InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[nieves]

Qualcomm predicts 3G WCDMA phones price fall
Feb 15, 2006 (TELECOMWORLDWIRE via COMTEX) -- Prices of 3G mobile phones which work on WCDMA networks are expected to fall to between USD100 and USD120 by the end of 2006, according to Qualcomm, a wireless technology company.
Qualcomm produces chips for WCDMA and CDMA phones and said that, once the prices fall, the WCDMA phone market will grow substantially. It predicted that WCDMA chips will be fitted to 40-50% of the 650m units per year 2G GSM and 3G WCDMA mobile phones market.
Qualcomm has also revealed plans to merge the Flash OFDM wireless broadband network standard, acquired through the Flarion takeover, into another technology in a few years' time. It also said the business case of all new wireless broadband network technologies such as WiMax, 802.20 and Flash OFDM has yet to be proven.
Qualcomm confirmed its need for another top tier WCDMA chips purchaser, in addition to Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. It claimed that mobile phone company Motorola is the most likely to buy its products, although according to Reuters Motorola has said it would be hesitant to use WCDMA chips from Qualcomm because of the price.
(C)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
-0-