vessel, as an all-in-one access device, and mobile operators can offer voice and data packages within their service plan.
According to DOVADO the WRG allows a subscriber's existing analog telephone set and fax machine to be used to gain from the next generation SIP telephony found in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The DOVADO gateways are operator-managed from a central location, with the help of the DOVADO Gateway Manager (DGM), helping to shorten and simplify the installation process for operator subscribers.
(C)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
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Vodafone reaches 10m customers for 3G service
Mar 16, 2006 (TELECOMWORLDWIRE via COMTEX) -- Mobile operator Vodafone Group plc has revealed that it has reached its target of 10m customers using its Vodafone live! with 3G service.
The operator had previously announced the expectation to reach the 10m customer level by 31 March 2006. The company said it was pleased to have reached its target ahead of time and that the news demonstrated the value its customers place in the extra services and benefits of Vodafone live! with 3G.
(C)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
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PRESS RELEASE: Unity Wireless Commences Production Volume Shipments to North American-based Tier-1 OEM Customer under a Master Supply Agreement
BURNABY, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2006--
Unity Wireless Corporation (OTCBB: UTYW), a developer of wireless systems and coverage-enhancement solutions, announced today that it has begun shipping 450MHz base station power amplifiers to a North American-based Tier-1 OEM customer under a previously announced master supply agreement.
The Company's products are in support of this OEM customer's deployment of a new 450MHz wireless network in certain European markets. The customer has provided an updated forecast that confirms its guidance in December 2005 that this product should represent approximately US$3.5 million in sales in the first year.
Unity Wireless is well positioned as a leader with a complete 450MHz product line and is shipping 450MHz power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers (LNA), tower-mounted amplifiers (TMA) and duplexers to several base station OEM customers. These customers are deploying commercial networks in several markets around the world in projects that are in various stages of deployment. The Company expects that sales of these products and other 450MHz products in the Company's portfolio will continue to grow as a percentage of product sales this year.
About Unity Wireless
Unity Wireless is a developer of wireless systems and coverage-enhancement solutions for wireless communications networks. The types of products that Unity Wireless develops and sells are an integral part of the base station and repeater infrastructure that comprise the backbone of wireless communications networks around the world. From analog cellular to 3G mobile, and from 450 MHz to 3.5 GHz, Unity Wireless products deliver enhanced efficiency and performance with field-proven quality and reliability in thousands of wireless products around the world. For more information about Unity Wireless, visit www.unitywireless.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "feel," "plan," "anticipate," "should" and other similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, inability to consummate the acquisition of Avantry, difficulty in integrating Avantry, inability to raise the funds necessary for the Company's continued operations, changes in external market factors including the economy, and other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company's most recent SEC filing on form SB-2. Actual results could differ materially from the results referred to in the forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: The Investor Relations Group Vince Daniels/James Carbonara, 212-825-3210 or Osprey Partners Mike Mulshine, 732-292-0982 osprey57@optonline.net SOURCE: Unity Wireless Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2006
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-16-06 1147ET
PRESS RELEASE: S&P Revises Outlook On Motorola To Positve
The following is a press release from Standard & Poor's:
NEW YORK (Standard & Poor's) March 16, 2006--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that it affirmed it 'BBB+' corporate credit rating and other ratings on Schaumburg, Ill. -based Motorola Inc. The outlook is revised to positive from stable, reflecting generally improving profitability trends, benefiting from the company's refreshed cell phone product line.
"The ratings continue to reflect the company's good positions in that market and other related industries, strong balance sheet and good cash-flow-generating capacity," sadi Standard & Poor's credit analyst Bruce Hyman. These are somewhat offset by its moderate degree of business diversity, the challenges of rapid technology evolution, and aggressive market conditions.
Motorola's December-quarter sales rose 18% from the year-earlier level, driven by improving cell-phone revenues--fourth-quarter phone sales were up 30% in the period, reflecting a three-point gain in market share (18% for full-year 2005, compared with 15% for 2004). Longer-term cell-phone financial performance will depend on continual introduction of new competitive models and continued cost reduction in an environment of rapid technology change, fluctuating market shares, and uncertain carrier and consumer preferences. The unit has about one-half of Nokia's market share, and we expect competitive pressures to remain intense as major suppliers seek leadership in the fastest-growing markets.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-16-06 1139ET
SIEMENS: Siemens helps build T-Com's new high-speed network
Mar 16, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- With transmission speeds of up to 50 megabits per second (Mbps), Deutsche Telekom's new broadband network will provide sufficient capacity reserves even for bandwidth-hungry services such as television broadcasts thanks to equipment supplied by Siemens Communications.
T-Com, the fixed network division of Deutsche Telekom AG, plans to initially invest 500 million euros into the construction of a high-speed network. The project includes the use of VDSL2 (Very Fast Digital Subscriber Line) technology, an advanced version of today's popular DSL technology. The first stage will extend the network to ten German cities. As a major T-Com partner, Siemens will supply the world's first fully standard-compliant VDSL2 systems. The network components from the Siemens Surpass product portfolio will enable T-Com to offer top-quality television and video services to its customers over DSL lines.
"With our SURPASS portfolio we provide network operators with network infrastructures that can be managed easily and cost-effectively and open the door for attractive triple-play services, i.e. fast internet access, high-quality communication services and entertainment offerings over a single pipe," said Christian Unterberger, head of Fixed Networks at Siemens Communications. "T-Com's decision in favor of our concept is proof that we are moving in the right direction with our broadband strategy."
Siemens Communications is one of the largest providers worldwide of communications solutions for mobile, fixed and enterprise networks.
Unsurpassed internationally, Siemens Communications unites the experience, innovation power and the ability to deliver in all key segments of voice and data communication. Based on best-in-class products, applications and services Siemens Communications provides communications solutions that set the trends and create best customer value. As the leader in innovations, Siemens Communications builds bridges to the future of communications.
More about Siemens Communications at http://www.siemens.com/communications.
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)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
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Motorola announces increase in investment in China in 2006
Mar 16, 2006 (M2 EQUITYBITES via COMTEX) -- Wireless communications company Motorola Inc (NYSE:MOT) announced on Wednesday (15 March), three new investments in China.
The company has invested, through its venture capital arm subsidiary Motorola Ventures, in Shanghai NewMargin Venture Capital Enterprise (Shanghai NewMargin), Shenzhen Shenxun Information Technology Development Co Ltd (SXIT) and Legend Silicon Corp, the parent company of Legend Silicon Beijing (Legend Silicon).
In addition Motorola has formed a strategic cooperation with SXIT and made a substantial investment in its parent company, China Internet Technology and Service Ltd. Motorola expects the cooperation to increase its ability to provide customised services such as enterprise solutions, A-GPS, LBS, MMS, 3G applications, content and client applications.
The company said that it would continue exploring investment opportunities further in China.
The amount of investment was not disclosed.
(C)2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
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trades @ 25.46 and bid moving up.
=DJ INTERVIEW: MTLD CEO Sees 1M Dotmobi Web Sites By End-07
By Nic Fildes
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
LONDON (Dow Jones)--Mobile Top Level Domain Ltd. expects to have registered at least one million names with its ".mobi" or dotmobi mobile-specific Internet domain by the end of 2007, Chief Executive Neil Edwards said in an interview.
MTLD was formed with investment from search engines, phone manufacturers and mobile operators to support the development of Web sites designed to be accessed via mobile devices. The Dublin-based joint venture will register both companies and individuals for the dotmobi Internet domain.
In an interview with Dow Jones Newswires, Edwards said he expects individuals registering domain names to have "a dramatic impact on the usage of mobile Internet."
"If I do my job properly, there should be one million names by the end of next year," he said, referring to both individuals and corporate sites.
Companies with trademark-validated names will be able to register sites with dotmobi from May 22 for 90 days to avoid "cyber-squatters" opportunistically registering well-known names. Generic domain names will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from September.
Edwards said he expects at least 200,000 individual users to register domain names over the next year, estimating that the figure could be as high as 400,000. He said PhoneBlog, a service that allows people to compile Internet journals - or "blogs" - via mobile phones, has two million users who will be offered dotmobi addresses.
Although most mobile phones allow Internet access, formatting problems, slow download speeds and the high costs of accessing Internet sites via mobile phones mean usage remains low.
This is a significant issue for mobile operators, which paid out vast sums to secure third-generation, or 3G, licenses. One of the key justifications for buying 3G licenses was that consumers would jump at the chance to surf the Web via mobile phones, generating traffic for operators and opening up new revenue streams such as mobile payments and mobile blogging.
Edwards said that with four times as many mobile phones in the world as computers, the prospects for moving Internet traffic onto mobile phones are strong, but have been inhibited by bad experiences.
"Accessing the GSM Association dotcom Web site in Dublin costs between EUR5 and EUR8 to download using a mobile phone. Using the dotmobi version, it cost 20 cents. This is not rocket science," Edwards said. The GSM Association has invested in mTLD.
He said tailoring Web sites to mobile phones by reducing the size and functionality of the normal dotcom sites will not only improve customer experience, but could also provide businesses with advertising and marketing opportunities using location technology.
For example, a coffee shop chain could ask a user accessing a dotmobi site where they're located to direct them to the nearest store.
The dotmobi Web sites are also expected to prove more efficient for mobile operators as users won't clog up the network downloading large pages with irrelevant Internet content.
Some analysts have criticized mTLD for defining a set of rules that Web developers will be forced to follow, a move which is unprecedented and doesn't apply to dotcom and other domain names.
Edwards dismissed such concerns. "What made the Web grow? The HTML language was simple and it worked across all PCs. The same thing will happen with dotmobi," he said arguing that a common set of "best practices" is necessary to drive usage.
Edwards also denied that current applications which automatically format a Web site to fit a mobile phone screen make dotmobi sites unnecessary.
"Mobile content cannot be rendered effectively," he said. He believes existing technologies don't provide an adequate user experience and the user still pays to download a whole dotcom site, rather than a lighter dotmobi page.
Edwards said that after dotmobi sites go live, mTLD won't launch a consumer marketing campaign. It will be up to the Web site owners to advertise their dotmobi sites, as is the case with dotcom sites.
Shareholders in mTLD include telecoms equipment makers LM Ericsson Telephone Co. AB (ERICY), Nokia Corp. (NOK), and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (005930.SE); mobile operators Vodafone Group PLC (VOD), Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. (0013.HK), T-Mobile International AG (TMO.YY), and Telecom Italia SpA (TI); software maker Microsoft Corp. (MSFT); and search engine Google Inc. (GOOG).
Company Web site: http://www.mtld.mobi
-By Nic Fildes, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9264; nicolas.fildes@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-16-06 0857ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Birdstep delivers upgraded client to T-Mobile to expand network coverage
with HSDPA support
Mar 16, 2006 (Hugin via COMTEX) -- TMCC users can now upgrade the existing solution to enjoy this new T-Mobile offering Oslo/Stockholm - March 16, 2006 -Birdstep Technology ASA, the leading provider of seamless mobility and connectivity client solutions, delivered the latest upgrade to the T-Mobile Communication Centre, TMCC release 2.5 offering to include HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) support, support for the HSDPA-capable AirCard Enabled(TM) LIFEBOOK notebooks and support for a data card bundle with Amilo Pro notebooks from Fujitsu Siemens Computers.
Existing TMCC customers need only to upgrade the existing software solution to start enjoying the new HSDPA functionality and the new features included in the TMCC 2.5 recently launched by T-Mobile. With this upgrade, Birdstep Technology provides the client software that covers T-Mobile's GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA and WiFi hotspot networks covering Germany, Austria, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
The TMCC client has the capability to recognize if the user has a data card that supports HSDPA, upgrade its firmware and enable it to allow the user enjoy this newly launched service provided by T-Mobile. This feature will provide significant benefits for users that have already invested in specific cards and would like to enjoy this new service without requiring technical assistance or new investment. In time for CeBIT the TMCC software has been updated to support embedded HSDPA-capable card modules into Fujitsu Siemens LIFEBOOK notebooks as a showcase. TMCC is also bundled with a data card and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro notebooks. T-Mobile is the first to introduce a package comprising of a notebook with a bundled HSDPA data card and data tariff. The TMCC software will be preinstalled on the notebooks and the TMCC software will automatically select data transmission via HSDPA in UMTS areas and WiFi technology at Hotspots. This bundle provides the end users with an efficient way of accessing emails, corporate applications and the Internet while on the move that is not only extremely fast, but also very user-friendly and straight forward. "Our relationship with T-Mobile has grown through these years to a solid partnership where we can assist T-Mobile in meeting their customer requirements. This upgrade of HSDPA to the TMCC confirms our commitment to deliver the client software solution required to meet current and coming market needs. Our solution offers the same branded solution for either PCMCIA cards or embedded cards, making it a solution that fits the vast majority of potential users," said Petri Markkanen, CEO from Birdstep Technology.
About Birdstep Technology Birdstep Technology ASA is a public company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE) under ticker 'BIRD' with head quarters in Oslo, Norway in addition to offices in Stockholm, Sweden and Seattle, USA, as well as offices in Frankfurt, Cambridge (UK), San Francisco, Sao Paolo and Shanghai. In December 2004 Birdstep acquired 100% of the shares in Alice Systems, now Birdstep AB in Sweden. The acquisition makes Birdstep a complete provider of connectivity and mobility solutions for PC, pocket-PC and Smartphone devices. that enable operators to improve their customer experience as they move between available networks, e.g. fixed, cellular and wireless connections. The company today employs around 70 people dedicated to development of advanced connectivity and seamless mobility solutions, as well as small footprint, high performance database technologies. Birdstep's global customers and partners include Nokia, SonyEricsson, Cisco, 3Com, Alcatel, Ericsson, Nortel Networks, HP, Fujitsu Siemens Computers and more than 30 mobile network operators worldwide including T-Mobile Group, Vodafone Group, Orange, TIM, Sprint, Telenor and TeliaSonera. Birdstep offers "SmartRoaming", a hosted roaming service to provide mobility across networks independent of the operator or subscription. For more information, visit www.birdstep.com.
Contact: Petri Markkanen Birdstep Technology ASA +47 24134700
SOURCE: Birdstep Technology
Copyright (c) 2006, HUGIN AS. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: NorwaySUBJECT CODE: Finance
Nokia Wins Turnkey GSM/EDGE Radio Network Deal With Astelit in Ukraine
ESPOO, Finland, March 16, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Ukrainian mobile services operator Astelit, which operates under the brand name life:), have extended their existing frame agreement for the supply of network equipment and services. Nokia will carry out a new turnkey GSM/EDGE radio network expansion project, valued at USD 75 million, to expand Astelit's network coverage in the Eastern and Western Ukraine. The expansion will help Astelit to attract new subscribers and increase its market share.
Under the agreement Nokia will deploy GSM/EDGE radio network equipment, including base stations, base station controllers and transmission. The full turnkey services for new sites include project management, network planning, site acquisition, civil works and implementation. Additionally, Nokia will provide network optimization, consultancy and maintenance services to support fast network rollout. The network will be supported by the Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system. The deliveries have already started.
"We are pleased to extend our business relationship with Nokia, who have proven their commitment and flexibility during the initial rollout of the Astelit network," says Ahmet Tanyu, CEO, Astelit. "With this project we will enhance our high-quality network services to our existing customers, and at the same time expand life:) coverage in the Eastern and Western Ukraine, where we plan to reach new customers with our service offering."
"We are delighted to continue to support Astelit and Turkcell's business in the Ukrainian market," says Jaakko Myllymaki, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "This coverage extension to new areas addresses new untapped areas of this country, one of the fastest growing markets of the region."
Nokia can draw on its over 15-year track record of implementing and operating networks and its extensive practical experience of implementing mobile services for operators. Nokia has contracted operating services for over 20 operators globally, in addition to providing full turnkey implementations for a total of 27 customers in 22 countries. Nokia NetAct(TM) has been delivered to over 300 customers worldwide.
About Astelit
"Astelit" is an international company whose main shareholder is Turkcell (NYSE:TKC) - Turkey's largest GSM operator. Astelit operates in Ukraine under the brand name life:), launched in January 2005. life:) network continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. Today, it covers all cities with population over 100 000, and more than 12 000 settlements of Ukraine, as well as all major highways of the country. life:) offers its users roaming services in 181 countries globally, thanks to 467 roaming partners.
The operator was the first in Ukraine to introduce EDGE technology, which provides 5 times higher data transfer speed than GPRS. Today life:) offers the widest EDGE coverage on the market - in all the 25 oblast centers of Ukraine and the city of Sevastopol.
Life is getting interesting!
www.life.com.ua
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
www.nokia.com
SOURCE Nokia
CONTACT: Media Enquiries: Nokia, Networks, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-34379, Nokia, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-34900, Email: press.office@nokia.comURL: http://www.prnewswire.comwww.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2006 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: Ukraine FinlandINDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENT MLM RAD TLSSUBJECT CODE: CON
=DJ INTERVIEW: Microsoft Eyes Strong Mobile Software Growth
By Jessica Tan
OF DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) expects its Mobile and Embedded Devices, or MED, division to continue to post "aggressive growth," especially in the Asia-Pacific region, as shipments of mobile handheld devices built with its software surge, a company executive said.
Revenue growth at the company's fastest-growing division has increased at double-digit rate annually over the past three years, and more than doubled to US$262 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, compared with fiscal 2003.
"This is an extremely important arena for us," said Jason Lim, MED regional director for Asia Pacific and Japan. "We will see this double-digit growth going forward."
"We are expecting to see a lot more aggressive growth in the next couple of years," he said. "We will see this double-digit growth going forward."
As gadgets such as mobile handsets and automotive navigation devices increasingly morph into sophisticated minicomputers, the software giant has begun to look beyond personal computers to drive growth.
During fiscal 2005, more than five million mobile handsets equipped with Microsoft Windows Mobile software were shipped globally, more than doubling from the year earlier.
Microsoft expects such shipments to double again in fiscal 2006 as popular applications like instant messaging and e-mail on handheld devices drive growth, Lim said.
Despite the stellar growth rate, Microsoft's mobile-phone software still trails its U.K. rival Symbian, which works closely with the world's largest handset maker Nokia Corp. (NOK). In 2005, about 33.9 million phones with Symbian software were shipped.
However, Lim noted that Microsoft is now working with 102 mobile-phone operators and 47 device makers, compared with just one three years ago.
A key challenge for the company has been building ties with cellular operators, which in many markets control the distribution of handsets.
"We have seen huge (growth) momentum in terms of our operators and partners," Lim said.
The company is working with the three biggest handset makers after Nokia - Motorola Inc. (MOT), Samsung Electronics Co. (005930.SE) and LG Electronics Inc. (066570.SE), Lim said.
The company's efforts may also be getting a boost from consumers seeking mobile gadgets that will work with their PCs.
Although he declined to disclose how much of MED's revenue comes from the Asian-Pacific region, he noted that the region is expected to account for 50% of the world's mobile phone subscribers by the end of the decade, citing industry research data.
"We will continue to see China as an important market for us...alongside India in the next couple of years," he said, with the two countries set to account for some one billion mobile-phone subscribers by 2010.
While most mobile-phone users in these two markets may not be high-end subscribers, Lim noted that the growth is still significant.
Microsoft, however, may soon see more competition in the mobile-software battleground, as U.S. database software company Oracle Corp. (ORCL) last month moved to launch its Embedded Business Unit, or EBU, for Asia Pacific and Japan, which will be headquartered in Singapore.
Outside of the key mobile-phone segment, Microsoft's MED division also offers operating system software for devices such as networked DVD players, digital cameras, advanced set-top boxes and automotive infotainment devices.
Microsoft last week showed off the first cars in production equipped with its Windows Mobile software at the Geneva motor show. The cars were Fiats and Alfa Romeos.
The company didn't break down how much of the MED division's revenue comes from these devices.
-By Jessica Tan; Dow Jones Newswires; 65-6415-4150; djnews.singapore.bureau@dowjones.com
-Edited by Leslie Shaffer
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-16-06 0300ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
DJ China Aims To Make 340M Cell Phones, Export 250M In 2006
BEIJING (Dow Jones)--China is aiming for a 12% increase in mobile phone production and a nearly 10% rise in mobile exports this year as local and global markets expand, said the Ministry of Information Industry.
The 2006 targets call for China to make 340 million mobile phones, compared with 303.7 million last year, and export 250 million units, compared with 228 million, according to statements posted Wednesday on the ministry's Web site.
China, the world's largest mobile phone market by users, made 37% of the 825 million mobile phones produced worldwide last year, the ministry said, citing data from market research firm IDC.
The ministry regulates China's communications industry. Industry watchers expect it to issue third-generation mobile phone licenses this year, which could lead to network equipment sales totaling tens of billions of dollars in the next four to five years and revive declining profits at domestic mobile phone makers.
The ministry said foreign-invested companies accounted for 94% of China's mobile phones exported last year and captured almost 60% of the domestic mobile phone market. Last year, Nokia Corp.'s (NOK) market share in China was the largest at 25.8%, and Motorola Inc. (MOT) was next at 8.7%, it said.
"The transition from 2G to 3G by operators will give domestic mobile phone makers new opportunities...Once again, the industry will have a few years of rapid growth," said the ministry.
With the advent of 3G in China, current operators will increase their role in selling mobile phones, while new operators subsidize mobile phones to gain users, said the ministry.
The ministry forecasts 40% to 50% of China's mobile phone users will buy new phones this year, compared with 30% to 40% last year, while China will add around 48 million new users this year.
Previously, the ministry said it expects China to have 441 million mobile phone users this year, up from 393.43 million at the end of last year.
Meanwhile, the ministry said it expects production of color televisions to rise to 91 million units this year from 82.8 million last year, and exports to increase to 48 million from 39.7 million.
-By Terence Poon, Dow Jones Newswires; 8610 6588 5848; terence.poon@dowjones.com
-Edited by David Riordan
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-16-06 0622ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Let's see what happens tomorrow...we're due for an up day, and due for some news. :)
wilco244-I see over 100,000 in a/h.
Trust me, you'll see it later(nas site).
PRESS RELEASE: Nokia's New Intellisync Sync Server Powers Vodafone K.K. Address Book Backup Service for 3G Handsets
NEW YORK, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today announced that Vodafone K.K. in Japan is using its Intellisync Sync Server to launch "Vodafone Address Book," a service for new 3G handsets that allows customers to back up their contact information online. CSK Systems Corporation, a systems integrator in Japan, developed the new "Powered by Intellisync" service, which will become available in March with the introduction of the first compatible 3G handset in Japan, the Vodafone 904T by Toshiba. The announcement demonstrates Nokia's ability to now connect practically any device built on any platform, to nearly any data source, application or network.
The Vodafone Address Book service makes life easier for Vodafone K.K. subscribers. The service protects their valuable phone contact information and offers several convenient features that include, simplifying the transfer of information from phone to phone, adding contacts online and even notifying them of upcoming birthdays and special events through Short Message Service (SMS). Because all the information is stored online as well as on their phone, users who choose the service will gain the assurance that their phone contact data will be protected if their handset is lost or broken. They can also add or update contacts online from the convenience of their PC with the confidence that all contact information will be synchronized over-the-air with their handset through Nokia Intellisync Sync Server technology.
Nokia's new Intellisync range of software solutions provides comprehensive wireless communications capabilities for nearly any device on almost any platform. These solutions enables wireless carriers and enterprises to deliver advanced wireless communications services including wireless push email, synchronization for calendars, contacts, files, data and applications, and highly secure device management software for handsets.
"The personal address book stored on the mobile phone is one of the most important features for mobile phone users," said Masanari Arai, general manager of Nokia's Intellisync product line in Japan. "This innovative new service from Vodafone makes managing contact information a snap for subscribers, providing Vodafone K.K. customers with convenience and peace of mind by managing contacts online."
Vodafone K.K will offer the Vodafone Address Book service for 100 yen per month with the introduction of the Vodafone 904T by Toshiba. Vodafone K.K. plans to introduce additional compatible handsets as they become available.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
Company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.
www.nokia.com SOURCE Nokia
/CONTACT: Media Enquiries: Nokia, Americas, Communications, Tel. +1-972-894-4573, Email: communication.corp@nokia.com; Nokia , Intellisync Product Range, Shauli Chaudhuri, Tel. +1-408-321-3835, Email: shauli.chaudhuri@nokia.com; Nokia, APAC, Communications, Tel. +65-6723-2323, Email: communications.apac@nokia.com; Industry Analysts: Nokia Americas, Virve Virtanen, Tel. +1-914-368-0511, Email: virve.virtanen@nokia.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-15-06 0621ET
Cingular Selects PCTEL's Roaming Client for HSDPA; Launch Extends
Application of Roaming Client From EDGE to High Speed Download Packet Access
Networks
CHICAGO, Mar 15, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCTI), PCTEL, a leader in wireless broadband solutions, announced today that Cingular has deployed PCTEL's Roaming Client(TM) software as a component of the new Cingular BroadbandConnect(TM) service.
Cingular is utilizing a custom version of PCTEL's Roaming Client as the platform for its Cingular Communication Manager. BroadbandConnect combines Communications Manager, a LaptopConnect card and a Data Connect plan for use on laptops via Cingular's 3G HSDPA network, which provides average mobile data connections between 400-700Kbps (kilobits per second). PCTEL currently supplies an EDGE version of its Roaming Client to Cingular.
"We continue to enhance the capabilities of our Roaming Client system," said Biju Nair, PCTEL's Vice President and General Manager of its Mobility Solutions Group. "It is exciting to provide our products to Cingular as they show leadership in establishing nationwide, high-speed, wireless Internet access," added Nair.
Cingular's Communication Manager supports Wi-Fi as well as mobile technologies, such as GPRS/EDGE/UMTS and now HSDPA, thereby offering a unique and branded Cingular experience for all Cingular subscribers. The software is also powered by PCTEL's Central Configuration Server for policy and update management of software on customer devices.
PCTEL's Roaming Client offers a comprehensive client application that manages access to dialup, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 3G mobile networks. For end-users, a single process for connecting to any available network eliminates complexity and ensures that the best possible connectivity options are made available to end users wherever they are. PCTEL currently supplies its Roaming Client products to Cingular, AT&T, NTT DoCoMo, NTT Communications, GoRemote and others.
About PCTEL
PCTEL, Inc. (Nasdaq:PCTI), which is headquartered in Chicago, is a global leader in wireless broadband solutions. PCTEL's Antenna Products Group (http://antenna.pctel.com) designs, distributes, and supports innovative antenna solutions for public safety applications, unlicensed and licensed wireless broadband, fleet management, network timing, and other GPS applications. PCTEL's Mobility Solutions' (http://mobilitysolutions.pctel.com) software tools provide secure, access independent, remote connectivity to the Internet and VoIP capability for converged handsets. PCTEL's RF Solutions' (http://rfsolutions.pctel.com) portfolio of OEM receivers, receiver based products and interference management solutions are used to measure, monitor and optimize cellular networks.
PCTEL protects its leadership position with a portfolio of more than 130 analog and broadband communications, wireless and antenna patents, issued or pending. The company's products are sold or licensed to wireless carriers, wireless ISPs, distributors, system integrators, wireless test and measurement companies, wireless network equipment and handset manufacturers, PC card manufacturers and government agencies. For more information, please visit the company's web site at: http://www.pctel.com.
SOURCE: PCTEL, Inc.
CONTACT: PCTEL, Inc.
John Schoen, 773-243-3000
Jack Seller, 773-243-3016
jack.seller@pctel.com
Copyright Business Wire 2006
-0-
KEYWORD: United States North America IllinoisINDUSTRY KEYWORD: Technology Consumer Electronics Hardware Networks TelecommunicationsSUBJECT CODE: Contract/Agreement
PRESS RELEASE: Cingular Wireless Adds Cell Sites in Brevard, Orange and Sarasota Counties
ORLANDO, Fla., March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's largest wireless carrier continues to build out its Florida network. The company today announced it has turned on three new cell sites in Central and West Florida. The sites are part of a $360 million investment by Cingular this year in its Florida network.
The new cell sites are enhancing coverage: - In the towns of South Venice and Manasota Key and along U.S. 41 and C.R. 776, between South Venice and Manasota in Sarasota County; - At Patrick Air Force Base and on the beaches along A-1-A between Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach in Brevard County; and - On the southern and eastern portions of the University of Central Florida campus, as well as in Research Park and along Research Parkway and Alafaya Trail in Orange County.
"It's all about the network, and we continuously invest in ours to ensure our customers enjoy a wireless experience second-to-none in the industry," said Dan Norman, vice president and general manager for Cingular's North Florida market, which covers southwest Florida across the state north to Panama City and just over the Georgia line. "Last year, we spent more than $200 million on network enhancements in Central, West and North Florida, and this year we're investing more than $235 million in those areas."
Cingular's 2006 investment in Florida includes the integration of the AT&T Wireless and Cingular networks, scheduled to be completed in North Florida by the end of this quarter. The integration process involves choosing the best cell sites from both networks, eliminating duplicate equipment, and combining technologies onto a common network platform. Once integration is completed in the North Florida market, Cingular customers will have access to nearly 42 percent more cell sites.
About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 54.1 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc., (NYSE: T), and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER(TM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world
to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(R), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at www.cingular.com. Get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://cingular.mediaroom.com SOURCE Cingular Wireless
/CONTACT: Kelly Layne Starling of Cingular Wireless, +1-561-775-4259, or wireless, +1-561-301-1414
/Web site: http://www.cingular.com /Web site: http://cingular.mediaroom.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-14-06 0910ET
Skyworks Ramps WCDMA Front-End Modules at a Leading Tier-One Handset OEM;
Intera(TM) Portfolio Now Supporting Four of Five Leading Handset Manufacturers
WOBURN, Mass., Mar 14, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:SWKS), an industry leader in radio solutions and precision analog semiconductors, today announced that its Intera(TM) front-end module (FEM) for wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) applications is commencing production in support of several forthcoming platforms from a leading handset OEM. The company's innovative WCDMA FEMs simplify RF design, reduce critical board space, facilitate implementation within virtually any baseband architecture, and support emerging high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) applications.
Skyworks' portfolio of Intera(TM) FEMs today support four of the five tier-one handset OEMs, and are at the heart of well over 100 million handsets following their debut just two and a half years ago. Leveraging patented load insensitive power amplifier (LIPA(TM)) technology, the company's newest WCDMA FEMs, with fully integrated filters, are ideal for 3G multimode, multimedia applications where size, performance and cost are critical.
"We are delighted to be extending our leadership front-end module capabilities into WCDMA applications with a strategic ramp underway at one of the world's largest handset suppliers," said Liam K. Griffin, Skyworks' senior vice president sales and marketing. "As the industry migrates to radio-intensive multimode applications, Skyworks is uniquely positioned to capitalize given our broad portfolio of highly integrated front-end modules. Further, as the industry's only high-volume supplier of direct conversion radios with support for EDGE, GPRS and CDMA applications, Skyworks can traverse all of the world's key cellular networks with backward compatible RF solutions. In turn, this depth and breadth enables us to offer a highly differentiated and comprehensive radio portfolio."
WCDMA is a 3G wireless technology that allows users to send and receive mobile voice, data, image and video communications at speeds up to 2 Mbps over a broad range of frequencies. HSDPA enables high-speed downlink with data transmission up to 10 Mbps. According to Deutsche Bank, WCDMA handsets are expected to grow 10 fold off a base of roughly 45 million handsets sold in 2005 to 445 million units by 2009.
About Skyworks' Portfolio of WCDMA FEMs
Small and efficient, Skyworks' 22-pin surface mount WCDMA FEMs integrate the interstage filter, the input matching, the PA, the output matching, the power detection, and the duplexer into a single 5 x 8 x 1.5mm package. Meeting the stringent spectral requirements of HSDPA standards up to 24.2 dBm output power, they incorporate an indium gallium phosphide (InGaP) heterojunction bipolar transistor PA and contain circuitry to optimize power detector performance. Integration of the RF front-end greatly simplifies the design of the handset radio as all critical matching between the interstage filter, PA, power detection and duplexer is optimized within the module.
About Skyworks
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. is an industry leader in radio solutions and precision analog semiconductors for mobile communications applications. The company's power amplifiers, front-end modules and direct conversion transceivers are at the heart of many of today's leading-edge multimedia handsets, cellular base stations and wireless networking platforms. Skyworks also offers a portfolio of highly innovative linear products, supporting a diverse set of automotive, broadband, industrial and medical customers.
Headquartered in Woburn, Mass., Skyworks is worldwide with engineering, manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout Asia, Europe and North America. For more information, please visit the Skyworks Web site at: www.skyworksinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include information relating to future results of Skyworks (including certain projections and business trends). Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "believes," "plans," "may," "will," "continue," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. All such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those projected, and may affect our future operating results, financial position and cash flows.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global economic and market conditions, such as the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the company's and its customers' products; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; the ability to develop, manufacture and market innovative products in a rapidly changing technological environment; the ability to compete with products and prices in an intensely competitive industry; product obsolescence; losses or curtailments of purchases from key customers or the timing of customer inventory adjustments; the timing of new product introductions; the availability and extent of utilization of raw materials, critical manufacturing equipment and manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; fluctuations in manufacturing yields; the ability to continue to grow and maintain an intellectual property portfolio and obtain needed licenses from third parties; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; labor relations of the company, its customers and suppliers; economic, social and political conditions in the countries in which Skyworks, its customers or its suppliers operate, including security and health risks, possible disruptions in transportation networks and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Skyworks, Skyworks Solutions, Intera and LIPA are trademarks or registered trademarks of Skyworks Solutions, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries.
SOURCE: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
CONTACT: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
Amanda Ingalls (Media Relations), 949-231-3045
or
Thomas Schiller (Investor Relations), 949-231-4700
Copyright Business Wire 2006
-0-
KEYWORD: United States North America MassachusettsINDUSTRY KEYWORD: Technology Consumer Electronics Hardware Networks TelecommunicationsSUBJECT CODE: Product/Service Photo/Multimedia
DJ JAPAN PRESS:Kyocera To Launch Low-Price Handsets In India
TOKYO (Dow Jones)--Kyocera Corp. (6971.TO) plans to launch low-priced mobile phone handsets in India in July, the Asahi Shimbun reports.
The electronic device manufacturer will outsource production to keep handset prices at around $50. Through the launch of the new handsets, Kyocera hopes to expand its sales in India to two million to three million units.
The release of the new handsets in India is part of the firm's efforts to expand its operations in major developing economies such as China and Brazil. It also plans to enter the Russian market in June.
-By Tokyo Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; 813-5255-2929
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-13-06 1822ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
WSJA(3/14) Editorial: Shaking Up Seoul
(From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ASIA)
Carl Icahn is upsetting many people in South Korea, but he may be doing something right. Namely, by attempting the country's first foreign-led hostile takeover, Mr. Icahn is forcing Korean executives to think hard about shareholder value. How the bid plays out will speak volumes about the corporate climate in the world's tenth largest economy.
Mr. Icahn's struggle began late last year, when his investor group accumulated a 6.6% stake in publicly-listed KT&G Corp., the country's dominant tobacco and ginseng maker. The New Yorker wanted KT&G's board of directors to sell off non-core assets, spin off its ginseng business and return capital to shareholders. When KT&G's board stayed mum, Mr. Icahn nominated a few independent board directors.
All rather ho hum stuff by Western standards. But in South Korea, this is radical thinking. Most companies' boards of directors, including KT&G's, are populated with "outside," rather than "independent" directors, who are reluctant to countenance big corporate shakeups. And foreigners on the board? Forget it. KT&G doesn't have one. Even Samsung Electronics, a mammoth electronics company that says it accounts for over one-tenth of South Korea's total exports (yes, really), cut the number of foreigners on its board to one from three earlier this month.
In that kind of climate, it's unsurprising that KT&G's board rejected Mr. Icahn's nominees and then -- nose to the sky -- limited the number of seats up for election. Mr. Icahn responded by rallying the support of big shareholders, including Franklin Templeton, and bidding for the company. He also alleges that the Korean regulator set an inappropriately early deadline for electronic shareholder voting, to the detriment of foreign shareholders.
Go away! cried the local media. We acted appropriately! responded the local regulator. Friendly South Korean banks can buy our treasury shares and protect us from the foreign raiders, hinted KT&G yesterday. The back-and-forth salvos may come to a head, of sorts, at a Friday shareholder meeting, when the board seats will be put to a vote -- that is, if Mr. Icahn doesn't obtain a legal injunction against the meeting before then.
Even if KT&G's board thinks it's acting in shareholder's best interests by keeping its businesses together, it could benefit from some public soul searching. After a three-week tour through Europe, the U.S. and Asia, company executives could only muster up 40% approval of their strategy. Not exactly a resounding roar of support. Mr. Icahn, fresh off a bruising bid for Time Warner, isn't likely to back down, either.
More broadly, South Korea sorely needs this kind of rude activism. The chaebol culture, a legacy of the country's industrial-led growth after the second World War, has restricted the creation of a truly entrepreneurial culture. Chief executive officers often aren't selected for their business acumen, but rather, for family ties. The intricate web of chaebol business holdings is often so complex that families often control these gigantic companies with only a small minority of shares -- not exactly helpful when aligning controlling shareholders' interests with those of minority stakeholders. KT&G isn't a chaebol, by any means, but it certainly operates within this broader climate.
If you're not depressed already, wait, there's more. Many South Korean companies, including those that are publicly traded, don't release extensive financial information. (Samsung's annual report, for instance, runs only 72 pages; its Dutch competitor, Philips Electronics, runs to 230.) Korean language earnings releases are much more extensive than the English versions -- a deterrent for foreign investors. And often, earnings reports often aren't released in a timely fashion.
It's amazing that South Korea's economy has grown so fast with this kind of corporate thinking. But this cozy environment won't last forever. As South Korea's economy continues to expand and open up to trade, foreign investors will sniff out more opportunities to squeeze value out of stuffily-run Korean corporations. Posco, the steelmaker, is already preparing ways to protect itself; more will be forced to follow. Mr. Icahn's bid, successful or not, shows the writing on the wall.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-13-06 1631ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Orange France Launches HSDPA Trials Based on Nortel Technology
LYON, France, Mar 14, 2006 (PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX) -- Businesses in Lyon Will Have Industry's Fastest Mobile Connections www.nortel.com
Orange France has launched a high-speed mobile network trial based on HSDPA technology from Nortel(x) (NYSE: NT ; TSX: NT). The trial is providing mobile broadband connectivity from 1.8 Mbps per second - four times faster than current networks - for 150 lead business customers in Lyon, France's second largest city. Orange France expects to commercially launch its HSDPA enterprise network nationwide in the second half of 2006.
Through the HSDPA trial, Orange customers will benefit from more secure, high-speed mobile access for such broadband intense services as high-quality live TV, HD video on demand, MP3 streaming and HD video gaming.
"Orange is a market leader for large-scale deployment of HSDPA networks in Europe and Nortel has been playing a key role in helping Orange prove the commercial viability of HSDPA technology," said Christine Landrevot, president of Orange Global Accounts at Nortel. "Nortel has been working with Orange on their most ambitious wireless network programs over the past 15 years, including demonstration of the advantages of HSDPA at 3GSM World Congress in early 2005."
In addition to its presence in Orange France's GSM and EDGE networks, Nortel is also the exclusive provider of Orange France's UMTS network in the Cote d'Azur and central regions of France which include Cannes, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Toulon, Grenoble and St. Etienne.
In January 2006, Nortel, Orange and Qualcomm successfully completed UMTS and HSDPA calls in the 900 MHz band, a solution that could complement Orange's existing 3G services to deliver wireless broadband to rural areas of France. Nortel and Orange also demonstrated this capability during the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona in February 2006.
Nortel's HSDPA solution can provide connectivity at speeds up to 3.6 Mbps per second. The company achieved the industry's first HSDPA mobile call in January 2005. Nortel and LGE completed the first live test calls using a commercial handset solution for HSDPA in March 2005. In June 2005, Nortel became the first wireless network supplier to complete the TL9000 registration standard for Quality Management System Requirements and Measurements across its HSDPA, UMTS and GSM wireless infrastructure solutions.
In addition to Orange, Nortel has worked with a number of wireless operators on HSDPA trials and deployments, including Vodafone Spain in Barcelona (during 3GSM World Congress in Feb 2006), EDGE Wireless in the US, SKT and KTF in Korea, SOFTBANK Group's BB Mobile in Japan, mmO2, Partner Communications in Israel, and Mobilkom Austria.
About Nortel
Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world's most critical information. Our next-generation technologies, for both service providers and enterprises, span access and core networks, support multimedia and business-critical applications, and help eliminate today's barriers to efficiency, speed and performance by simplifying networks and connecting people with information. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news.
Certain statements in this press release may contain words such as "could", "expects", "may", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "envisions", "seeks" and other similar language and are considered forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities legislation. These statements are based on Nortel's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the operating environment, economies and markets in which Nortel operates. These statements are subject to important assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict and the actual outcome may be materially different. Although Nortel believes expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the assumptions in this press release, they may prove to be inaccurate and consequently Nortel's actual results could differ materially from its expectations set out in this press release. Further, actual results or events could differ materially from those contemplated in forward-looking statements as a result of the following (i) risks and uncertainties relating to Nortel's restatements and related matters including: Nortel's recently announced restatement and two previous restatements of its financial statements and related events and that the previously filed financial statements of Nortel and NNL and related audit reports should not be relied upon; the negative impact on Nortel and NNL of their announced restatement and delay in filing their financial statements and related periodic reports causing them to breach their public debt indentures and obligations under their credit facilities with the possibility that the holders of their public debt or NNL's lenders would seek to accelerate the maturity of that debt; and causing a breach of NNL's support facility with EDC with the possibility that EDC would refuse to issue additional support under the facility, terminate its commitments under the facility or require NNL to cash collateralize all existing support; legal judgments, fines, penalties or settlements, or any substantial regulatory fines or other penalties or sanctions, related to the ongoing regulatory and criminal investigations of Nortel in the U.S. and Canada; any significant pending civil litigation actions not encompassed by Nortel's proposed class action settlement; any substantial cash payment and/or significant dilution of Nortel's existing equity positions resulting from the finalization and approval of its proposed class action settlement, or if such proposed class action settlement is not finalized, any larger settlements or awards of damages in respect of such class actions; any unsuccessful remediation of Nortel's material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting resulting in an inability to report Nortel's results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner; the time required to implement Nortel's remedial measures; Nortel's inability to access, in its current form, its shelf registration filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Nortel's below investment grade credit rating and any further adverse effect on its credit rating due to Nortel's restatement of its financial statements; any adverse affect on Nortel's business and market price of its publicly traded securities arising from continuing negative publicity related to Nortel's restatements; Nortel's potential inability to attract or retain the personnel necessary to achieve its business objectives; any breach by Nortel of the continued listing requirements of the NYSE or TSX causing the NYSE and/or the TSX to commence suspension or delisting procedures; any default in Nortel's filing obligations extending beyond May 9, 2006, causing any Canadian securities regulatory authority to impose an order to cease all trading in Nortel's securities within the applicable jurisdiction or to impose such an order sooner if Nortel fails to comply with the alternate information guidelines of such regulatory authorities; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to Nortel's business including: yearly and quarterly fluctuations of Nortel's operating results; reduced demand and pricing pressures for its products due to global economic conditions, significant competition, competitive pricing practice, cautious capital spending by customers, increased industry consolidation, rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions and short product life cycles, and other trends and industry characteristics affecting the telecommunications industry; any material and adverse affects on Nortel's performance if its expectations regarding market demand for particular products prove to be wrong or because of certain barriers in its efforts to expand internationally; any reduction in Nortel's operating results and any related volatility in its market price of its publicly traded securities arising from any decline in its gross margin, or fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; any negative developments associated with Nortel's supply contract and contract manufacturing agreements including as a result of using a sole supplier for key optical networking solutions components, and any defects or errors in Nortel's current or planned products; any negative impact to Nortel of its failure to achieve its business transformation objectives; restrictions on how Nortel and its president and chief executive officer conduct its business arising from a settlement with Motorola Inc.; additional valuation allowances for all or a portion of its deferred tax assets; Nortel's failure to protect its intellectual property rights, or any adverse judgments or settlements arising out of disputes regarding intellectual property; changes in regulation of the Internet and/or other aspects of the industry; Nortel's failure to successfully operate or integrate its strategic acquisitions, or failure to consummate or succeed with its strategic alliances; any negative affect of Nortel's failure to evolve adequately its financial and managerial control and reporting systems and processes, manage and grow its business, or create an effective risk management strategy; and (iii) risks and uncertainties relating to Nortel's liquidity, financing arrangements and capital including: the impact of Nortel's recently announced restatement and two previous restatements of its financial statements; any acceleration under their public debt indentures and credit facilities, which may result in Nortel and NNL being unable to meet their respective payment obligations; any inability of Nortel to manage cash flow fluctuations to fund working capital requirements or achieve its business objectives in a timely manner or obtain additional sources of funding; high levels of debt, limitations on Nortel capitalizing on business opportunities because of credit facility covenants, or on obtaining additional secured debt pursuant to the provisions of indentures governing certain of Nortel's public debt issues and the provisions of its credit facilities; any increase of restricted cash requirements for Nortel if it is unable to secure alternative support for obligations arising from certain normal course business activities, or any inability of Nortel's subsidiaries to provide it with sufficient funding; any negative affect to Nortel of the need to make larger defined benefit plans contributions in the future or exposure to customer credit risks or inability of customers to fulfill payment obligations under customer financing arrangements; any negative impact on Nortel's ability to make future acquisitions, raise capital, issue debt and retain employees arising from stock price volatility and further declines in Nortel's market price of its publicly traded securities, or any future share consolidation resulting in a lower total market capitalization or adverse affect on the liquidity of Nortel's common shares. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see Nortel's securities filings with the SEC. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Nortel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
(x) Nortel, the Nortel logo and the Globemark are trademarks of Nortel Networks.
CONTACT: Isabelle Tadmoury, Tel: +33-1-695-51291, tadmoury@nortel.com, Ben Roome, Tel: +44-162843-3113, benroome@nortel.com
Copyright (C) 2006 PR Newswire Europe
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SUBJECT CODE: PDT Topic SVY Topic TLS Topic North America Western Europe
ACCESS: ACCESS provides FOMA compatible browser, email, and JavaT
execution environment to NTT DoCoMo's first Nokia FOMAT handset NetFront enables
seamless i-mode service on Nokia's S60 handsets
TOKYO, Japan, Mar 14, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- ACCESS Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 4813), a global provider of mobile content delivery and Internet access technologies, announced today that Nokia's first FOMA handset -the NM850iG - launched by NTT DoCoMo, Inc., will offer three ACCESS products: a FOMA-compatible browser (ACCESS' NetFront), an email client, and JV-Lite2 Wireless Edition, a Java execution environment for embedded wireless solutions.
In November 2002, ACCESS signed an umbrella agreement with Japan's mobile phone operator, DoCoMo, to provide a browser for FOMA, their 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA. The NetFront browser for FOMA handsets creates a PC-style Internet environment on mobile phones. NetFront also enables seamless i-modeTM email and Internet services on the S60 smartphone platform for Nokia's recently launched NM850iG handset. The JV-Lite2 Wireless Edition has affinity with NetFront for support of DoCoMo's DoJaTM and it is designed to share resources and memory with NetFront. As a result of these features, solutions using JV-Lite2 Wireless Edition and NetFront can effectively realize Internet browsing functions with a highly reliable Java execution environment.
ACCESS' NetFront is widely recognized as one of the world's most advanced mobile browsers. Supporting the latest Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) browsing 2.2 and Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) standards, it offers full Internet browsing functions*. NetFront is now installed on more than 200 million devices worldwide, and has established itself as a leading browser for mobile phones, computers, and other consumer electronics.
"I am very pleased to offer NetFront on Nokia's FOMA handsets. This marks the first time ACCESS has provided a FOMA-compatible browser to Nokia, and we remain committed to offering advanced-function mobile solutions for i-modeTM users throughout the world," said Toru Arakawa, president and CEO of ACCESS.
* NM850iG is not compatible with full internet browsing function.
About NetFront Browser
NetFront browser recently surpassed 235 million deployments globally representing 801 unique devices ranging from mobile phones and PDAs to digital televisions, gaming consoles, and automobile telematics systems from 90 major Internet device manufacturers. NetFront supports a wider range of operating systems than any competing browser including solutions for Palm(R) OS, Symbian OS, Linux OS, Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Mobile/PocketPC and mobile handset environments like BREW(R). NetFront browser technology is used by the world's leading mobile operators, software providers and electronics manufacturers including Adobe, Alpine, Amoi, AT&T Wireless, Casio, Epson, Hitachi, Hutchinson 3G Group, IBM, KDDI, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Mitsubishi, Palm, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Sony, Telcel Venezuela, TCL, Toshiba, UTStarcom and more.
About ACCESS
ACCESS is a global provider of Internet technologies to the mobile and beyond-PC markets. Its NetFront browser, widely recognized as one of the most advanced Internet browsers in the world, is a cornerstone to the company's vision of enabling Internet access anywhere and on any device. NetFront technologies are delivering full Internet browsing and related services to next-generation mobile devices and consumer electronics ranging from digital TV to automobile telematics. For more information: www.access.co.jp or www.access.co.jp/english
ACCESS, NetFront and JV-Lite are trademarks or registered trademarks of ACCESS Co., Ltd. in Japanand other countries. FOMA, i-mode and DoJa are trademark or registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japanand other countries.Java is a trademark or registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S.and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
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PRESS RELEASE: AIS and RIM Launch the New EDGE-Enabled BlackBerry 8700g in Thailand
BANGKOK, Thailand & WATERLOO, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2006--
Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) and Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) today announced the launch of the BlackBerry(R) 8700g(TM) in Thailand.
Operating on AIS' EDGE network, the BlackBerry 8700g provides the ultimate balance of performance, design and function to provide a best-in-class solution for "push" email, phone, text messaging, browser, organizer and access to corporate data applications. The BlackBerry 8700g features a completely re-engineered device platform with an Intel(R) XScale(R) cellular processor, 64 MB flash memory and 16 MB SDRAM to deliver dramatically faster web browsing, application performance and attachment viewing in an all-in-one stylish device.
"BlackBerry is a reliable, flexible and innovative mobile platform that meets the needs of mobile users in the dynamic business environment in Thailand," said Mr. Sutichai Cheunchoosil Vice President Enterprise Business Development Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited. "The new BlackBerry 8700g takes full advantage of our high speed EDGE network to provide an exceptional voice, email and data experience."
The quad-band and EDGE-enabled BlackBerry 8700g supports national and international roaming(i) and includes premium phone features such as dedicated 'send,' 'end,' and 'mute' phone keys, smart dialing, conference calling, speed dial, call forwarding, as well as speakerphone and Bluetooth(R) support for wireless hands-free handsets and car kits.
The BlackBerry 8700g also features a bright, high resolution, landscape QVGA (320x240) LCD display that supports more than 65,000 colors and delivers vivid graphics. The device includes an intelligent light sensing technology that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen and keyboard to optimize visibility in outdoor, indoor and dark environments.
"We are pleased to work with AIS to bring the BlackBerry 8700g to mobile customers in Thailand," said Norm Lo, Vice President of Asia Pacific at Research In Motion. "Leveraging the power of AIS' EDGE network and the re-engineered BlackBerry device platform, the BlackBerry 8700g provides an unrivalled user experience for customers who want to remain connected and productive with both voice and data applications in a single device."
For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server(TM) software tightly integrates with Microsoft(R) Exchange, IBM Lotus(R) Domino(TM) and Novell GroupWise(R) and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based wireless access to email and other corporate data.
For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service(TM) allows users to access up to ten corporate and personal email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.
(i)check with AIS for roaming services About AIS
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), a subsidiary of Shin Corporation PCL., is the established leader in Thailand's wireless communications industry after more than 15 years of services with its subscribers based more than 16 millions and market share more than 50%.
To date, AIS service network covers 795 districts (amphur) throughout Thailand, plus international roaming across in six continents. Additionally, indoor coverage has been greatly expanded in both Bangkok and the provinces. AIS has continuously enhanced and expanded its network in order to respond to the market and technological advances, whilst keeping abreast of consumers' growing demands and needs. It continues to integrate the latest in advanced technology and deliver more than just voice communication, with GPRS and EDGE technology.
AIS strongly believe that wireless communications bring changes to the way Thai people live their life, regardless of who they are and what they do. With endless communications possibilities, the quality of life is better. Visit our web site at www.ais.co.th.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research in Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld(TM) product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.
Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) (TSX:RIM) CONTACT: Media Contact: Brodeur for RIM Marisa Conway (212) 771-3639 mconway@brodeur.com OR Investor Contact: RIM Investor Relations (519) 888-7465 investor_relations@rim.com SOURCE: Research In Motion Copyright Business Wire 2006
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-14-06 0500ET
IDCC Mentioned:Key Wi-Fi Mesh Standard Solidified
The IEEE standards group working on a new species of 802.11 that will set the stage for interoperable Wi-Fi mesh networks has passed a key milestone with the adoption of a single proposal as the basis for the new standard.
The new standard is key to the battle between Wi-Fi mesh and wireless networks based on IEEE 802.16, such as the so-called “WiMAX” and the ETSI HiperMAN.
The new standard, which will be called 802.11s when it is adopted, will define the wireless LAN medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) for “extended service set mesh networking.” In technical terms, the goal is to create a protocol for auto-configuring paths between access pointes (APs) over self-configuring multi-hop topologies in a wireless distribution system (WDS) to support both broadcast/multicast and unicast traffic in an ESS Mesh using the four-address frame format or an extension. Put simply, the standard will extend mobility to access points in a wireless LAN.
Initially, the working group had been deluged with 15 proposals for the standard when it met in July 2005. By September 2005, only four remained, and those had been winnowed down to two sets of ideas in January 2006. The teams coalescing around those two proposals were formidable. The first was the Wi-Mesh Alliance (WiMA), created last year (TelecomWeb news break, July 19, 2005) and led by Nortel. Members include Accton Technology, ComNets, InterDigital Communications, NextHop Technologies, Nortel, Philips, Extreme Networks, MITRE, Naval Research Laboratory, Swisscom Innovations and Thomson. Arrayed against them was an equally scary combine calling itself SEEMesh and backed by Intel, Nokia, Motorola, NTT DoCoMo and Texas Instruments.
With such players involved, observers had predicted a joint compromised proposal couldn’t be hammered out until the end of this year or perhaps early next year. Surprisingly the two have just been merged to create a single joint proposal, which the IEEE working group voted quickly to approve.
"Mesh-networking features will help keep IEEE 802.11, already dominant in the WLAN arena with over 100 million chip sets shipping annually, at the cutting edge of technology for the maximum benefit of its users,” says Mesh Networking Task Group Chair Donald E. Eastlake III. He adds that final approval of the new addition to the 802.11 family of standards is targeted for 2008.
http://www.telecomweb.com/news/1142282646.htm
US Financial Network: RIM Acquires Ascendent Systems and AT&T Announces
New Contract with Wheaton Franciscan Services, Inc.
Mar 13, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- City of Industry, CA - Diversified Communication Services industry news provided by Financial News USA (OTC: FNWU) Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM) recently announced it has acquired Ascendent Systems, a leading provider of solutions that simplify voice mobility implementations in the enterprise. In addition to working with RIM, Ascendent has established relationships with mobile carriers and a variety of other technology leaders including Cisco, Intel and Microsoft. Nokia (NYSE: NOK), the global leader in mobility, recently announced a new Bluetooth enhancement; the Nokia Wireless Audio Gateway AD-42W, a device that streams music between compatible mobile devices, home stereos, PC's and wireless headsets. Available during the 2nd quarter of 2006 the Nokia Wireless Audio Gateway AD-42W allows consumers to listen to music stored in their compatible mobile devices wirelessly with their home stereos.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) recently announced a new contract to provide optical networking services to Wheaton Franciscan Services, Inc. (WFSI), a not-for-profit organization with headquarters in Wheaton, Ill., that operates more than 100 health and shelter agencies including 17 hospital campuses in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. AT&T Inc. is one of the world's largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States. eLEC Communications Corp. (OTCBB:ELEC): Summary of Accomplishments: Total revenue of $15.9 million, Annual revenue is 66 percent higher than fiscal 2004, 46 percent gross margin percentage, Established compliance with 911 emergency calling regulations for Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and Added several significant VoIP wholesale customers. eLEC Communications Corp, a wholesale and retail communications provider that offers standard wireline and VoIP telephone services, recently announced results of its operations for the year ended November 30, 2005.
About Financial News USA
Financial News USA is a Next Generation Financial Communications firm focused on the distribution of market moving news. Financial News USA has developed leading edge e-publishing tools including programming proprietary RSS feeds and enabling open source press release publishing across its network. Financial News USA has been aggressively expanding its news distribution network by targeting direct feeds to financial news and data providers such as FinancialContent, Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO), among others. Financial News USA offers a free news feed available online (www.financialnewsusa.com) to websites and financial services looking for content and for individual investors looking to stay informed on the financial markets. Financial News USA and its affiliates charge each client cash for news distribution and may take an equity position in the companies mentioned herein, please visit the disclaimer at www.financialnewsusa.com.
CONTACT: Financial News USA Tel: +1 626 961 8041 e-mail: info@financialnewsusa.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)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
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Where Fixed Line and Mobile Merge: Nokia and Deutsche Telekom Group Pilot
Dual Mode Telephony
BONN, HANOVER, Germany and ESPOO, Finland, March 13, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Deutsche Telekom Group announced T-One, an integrated dual-mode telephony solution combining the benefits of fixed line and mobile communications, which is being piloted on Nokia N80 and Nokia E60 devices. T-One will offer customers a simple and convenient way to access both fixed line and mobile data services on the aforementioned Nokia devices. Using the WLAN enabled Nokia N80 and Nokia E60 devices, customers will be able to use the same data and voice services from home or on the go through a T-Com HotSpot.
Together, Nokia and T-Com, a division of Deutsche Telekom Group, are testing Internet Protocol (IP) convergence solutions on the Nokia N80 and Nokia E60 devices.
"The Internet and mobile communications are coming together faster than anyone expected. We're delighted to work with Germany's leading operator, the Deutsche Telekom Group, in the mobile and Internet space to offer new possibilities for people to communicate in a flexible way with the T-One solution," said Ilkka Raiskinen, senior vice president of Multimedia Experiences at Nokia.
"We are very pleased to be opening the door to the future of multimedia and broadband telecommunications by engaging in this pilot with Nokia", said Achim Berg, a member of the T-Com Board of Management, Marketing and Sales.
The Nokia E60 and the Nokia N80 are the first Nokia devices that are able to support SIP-based Internet Calls. Both of these devices work on GSM, WCDMA and WLAN networks. The Nokia N80 is the first ever handset to enable seamless home media networking between compatible TVs, audio systems and PCs.
About Nokia
Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com
SOURCE Nokia
CONTACT: Media Enquiries: Nokia, Multimedia, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-34383, Nokia, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-34900, Email: press.office@nokia.com, www.nokia.comURL: http://www.prnewswire.comwww.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2006 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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KEYWORD: Germany FinlandINDUSTRY KEYWORD: MLM TLSSUBJECT CODE: JVN PDT
PRESS RELEASE: Nokia Optimizes 3G and Broadband Wireless for 1700/2100 MHz in North America; Nokia Flexi Base Station Takes High-Speed Content Delivery to New Levels
ATLANTA, March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In anticipation of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) auction of licenses for the 1700/2100 MHz, and 700 MHz spectrum bands, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) has introduced the Nokia Flexi Base Station, an innovative, multi-radio platform. The Nokia Flexi Base Station enables easy deployment of 3G and/or broadband wireless networks, like WCDMA, HSPA, and WiMAX, and services in multiple spectrum bands with up to 70 percent lower base station site expenditures compared to using wide area base stations deployed in networks today.
"Nokia recognizes the significant impact these spectrum licenses will have in North America and have optimized our equipment and services for planning and deploying wireless networks in these new bands," said Mark Slater, vice president, Networks, Nokia. "We've identified key areas any provider must address when considering time-to-market, investments, deployments, operations, and end-user services, and have designed our products and services to specifically serve the North American market."
In efforts to stay ahead of the market and prepare for the new spectrum bands and for fixed-mobile convergence, Nokia has designed its products and solutions to address these specific requirements. For instance, Nokia was first to introduce innovative solutions like the flat network architecture, Nokia Internet-High-Speed Packet Access (I-HSPA) that enables high-speed mobile access with wide area coverage for data intensive business and consumer applications, and VoIP. Additionally, the Nokia Flexi Base Station is the first product of its kind and will revolutionize the way 3G and broadband wireless wide area networks, like WCDMA, HSPA, and WiMAX, will be built from this moment forward.
The Nokia Flexi Base Station will be available for WCDMA and HSPA for the IMT-2000 frequencies 2100 MHz, 1700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1700/2100 MHz in the second half of 2006. In the first half of 2007, further frequencies, including 850 MHz, 900 MHz and 1900 MHz will be available. The Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station will also be available for the 700 MHz band, expected to go on auction in the 2007-2009 timeframe. Other frequency variants for broadband wireless access technologies can be supported with the Nokia Flexi BTS according to market demand.
Nokia will be showcasing and demonstrating the Nokia Flexi Base Station and Internet-HSPA in Las Vegas at CTIA Wireless 2006, April 5-7, at Booth #2641 and in the Nokia Mobile Solutions Experience Center located outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Live demonstrations are by appointment only.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
Media Inquiries Nokia, Networks Communications, North America Tel. 972-894-5211 Note to editors
HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) refers to both High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), evolutions of the GSM family of technologies. It does not refer to an additional technology in and of itself.
SOURCE Nokia
/CONTACT: Networks, Communications, North America of Nokia, +1-972-894-5211
/Web site: http://www.nokia.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-13-06 0818ET
=DJ INTERVIEW: Pantech Challenges Sony Ericsson, BenQ, LG
By Joon Knapen Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
HANOVER, Germany (Dow Jones)--Pantech Group aims to become the world's No.5 cellphone maker in 2008, challenging established players like LG Electronics Inc. (066570.SE) and Sony Ericsson, Sung Kyu Lee, the head of the Korean company's handset businesses said late Thursday.
Pantech, the world's seventh-largest mobile-phone maker by units, has two handset units: Pantech & Curitel Communications Inc. (063350.SE) and Pantech Co. Ltd. (025930.SE). Lee is chief executive of Pantech & Curitel and oversees the handset business of Pantech Co.
"We want to become the global No.5 in two years time," Lee said in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires at the CeBIT technology trade fair. That "means we need to sell 50 million handsets in 2008," he added.
Pantech, a relative latecomer to the handset-market, is one of the faster-growing cellphone manufacturers in Asia. It has overtaken domestic rival LG in Korea, becoming the No.2 behind Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (005930.SE), though globally it still lags LG.
Lee said that Pantech, which targets the high-end of the market, expects to sell 27 million handsets in 2006, up 59% from the 17 million sold in 2005. Growth will come in all regions, with sales in the U.S. expected to increase to 11 million from 7 million, he said.
Pantech, known for producing the world's first camera phone that uses fingerprint recognition technology rather than a PIN code for access, started its European operations in July 2005. It has offices in Milan, Paris, London, Duesseldorf and Eschborn, which is close to Frankfurt.
In 2006, the company's handset sales in Europe are expected to reach 1 million, said Lee, predicting "rapid growth" for 2007.
So far, the company's European presence is limited - only some small wireless operators in France offer Pantech phones. But Lee said that he is in talks with the large operators, including Deutsche Telekom AG's (DT) T-Mobile International AG (TMO.YY), France Telecom SA's (FTE) Orange and Vodafone Group PLC (VOD).
Pantech, which says it launches 42 new phones every year, will offer its first smart-phone later this year. "We will start shipments of our first smart-phone to North America in September," said Lee, adding that the smart-phone runs on Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Windows platform.
Pantech is battling for business in a fiercely competitive market that's currently dominated by the likes of Nokia Corp. (NOK), Motorola Inc. (MOT) and Samsung.
LG, Sony Ericsson - a joint venture between Telefon AB LM Ericsson (ERICY) and Sony Corp. (SNE) - and BenQ Corp.'s (2352.TW) BenQ-Siemens make up the lower rankings.
BenQ-Siemens was formed after German engineering conglomerate Siemens AG (SI) offloaded its unprofitable handset unit to Taiwan's BenQ in late 2005.
Lee said that Pantech looked at taking on Siemens' handset business, but he told the Pantech board "it was just too risky."
Company Web site: http://www.pantech.com;
http://www.curitel.com/english
-By Joon Knapen, Dow Jones Newswires; +49-69-29725509; joon.knapen@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-10-06 1133ET
Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Ericsson to supply WCDMA/HSDPA network in Japan
Mar 13, 2006 (NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT via COMTEX) -- Swedish telecomms solutions provider Ericsson said on Monday (13 March) that it had been selected by Japanese 3G operator eMobile as the prime supplier of its new WCDMA/HSDPA network.
The Ericsson-supplied network would enable eMobile to aggressively enter the market with premium quality and high-speed mobile broadband services, according to the company.
The agreement involves WCDMA 1.7GHz radio networks in the most populated areas of Japan, such as Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, and a complete nationwide core network.
Fast roll-out would enable eMobile, a subsidiary company of eAccess, to launch commercial services in March 2007.
eMobile obtained one of the three 3G licences that the Japanese government granted in November 2005 to increase competition in the market.
(C)1998-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
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Interdigital Communications "buy," target price reduced - update
Monday, March 13, 2006 6:16:41 AM ET
Nollenberger Capital
NEW YORK, March 13 (newratings.com) - Analyst Casey Ryan of Nollenberger Capital reiterates his "buy" rating on Interdigital Communications Corp (IDCC.NAS), while reducing his estimates for the company. The target price has been reduced from $45 to $37.
In a research note published on March 10, the analyst mentions that the company has reported its 4Q05 pro forma revenues and EPS short of the consensus and the estimates. Interdigital Communications’ initiation of a $100 million share repurchase programme indicates that the company is confident about winning the pending legal disputes with Samsung and Nokia, the analyst adds. The EPS estimates for FY06 and FY 07 have been reduced from $1.56 to $1.12 and from $2.24 to $1.86, respectively, to reflect LG Electronics’ revenue recognition policy and revised management guidance.
InterDigital rebounds with $45M fourth quarter
Philadelphia Business Journal - InterDigital Communications Corp. said Thursday it earned $45 million in the fourth quarter of last year after losing $200,000 in the fourth quarter of 2004.
The King of Prussia, Pa., developer of wireless-communications technology and products posted the gain largely because of a $43.7 million recognition of noncash, nonrecurring tax benefits stemming mainly from the reversal of its valuation allowance against its federal deferred tax assets.
InterDigital (NASDAQ: IDCC) earned 80 cents per fully diluted share in the quarter after breaking even on a per-share basis in the fourth quarter of 2004. The company's revenue in the quarter was $40 million, up 18 percent from $33.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.
For all 2005, InterDigital earned $54.7 million, or 96 cents per fully diluted share, on revenue of $163.1 million. It earned $89,000, which means it broke even on a per-share basis, on revenue of $103.7 million in 2004.
InterDigital said its board of directors has given it the go-ahead to repurchase up to $100 million of its common stock.
The company expects to post revenue of $50 million to $52 million this quarter.
PRESS RELEASE: Airspan Announces First Mobile WiMAX Device
HANNOVER, GERMANY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/09/06 --
Airspan Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRN), a leading worldwide provider of WiMAX and WiFi based broadband wireless access networks, and carrier class Voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) solutions, today announced support for Mobile WiMAX on its AS.MAX WiMAX product line and the first details of its revolutionary Mobile WiMAX USB device, called the "16eUSB".
"The 16eUSB is the first Mobile WiMAX USB device. It is designed to be fully compatible with the IEEE's 802.16e-2005 standard and the WiMAX Forum Mobile WIMAX System Profile, and to support the Profile's intelligence with MIMO ("multiple-input multiple-output"), Beam-forming smart antennas, Idle and Sleep modes and Handover. As a quad-band device that will operate in all key WiMAX frequency bands, including 2.3-2.4 GHz, 2.5-2.7 GHz, 3.3-3.7 GHz, and the 4.9-5.4 GHz bands, it will allow a user to have access to WiMAX networks virtually anywhere in the world," said Eric Stonestrom, President and CEO of Airspan Networks.
Airspan also announced support for Mobile WiMAX on AS.MAX, its class-leading WiMAX product line. Airspan's high-end AS.MAX Base Stations, known as HiperMAX and MicroMAX-SDR, will require a "software only" upgrade to enable them to support Mobile WiMAX. With the upgrade, the base stations will simultaneously support both 256 OFDM Fixed CPEs and SOFDMA Mobile WiMAX laptop cards, handsets and USB devices.
Paul Senior, Airspan's Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, commented: "Operators combining the 16eUSB with a high performance, mobile-enhanced base station like HiperMAX will deliver a completely new broadband wireless experience for their users. When MIMO and Beam-forming antennas are used with a device such as the 16eUSB that properly supports the full Mobile WiMAX specification, users' experiences are elevated to a new level. Always-on, any-place access to the internet will change the way in which people work, relax and play."
Sunao Takatori, President and CEO of Yozan Inc., observed: "We are proud tobe a sponsor of the development of Airspan's 16eUSB Mobile WiMAX device. It will enable Yozan to deliver our vision of a truly holistic communication service, which binds together wireline and wireless infrastructures and provides users with global access to the Internet, anywhere and anytime."
About Airspan Networks Inc. Airspan Networks provides fixed and wireless voice and data systems and solutions, including Voice Over IP (VoIP). Its wireless products serve operators around the world in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands between 700 MHz and 6 GHz, including both PCS and 3.5GHz international bands. Airspan has a strong wireless product roadmap that includes offerings compliant with the 802.11 a/b/g and the WiMAX 802.16-2004 standard, including software upgradeability to Mobile WiMAX (the 802.16e-2005 standard). Airspan is on the Board and is a foundermember of the WiMAX Forum and a member of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Company has deployments with more than 350 operators in more than 100 countries. Airspan's wireless systems are based on radio technology that delivers excellent area coverage, high security and resistance to fading. These systems can be deployed rapidly and cost effectively, providing an attractive alternative to traditional wired communications networks. Airspan's new AS.Tone VoIP system is a carrier class, turnkey solution that provides carriers with Class 4, Class 5 and IP-Centrex solutions and has a Softswitch and Gateways supporting SIP/H323 and SIP. AS.Tone's design provides customers; carriers, next-generation telcos, cellular providers and ITSP with a wide range of solutions with the best price/performance system for IP telephony. Airspan also offers radio planning, network installation, integration, training and support services to facilitate the deployment and operation of its systems. Airspan is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida with its main operations center in Uxbridge, United Kingdom. More information on Airspan can be found at http://www.airspan.com About Yozan Inc. Yozan is a telecom service operator in Tokyo, Japan, offering WiMAX-based wireless broadband and multicasting services. Yozan is the first operator in Japan to launch WiMAX services as of December 2005, amidst a growing trend in the telecom sector of leading companies advancing WiMAX initiatives.
The company currently provides 2 types of WiMAX services -- WiMAX Direct for corporate users demanding high-quality broadband services; and BitStand for individual subscribers. The company is continuing its aggressive network deployment to provide comprehensive service area coverage throughout the 23 wards of Tokyo -- with the goal to become the nation's largest wireless broadband service operator. In addition, Yozan offers Child Safety Monitoring services over the Vodafone network (specifically to local municipal government-clients) and AirBit Key services utilizing Yozan's own paging network. Future plans include service offerings based on an integration of PLC (Power Line Communications) and WiMAX, uponderegulation of rules scheduled in Autumn 2006; and 802.16e mobile WiMAX-based services scheduled for 2007. The company is focused on expanding its coverage area to contribute to a ubiquitous telecommunications environment.
More information on Yozan can be found at http://www.yozan.co.jp
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "projects," "will," "would" and similar expressions or negative variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-lookingstatements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. Investors and others are therefore cautioned that a variety of factors, including certain risks, may affect our business and cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The Company is also subject to the risks and uncertainties described in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2004. You should read those factorsas being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever theyappear in this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=245658 Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=245660 Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=245662 Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=245664 Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=245666 Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=245668 For Investment and Media Inquiries, contact: Peter Aronstam Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Airspan Networks, Inc. Tel: +1 561 893-8682 Fax: +1 561 893-8681 For Media inquiries in the Europe, contact: Alison O'Leary Text 100 London Tel: +44 (0)208 846 0700 Email: Alison.OLeary@text100.co.uk
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DJ Kyocera To Enter Russia's 3G Wireless Market - Nikkei
TOKYO (Nikkei)--Kyocera Corp. (6971.TO) plans to enter the Russian market for third-generation cellular phones, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported in its Saturday morning edition.
Kyocera intends to introduce advanced handsets with Internet connectivity through Sky Link, a Russian company that plans to launch 3G service in June. The firm is shooting for shipments of 200,000-300,000 units this year. Kyocera aims to supply the phones to other regions that will deploy the same communications standard as well such as Eastern Europe and South America.
The phones use the CDMA450 standard, which operates at a lower frequency than that used by models in markets such as Japan. Sky Link had until now been procuring handsets from midsized Chinese and South Korean manufacturers.
Kyocera will manufacture the phones destined for Russia at its Chinese subsidiary and other facilities. It will introduce two models this year and plans to unveil three to four models a year from 2007 onwards. The firm projects sales of one million to two million units annually after two-three years.
The firm sold a total of 11.5 to 12 million mobile phones in fiscal 2005, including by its U.S. subsidiary, and is targeting a 10% increase for fiscal 2006.
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03-10-06 1335ET
InterDigital posts 4Q profit
MAR. 9 1:07 P.M. ET InterDigital Communications Corp., a maker of communications chips, posted a fourth-quarter profit Thursday thanks to a large tax benefit, as revenue rose.
The company earned $45 million, or 80 cents per share, compared with a loss of $164,000, or less than a penny per share, during the same period a year ago. The latest-quarter results included tax benefits of $43.7 million, or about 76 cents per share.
Sales climbed 19 percent to $40.5 million from $33.9 million a year ago.
Analysts, on average, were looking for earnings of 6 cents per share and revenue of $40.9 million, according to a Thomson Financial poll. Analysts typically exclude one-time items from their estimates.
For the full year, the company earned $54.7 million, or 96 cents per share, compared with $89,000, or less than a cent per share, a year ago. Sales jumped 57 percent to $163.1 million from $103.7 million a year ago.
For the first quarter, the company said it expects sales between $50 million and $52 million.
Separately, the company said its board approved the repurchase of $100 million of its shares, without giving a specific time frame.
InterDigital has about 53.9 million shares outstanding.
Shares fell 66 cents, or 2.4 percent, to $26.38 in midday trading on the Nasdaq.
LG ELECTRONICS: LG accentuates its leadership in multimedia technology at
CeBIT 2006
Hannover, Germany, Mar 09, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- LG Electronics (LG), a leader in consumer electronics and mobile communications, presents its latest developments in multimedia technology, including Plasma TV with built-in DVR, terrestrial and satellite DMB phone and Dual-Core Notebook PC at CeBIT 2006.
LG's exhibition theme this year is "Life as a Masterpiece". To emphasize the theme, the company is exhibiting the gold-rimmed 71-inch plasma TV, which is the most expensive TV in the world in the faade of the booth. And the moving walls consist of thirty 50-inch plasma TVs and eight 42-inch plasma TVs.
This year, LG won iF Design Awards in 11 categories and Reddot Design Awards in 20 categories. Especially for Reddot Design Award, LG has won the greatest number of the given categories in the record, including two "Best of the Best" awards for the Dual-Core Widescreen Notebook PC (T1 Series) and the world's first Wall-Mounted Projector. The company showcases the latest gadgets including those award-wining products at CeBIT 2006. The highlights are:
- Plasma TV with Built-in DVR: The built-in Digital Video Recorder has the capability of storing up to 40 hours of digital standard-definition programming. It also has continuous automatic recording in 1-hour intervals, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.
- Mobile TV Phone: LG showcases its wide range of mobile TV Phones: DVB-H, Satellite and Terrestrial DMB Phone. The V9000 is the definite all-in-one multimedia device. With its unique wide-swing screen, users can watch TV programs for up to three hours consecutively and can even record programs for up to one hour. Utilizing LG's own DAB/DMB receiving and AV decoding chip, this model provides perfect picture quality on a high-resolution screen. This phone also features a 3D surround sound system, mega-pixel AF CMOS camera, MP3, TV capture and Bluetooth.
- 3G Phone (LG-U880 Roberto Cavalli Edition): The handset is one of the most stylish 3G music clamshell phones with a thickness of 18.2mm. The model features user memory with a twenty MP3 song capacity, buttons on the outside for easy control of the MP3 player function, video calling and a 1.3 mega-pixel camera.
- Multimedia Phone (LG-KG920): The world's slimmest GSM 5 mega-pixel handset is super slim at just 18mm. It adopts an innovative twist & slim design that features a real digital camera. This world's thinnest handset incorporates an auto focus CCD camera and a 2-inch QVGA LCD screen for VGA-level video at 30 fps (frames per second). Strengthening this camera function is a strobe flash, half-shutter and lens cover. During the exhibition, LG plans to invite famous dancers and present exciting performances expressing the image of LG's latest handsets to the booth visitors.
- Dual-Core Notebook PC: The notebook PC is equipped with 2 core chips installed to one CPU, which is optimum for multi-tasking. LG also exhibits the lightweight Notebook PC (TX Series).
LG will also showcase the LCD TVs, LCD monitors and the world's first "Wall-Mounted Projector".
LG Electronics' Presence at CeBIT 2006, Hannover, Germany: "Life as a Masterpiece"
- Booth Size: Display 1,324 sqm / Mobile661 sqm
- Booth Location: Display Hall 1 / Mobile Hall 26
- Booth Displays & Highlighted Products: DMB Phone(LG-V9000), 5-Megapixel Camera phone, WI-FI, DVB-H, 102"PDP, 71" Golden Plated PDP, Digital TV, Clear Filter, XD EngineTM, BD Recorder, HD-DVD Player, DVD Recorder + DVB-T etc
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc., (KSE: 06657.KS) is the world's major force and technology innovator in electronics, information and communications products. The company has more than 67,000 employees working in 77 subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. LG Electronics is the world's largest producer of CDMA handsets, DVD players, optical storage devices, air conditioners, canister vacuum cleaners and micro ovens. With total revenue of more than USD 35 billion (consolidated USD 45 billion), LG Electronics is comprised of four business units: Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media.
For more information please visit www.lge.com.
CONTACT: Davina Mascarenhas (Mobile - 2.5G and 3G handsets) Tel: +44 (0)20 7611 3627 e-mail: davina.mascarenhas@ketchum.com Clara Eldridge (Brown Goods - LCD, Plasma, DVD, Home Cinema, MP3 and Car Audio) Tel: +44 (0)20 7611 3554 e-mail: clara.eldridge@ketchum.com Nick Mott (I.T. - Monitors and Optical storage) Tel: +44 (0)20 7611 3530 e-mail: nick.mott@ketchum.com Holly Kenyon (General enquiries: Team Assistant) Tel: +44 (0)20 7611 3602 e-mail: holly.kenyon@ketchum.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)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
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Reggie- nothing to be sorry about.
PRESS RELEASE: Option Confirms Vodafone Germany's Choice of GlobeSurfer ICON and GlobeTrotter HSDPA for Customers
LEUVEN, Belgium, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI, OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced that Vodafone Germany has chosen Option's new breed of fixed-wireless device, the GlobeSurfer(R) ICON. The GlobeSurfer(R) ICON, marketed as Vodafone Zuhause EasyBox, further opens up the potential for Vodafone to lead the emerging fixed wireless convergence market. In addition Vodafone also selected the GlobeTrotter HSDPA data card to further complement its range of wireless HSDPA data solutions. Vodafone will demonstrate both the GlobeSurfer(R) ICON and Option's GlobeTrotter HSDPA data card at CeBIT 2006 (Hannover, 9 - 15 March 2006).
Jan Callewaert, CEO at Option: "We know Vodafone is always looking for innovative and cutting-edge products which provide great value to their customers and drive customer usage. Our partnership with Vodafone is an example of how world leaders can combine their know-how to develop and bring to market innovative products. The Vodafone Zuhause EasyBox is a simple to use product, ideal for consumers accessing the internet from their homes."
Announced at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona last month, the GlobeSurfer(R) ICON is the fixed-wireless that delivers simple and fast wireless broadband connectivity for consumer or business applications whether at home or at work. With its DSL comparable data speed and zero-installation, the GlobeSurfer(R) ICON connects, and is powered, through any Desktop or Laptop USB port. Using patented technology, GlobeSurfer(R) ICON is truly plug 'n play with zero user intervention. This means no user install, no application or driver CD. All the user needs is to do is simply plug GlobeSurfer(R) ICON into an available USB port and connect to the internet, wirelessly.
GlobeSurfer(R) ICON supports numerous features to enable multiple service offerings such as network lock, cell lock, and home-zoning. Over an HSDPA network, GlobeSurfer(R) ICON enables connection to the Internet at data speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps. In areas where HSDPA service is not available ICON can connect over 3G UMTS at up to 384 kbps, and quad-band EDGE/GPRS at up to 247 kbps.
ABOUT OPTION:
Option NV (www.option.com), the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (HSDPA and UMTS), EDGE, GPRS, GSM and WLAN technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications. Option's headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium. The company has Research & Development in Leuven, a Software and Applications development centre in Adelsried (Germany), a Wireless Router development centre in Stockholm (Sweden) and an ISO 9002 production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland.
SOURCE Option N.V.
/CONTACT: For more information please contact: Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development & Marketing, Tel +32-(0)16-317-411, E-mail: d.ros@option.com. Frederic Convent, CFO, Tel +32-(0)-16-317-411, E-mail: investor@option.com
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