SAN DIEGO -- June 9, 2000 -- Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), pioneer and world leader in the development and deployment of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless technology, today announced that it has been awarded a $125 million "Auction Discount Voucher" (ADV) by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). According to the Commission, Qualcomm may use the ADV in any FCC spectrum auction, for one or more licenses over a period of up to three years. Fully transferable, the ADV may be used in whole or in part by any entity in any auction, including those in which Qualcomm is not a participant.
"Qualcomm is very pleased to be recognized in this way for its pioneering innovation and leadership in the development and deployment of CDMA digital wireless technology," stated Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm. "CDMA is now being adopted worldwide for third-generation voice and wireless Internet access. Our latest evolution uses standard 1x (1.25 MHz) bandwidth to provide the highest efficiency and greatest Internet data rates entering commercial service this year and next, with a wider bandwidth (5 MHz) being introduced perhaps a year or two later, which may evolve to provide competitive performance."
The FCC award is in response to a July 1999 U.S. Court of Appeals decision in which the FCC was ordered to designate Qualcomm a "pioneer" under the Commission's Pioneer's Preference program, and grant Qualcomm spectrum forthwith. Under the Pioneer's Preference program, the FCC awarded grants of spectrum to technology innovators to promote the rapid development and deployment of new services to consumers. In 1992, Qualcomm was denied a pioneer designation for its development of CDMA technology, and challenged the decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals until it finally prevailed in 1999.
To date, the other technologies recognized as "pioneering" by the FCC in 1992 have seen only limited deployment. On the other hand, Qualcomm's technology is used by nearly 60 million subscribers and Qualcomm has licensed its essential CDMA patent portfolio to more than 75 telecommunications equipment manufacturers worldwide.
Two preliminary auctions, one in the 700 MHz band and one for licenses reclaimed from former C-block license holders, have been scheduled by the FCC over the next several months. Qualcomm is currently exploring opportunities to participate in these auctions, on its own or through a partnership or consortium with other parties.
Qualcomm Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on the Company's CDMA digital technology. The Company's business areas include integrated CDMA chipsets and system software; technology licensing; Eudora® email software for Windows® and Macintosh® computing platforms; satellite-based systems including portions of the Globalstar™ system and wireless fleet management systems, OmniTRACS® and OmniExpress™. Qualcomm owns patents which are essential to all of the CDMA wireless telecommunications standards that have been adopted or proposed for adoption by standards-setting bodies worldwide. Qualcomm has licensed its essential CDMA patent portfolio to more than 75 telecommunications equipment manufacturers worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in theS&P500 Index and is a 2000 FORTUNE 500® company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the ticker symbol QCOM.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, timely product development, the Company's ability to successfully manufacture significant quantities of CDMA or otherequipment on a timely and profitable basis, and those related to performance guarantees, change in the economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 1999, and most recent Form 10-Q.
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