Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and other advanced wireless technologies, today announced the formation of a joint venture (JV) with Vietnamese handset manufacturer IQLINKS. Known as IQLINKS Joint Venture Company (IQLINKS JV), the JV is the first CDMA450 terminal manufacturer in Vietnam. IQLINKS JV also is the first company headquartered in Vietnam to enter into a patent license agreement with Qualcomm to develop, manufacture and sell CDMA2000® and EV-DO subscriber units and modem cards.
“Qualcomm is committed to the growth of Vietnam's telecommunication industry and to supporting local operators as they bring advanced 3G CDMA services to under-served communities,” said Jim Hoang, senior director, Vietnam Business Development, Qualcomm. “We are very pleased to be working with IQLINKS to help realize this shared vision.”
Under the terms of the JV agreement, IQLINKS JV has entered into a CDMA Subscriber Unit License Agreement with Qualcomm and plans to manufacture 3G CDMA terminals, particularly 450 MHz WLL terminals with remote electricity power meter reading capability. Qualcomm CDMA Technologies also will supply chipsets to the JV.
“This JV is further proof of our, and Qualcomm's, commitment to Vietnam and we look forward to the implementation of our joint venture and to enabling consumers to access the benefits of CDMA450 technology,” said Nguyen Hoai Bac, CEO of IQLinks JV Co.
CDMA450 provides an extremely efficient wireless telecommunications solution by offering wide coverage and the ability to provide superior voice quality and high-speed data services. According to the CDMA Development Group, CDMA450 networks are now deployed in 35 countries around the world and additional networks will soon be launched or are undergoing trials. In Southeast Asia, commercial CDMA450 networks have already been deployed in Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (EVN Telecom).
Qualcomm Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2006 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, including the Company's ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of CDMA components on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed to which CDMA is deployed, change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 25, 2005, and most recent Form 10-Q.
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