Industry News

Gov't Invests 9 Bil. Won in CDMA Parts

Korea Economic Daily via Individual Inc., Mar. 28, 1997 -- The Ministry of Information & Communication will spend nine billion won (approximately $1.04 million) for the development of eight main parts for the latest mobile telecommunications technology, called code division multiple access (CDMA).

The breakdown of the investment is 900 million won for the PCS duplexer filter, 700 million won for the PCS ceramic connector, one billion won for the wide-band voltage control oscillator, 1.8 billion won for wireless data communications modules and chip sets, 1.85 billion won for the terminal linear array, one billion won for the terminal antenna, 750 million won for the thin film thermistor and one billion won for an unspecified part.

Korea Electronics Technology Institute, a research arm of the Ministry of Information, Trade and Energy, will oversee the seven specified projects with the development of the unspeons Research Institute, which is under the Ministry of Information & Communication.

Separately, the ministry will encourage, through government-financed projects, private companies to commercialize essential chips for CDMA devices.

The local content rate stands at 40 percent for CDMA systems and 30 percent for end-user terminals.

Korea Mobile Telecom Changes Its Name to SK Telecom

South Korea's Largest Cellular Company Adopts New Name to Reflect The Increasingly Global Nature of Its Wireless and Paging Business

SEOUL, South Korea, Mar. 27, 1997 -- In a corporate identity proclamation ceremony on Monday, March 24, 1997 Korea Mobile Telecom unveiled its new name, SK Telecom, to thousands of its employees at the Olympic Park in Chamsil, South Korea.

The new SK Telecom name reflects the company's growing international activities as well as its affiliation with Sunkyong, one of Korea's five largest conglomerates.

"We have expanded considerably since 1984, both globally and in our lines of business" said Dr. Jung Uck Seo, president of SK Telecom. "We felt that our name should signify our changing business and the growing market for our services beyond Korea."

"The renaming will reflect the increasingly competitive spirit of the information and telecommunications business and the role of Sunkyong in SK Telecom's international expansion," added President Seo.

Already the largest paging service provider in India, SK Telecom will soon bring its wireless services to Brazil and participate in the development of personal communication services (PCS) in the United States. Looking toward the future, President Seo has identified opportunities for SK Telecom in the multimedia communications, wireless cable television and on-line services industries.

"By developing an expertise in these areas, and offering an expanded range of services to consumers both domestically and abroad, SK Telecom will truly become a global information and communications corporation," said President Seo.

SK Telecom has plans not only to expand KMT's range of services, but also to improve the company's existing core service areas. SK Telecom will eliminate domestic cellular shadow areas (areas without SK Telecom service), improve bill payment methods and improve the sound quality of mobile calls on its CDMA network.

Founded in 1984, Korea Mobile Telecom has been the leader in the field of mobile communications in Korea. It was the first company in the world to offer commercial CDMA (code division multiple access) cellular service and was the first Korean company to be listed on the London Securities Exchange. Today, SK Telecom's Digital 011 service is available in all 78 cities in South Korea and reaches 80% of the population. It provides subscribers with digital cellular service, enhanced voice and call quality, greater security, and business features such as wireless fax and data transmission.

Two Leading Japanese Operators Select Motorola CIG To Launch Nationwide CDMA Cellular Networks

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., March 26, 1997 -- Two of Japan's leading cellular service providers, DDI and IDO, announced today they have selected Motorola's Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) to deploy new digital CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks. The new CDMA networks will combine to provide nationwide CDMA coverage.

DDI initially will deploy its new CDMA network in the Kansai area which includes the cities of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. The IDO network will be deployed in the Kanto and Tokai areas which include Tokyo, Nagoya and Nagano. Trial systems for DDI and IDO are scheduled to begin during the second half of 1997. Commercial launches for the new networks are planned for the second quarter of 1998. Roaming capabilities will be available immediately between Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. The combined nationwide CDMA coverage with more than 1,500 cell sites is planned for 1999.

The Japanese government's decision to support cellular service providers' selection of CDMA was based on the nation's requirement for a more spectrally efficient RF technology that provides high voice quality and the maximum capacity for future growth.

As a mobile system, Motorola's CDMA technology offers operators an immediate potential capacity gain of eight to 10 times that of analog, and provides superior voice quality and maximum capacity for future growth.

"The introduction of CDMA into Japan, the second largest cellular market in the world, guarantees that this new digital service will become one of the world's foremost wireless technologies and confirms Motorola CIG's position as the leading provider of CDMA infrastructure equipment," said Gene Delaney, vice president and general manager of Motorola's Japan Cellular Infrastructure Division.

Both networks will use Motorola's SC™ family of base stations and EMX(R) 2500 mobile switches. The EMX 2500 was developed jointly by Motorola CIG and DSC Communications Corporation. DSC manufactures the switch and provides core platform software while Motorola develops the mobility applications software.

System to Use New 8 Kbps EVRCs

Additionally, the operators will use new, state-of-the-art 8 Kbps Enhanced Variable Rate Vocoders (EVRC), digital voice encoders that provide landline quality voice transmission and significant capacity gains compared with the 8 Kbps and 13 Kbps vocoders currently in use by other cellular and Personal Communication Systems (PCS) operators. The new 8 Kbps EVRC also is exceptional in eliminating from phone conversations the background noise that is typically heard in dense urban areas, for example.

Motorola CIG's infrastructure equipment is currently deployed by both DDI and IDO as part of a nationwide analog cellular (Total Access Communications System or TACS) network in Japan. Motorola CIG's digital Personal Digital Communications (PDC) equipment also provides nationwide coverage.

Lucent Technologies' CDMA Systems Activated in New PrimeCo Market

Dallas, TX, Mar. 25, 1997 -- Lucent Technologies announced today that its wireless systems are now in commercial service in Mobile, Ala., the newest market launched by PrimeCo Personal Communications.

Mobile is the 17th major city in the U.S. to be served by PrimeCo's personal communications services (PCS) network - ten of which use Lucent's PCS end-to-end wireless systems.

To date, PrimeCo is offering commercial PCS service using Lucent's wireless systems in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale in Florida; Richmond and Norfolk in Virginia; and New Orleans, Houston and Mobile.

"We're making a long-term commitment to providing the highest possible quality of wireless digital products and services in the world," said Claude Ellison, PrimeCo vice president and general manager of the Mobile area market. "Our strong partnership with Lucent has played a vital role in our success and continues to be our advantage in the marketplace."

The Lucent equipment adheres to the latest digital technology called CMDA.

"This is another major step PrimeCo is taking to provide top-of-the-line PCS service, using Lucent's software and equipment," said Lucent Technologies' Vice President Bob Bellion. "PrimeCo has become a major player in the wireless industry in a very short timeframe."

CDMA, also called IS-95, stands for Code Division Multiple Access technology. If offers improved call clarity, and provides greater network capacity and service reliability. CDMA also offers a host of new calling features and service capabilities - such as over-the-air service activation that adds additional convenience for customers when they sign-up for PrimeCo service. PrimeCo's PCS systems deployed in the 10 cities are based on Lucent's CDMA mini-cell equipment and the 5ESS®-2000 switch, one of the world's most reliable and widely deployed switching systems, as well as Lucent's transmission equipment and power systems.

PrimeCo's network also uses Lucent's 13 kilobit-per-second voice encoder (vocoder), which makes it possible to offer wireless voice quality that approaches land line voice quality.

Global cellular, PCS market seen rising

Washington, Mar. 21, 1997 -- The global cellular and personal communications services (PCS) market will reach over half a billion subscribers by 2002, up from 140 million at the end of 1996, according to a study by the Strategis Group.

Strategis, a market research and consulting firm, said its data were collected from the 142 countries where it does business through surveys sent to operators and distributors.

The study predicted that the installed subscriber base of digital cellular/PCS technologies will surpass that of analog in 1997 and, by 2002, nearly 90 percent of the world's cellular/PCS subscribers will be using digital.

The current dominant digital technology in the world is the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The survey predicts Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) IS-95 will be the second leading digital technology in 2002, when there will be over 305 million digital cellular subscribers.

The study projects 151 million PCS subscribers in 2002. PCS gained a five percent market share in 1996.

Soon, the Asia/Pacific region will comprise 39 percent of the world's subscribers, followed by Western Europe with 25 percent and North America with 24 percent, Strategis said.

France Telecom (SBF:FTE) Has More Mobile Projects

Paris, Mar. 20, 1997 -- France Telecom is eyeing a mobile telecommunications project in Brazil, in the next stages of international expansion, Jean-Baptiste de Boissiere said on Thursday.

De Boissiere, chairman of France Telecom Mobile International (FTMI), was speaking in a telephone conference on the eve of his unit winning a license in Denmark.

In Brazil, there will be a tender on April 7 for a "giant" license for the so-called Band B.

This will be a selection of either TDMA or CDMA technology with France Telecom offering a CDMA solution.

Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile Launches Digital Wireless Challenge to Competitors in New York and New Jersey

Invites Competitor's Customers to Compare

ORANGEBURG, N.Y., Mar. 21, 1997 -- On Monday, March 24, Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile will launch the area's most advanced digital wireless phone service. The new offering, called DigitalChoice(SM), will deliver a level of call clarity never before available to wireless phone customers in the New York/New Jersey metro area.

Customers can use the new digital phones virtually anywhere in the United States because Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile digital phones will work on both analog and digital networks.

In addition to offering the most extensive digital coverage on the East Coast, the company is distinguishing itself from competitors by offering the area's first 13-kilobit Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) service -- advanced technology that provides the clearest voice quality of any wireless service.

"The sound quality of our digital network is so good, I'm encouraging even my competitors customers to come in and hear the difference," said Rick Conrad, president of the company's New York/New Jersey metro region. "People will not believe you're on a wireless phone."

Consumers are invited to "Sneak Preview" the service this weekend at many of Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile's 40 area Communications Store locations where they can make a free DigitalChoice call to anyone in the continental United States.

Customers who choose DigitalChoice service will receive:

• free first minute of airtime on incoming calls within NY/NJ area
• free caller ID -- lets you know who's calling
• free voice mail with message-waiting indicator
• dramatically increased battery life
• built-in electronic fraud protection
• free call forwarding, call waiting and three-way calling

Beginning Monday, Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile digital service will be available in 17 counties: the five boroughs of New York City and in portions of Westchester, Rockland and Nassau counties in New York; and in all or portions of Union, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic and Monmouth counties in New Jersey. DigitalChoice phones will automatically switch to analog when customers travel outside an area that has digital service, a major benefit to customers.

IDO, Cellular Group to Field Test CDMA

Mar. 5, 1997 -- Nippon Idou Tshushin Corp. (IDO) and eight Cellular Telephone Co. Group firms will begin field testing a new U.S. digital cellular phone format, code-divided multiple access (CDMA), from this summer.

The move follows the recent recommendation by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications that CDMA be considered as a replacement for the current analog format.

The firms have been preparing to adopt the CDMA format, called IS-95, since early last year and hope to start services in 1998.

The new digital format, with more efficient use of bandwidth and faster data transmission, is expected to help expand the number of cellular phone subscribers and multimedia services.

IDO will conduct the test in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and Cellular will experiment in Osaka. The field tests involve use of actual terminals to evaluate reception quality and switching of circuits from one station to another.

QUALCOMM, ITI Target India's Emerging Wireless Market

New Delhi, India, Mar. 5, 1997 -- QUALCOMM, Inc., based in San Diego, California, has signed an agreement with the Indian public sector enterprise, ITI Ltd., to jointly address the emerging multi-million dollar wireless local loop (WLL) and rural telecom market in the country.

"The agreement aims at utilizing QUALCOMM's CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology to enable ITI to compete for the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) US$11.4 million tender for rural telephones in the circle of Uttar Pradesh (East)," said S.S. Motilal, chairman, ITI.

ADB's tender for the circle of Uttar Pradesh (East) has specified the use of macro-cellular technology which provides CDMA in building the networks.

Commenting on the role of CDMA technology in the country, B.A. Majmudar, vice president, QUALCOMM International, said, "CDMA is poised to usher in a revolution in the country by offering instant wireless phone connections to subscribers at their premises."

QUALCOMM has set up a US$0.86 million QC-Tel project for the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) at the Bhikaji Cama Place Exchange in New Delhi. As part of the agreement, ITI will manufacture CDMA products based on QUALCOMM technology and fine-tune them to suit Indian requirements. These products are intended for prospective basic service providers.

Ameritech on Track to Launch ClearPath

Company begins last phase to deploy digital cellular service

San Francisco, CA, Mar. 4, 1997 -- Ameritech Cellular Services today announced the final steps prior to launching its ClearPath digital service in Chicago by the end of the second quarter 1997.

The company said it will begin a series of employee trials in the next few weeks. The trials will involve its cellular associates and enable Ameritech to receive real time feedback on the quality of both the ClearPath service and the dual-mode handsets, prior to commercial launch. Additionally, Ameritech announced its Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network will be fully optimized by early spring. Optimization is the systematic, fine-tuning and continuous adjustment of the radio network's parameters, ensuring quality cellular service.

Immediately following optimization, and before introducing ClearPath, Ameritech will start preloading current analog customers onto its CDMA system. Preloading is transitioning customers from analog to digital by providing them with dual-mode phones to use prior to activating ClearPath.

According to John E. Rooney, president, Ameritech Cellular Services, the company is progressing well with its plans to implement ClearPath in Chicago. "We are taking all of these steps to make the transition to ClearPath as transparent and seamless as we can for our customers. As we've said from day one, we won't launch it until it's the world class service our customers have come to expect from Ameritech," concluded Rooney.

Ameritech reached its first milestone in launching ClearPath last September when it completed 15 months of extensive testing on its testbed. The seven cell testbed extended 30 miles to the northwest from the company's suburban headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill. to Woodstock, Ill. Ameritech Cellular's engineers spent hundreds of hours conducting drive tests of the network's coverage area - much of it during off-peak hours from 11 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to ensure an optimum test environment and no disruption to the commercial network.

Ameritech will launch ClearPath in Detroit during the second half of 1997.

Mexico's First Successful CDMA PCS Phone Call Made Using Motorola Equipment

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Mar. 4, 1997 -- Mexico's top Telecommunications officer has made Mexico's first CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) PCS (Personal Communications Service) cellular telephone call.

The call by the president of the Federal Commission of Telecommunications in Mexico, Lic. Carlos Casasus Lopez H., used Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group's (CIG) high-capacity SC™4850 CDMA digital base station equipment as part of the live CDMA demonstration in the 1900 MHz frequency range at ExpoComm Mexico '97.

"With the explosive growth in cellular telephone usage taking place in Mexico and throughout Latin America, operators are looking to provide their subscribers with the best service and want to offer that service with low investment costs. CDMA technology can help operators meet these objectives," said Jack Finlayson, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola CIG's Pan American Wireless Infrastructure Division.

CDMA uses unique digital codes, instead of separate FR frequencies and channels, to differentiate subscribers' phone conversations. This advanced digital technology provides eight to ten times more capacity and enhances voice and call quality and in-building coverage compared with traditional analog systems. In addition to clarity and capacity benefits, CDMA allows the operator to minimize the total number of cell sites which must be installed to cover a geographic area.

GTE Launches CDMA Wireless Service in California

San Ramon, Calif., Mar. 3, 1997 -- Lucent Technologies today said another important CDMA milestone has been achieved with GTE's recent inauguration of commercial CDMA wireless service in its greater San Francisco Bay area market.

GTE's San Francisco digital roll out marks the second CDMA commercial system GTE has turned up in the past few months, with its Austin, Texas market being the first in late 1996. It also marks the second successful implementation of Lucent's CDMA systems with GTE. According to Lucent officials, GTE's CDMA network is among the first to utilize a new "soft hand-off" capability. With soft hand-offs, the crackle typically heard by cellular callers as they travel from one cell-site coverage area to another is eliminated.

"GTE is among the first wireless service providers to include the inter-MSC soft hand-off feature in its network," said Lucent Technologies' Vice President Joe McCarthy. "Superior call hand-off is one of the most compelling benefits of CDMA."

GTE's new CDMA wireless network also uses Lucent's advanced speech coding technology to substantially improve the voice clarity of its wireless service ­ making it comparable to land-line service ­ and provides greater service reliability and additional built-in protections against fraud.

"The availability of this service, using our existing cellular network, clearly provides GTE customers with advantages that are currently unachievable with other wireless communications technologies," said John McLean, GTE vice president - Technology. "We are now positioned to provide superior service today, as well as satisfy the future requirements of our customers."

GTE said its choice of this new digital technology allows it to increase the capacity of its cellular network in the Bay Area without adding a large number of new cell sites. And, GTE customers are also now able to select a paging service option, turning their digital phones into a combined phone and paging device. By mid-year, GTE expects to add Caller I.D. capabilities so its digital service customers can see the phone numbers of callers.

GTE's CDMA service is immediately available in an area that extends from downtown San Jose to the city of San Francisco, and in the East Bay counties of Alameda and Contra Costa. The company has plans to expand its digital service to more than 1,100 square miles by mid-year.

GTE's customers will use dual-mode phones, which work on both CDMA digital and the existing analog network. GTE's CDMA network includes Lucent Technologies' 5ESS(R)-2000 switching systems and cell site equipment, as well as its 13 kilobit-per-second vocoder.

A global suppler of wireless networks, Lucent Technologies designs, builds and delivers a wide range of public and private networks, communications systems and software, consumer and business telephone systems, and microelectronic components. Bell Laboratories, which invented cellular radio is the research and development arm for the company. Lucent Technologies was formed as a result of AT&T' Corp.'s restructuring and became a fully independent company -- separate from AT&T -- on Sept. 30, 1996. Lucent's 5ESS switch is manufactured in Oklahoma City.

GTE is also one of the nation's largest wireless service providers. The company currently has more than 3.7 million customers out of an industry wide total of approximately 38 million. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of GTE Corp.

Vendor News

Samsung Electronics to provide Shanghai with CDMA hardware

Latest Step in Globalizing Telecommunications Business

Seoul, South Korea, Mar. 28, 1997 -- Samsung Electronics Co. (SEC) announced today that it has made inroads into the Chinese telecom markets as the official CDMA hardware provider to Shanghai, China.

According to the contract, SEC will supply China Shanghai Changcheng Mobile Communications Co. Ltd. with a switching station able to handle 68,000 subscribers, 67 base stations and follow-up services. Installation of the stations scheduled to begin the first half of this year and to be fully operational by the year's end.

According to a Samsung Electronics official, "The Chinese seek a new telecommunications standard to satisfy its 1.3 billion people. Samsung Electronics is pleased to supply CDMA hardware to Shanghai, the symbol of Chinese modernization efforts with China's largest market and potential for growth."

Industry leaders, including Motorola, Lucent Technology, Northern Telecom and QualComm, bid on the Shanghai project.

SEC's Shanghai contract opens a channel for future exports of CDMA handsets and mobile telecommunications systems. SEC has established a joint venture to market wireless local pager systems in Shanghai and has started supplying pagers and services to one million subscribers.

Local CDMA companies double investments in equipment manufacturing

As domestic mobile users are increasingly choosing digital services, the nation's four CDMA, or code division multiple access, equipment companies plan to almost double their investments to increase manufacturing capabilities for this year.

According to company figures, Samsung Electronics, LG Information & Communications, Hyundai Electronics Industries and Maxon Electronics will increase their facility spendings for CDMA handsets to 151 billion won (approximately $174.4 million) combined this year, up from 83.5 billion won a year before.

Samsung Electronics has allocated 100 billion won to set up new lines and to establish a factory automation system at its Kumi plant for CDMA hand-held phones in North Kyongsang Province this year.

Being the largest of the facility investments, Samsung's capacity for CDMA end-user devices will increase to 400,000 units a month by the end of this year, up from the current 200,000 units.

LG Information & Communications intends to boost its yearly output of CDMA handsets by 3.5 times to 2.5 million units this year.

A sum of 38 billion won was budgeted for the expanded production, up from 15 billion won spent for similar purposes last year.

Hyundai Electronics Industries will double its production of CDMA devices to 600,000 units a year in 1997 through an investment of eight billion won.

Encouraged by increasing shipments to SK Telecom and Shinsegi Mobile Telecom, Maxon Electronics is ready to join in the trend by adding an additional line to its existing facilities.

The plan will cost five billion won, eventually fostering Maxon's production of CDMA handsets to 25,000 units a month, from the current 15,000 units, before the end of this year.

DSC to Provide Switching Systems for Motorola's CDMA Equipment Award in Japan

Leading Japanese Wireless Carriers, IDO and DDI, to Deploy Motorola and DSC Systems for Nationwide CDMA Networks

DALLAS, Mar. 27, 1997 -- DSC Communications Corporation confirmed today that its advanced switching systems will be deployed as part of a recent Japanese wireless equipment award received by Motorola's Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG). IDO and DDI, two of the leading wireless carriers in Japan, announced yesterday their plans to launch new Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks that will reach throughout Japan by 1999. Trial systems are set to begin during the second half of 1997.

To develop the high-capacity cellular networks, Motorola CIG will provide its CDMA-based infrastructure equipment, including base stations and its EMX(R) 2500 mobile switches. The EMX 2500 was developed jointly by DSC and Motorola and is based on the DSC DEX 600C switching platform.

The DSC DEX 600C is a high-capacity switching system with a flexible architecture designed to meet the switching needs of wireless operators throughout the world. Combined with Motorola's mobility applications software, this system has been part of Motorola installations worldwide for over a decade. Recent customer installations have been strong in Asia, where cellular markets are expanding at a rapid rate.

Wylie Basham, group vice president, DSC's switching systems, said, "We are pleased to continue our switch technology support of Motorola's cellular business, especially in light of this recent CDMA award in Japan. The development of these new networks will mean increased capacity, quality and roaming capabilities for IDO's and DDI's growing customer base in Japan."

Motorola Sets Cell Phone Test in Japan

Arlington Heights, Il., Mar. 26, 1997 -- Motorola Inc. said trials are scheduled to begin in the second half of 1997 of new digital cell phone systems for two Japanese providers, under a new contract announced earlier today.

Earlier, DDI Corp and IDO Corp, an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corp, said they will jointly introduce a new digital cell phone service in Japan beginning in April 1998.

The companies selected Motorola's Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) to deploy new digital code division multiple access (CDMA) networks for the service.

Motorola said combined nationwide CDMA coverage with more than 1,500 cell sites is planned for 1999.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Japan is the second largest cellular market in the world, Motorola said.

Motorola And Daewoo Win $180 Million Contract To Deploy CDMA System in Seoul, South Korea

Arlington Heights, Ill. and Seoul, South Korea, Mar. 24, 1997 -- A consortium consisting of Daewoo Telecom Limited and Motorola Asia Pacific Cellular Infrastructure Group (APCIG) has been awarded a $180 million contract by Korea Telecom Freetel (KTF) to deploy a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital network in Seoul, South Korea.

KTF conducted an evaluation which included equipment performance with several manufacturers of CDMA equipment, including Korean and other worldwide manufacturers, before awarding the contract to Daewoo and Motorola.

KTF will utilize Motorola's SC 4820 base station equipment and Centralized Base Site Controller (CBSC) equipment and Daewoo PCX switches for its new Personal Communications Service (PCS) network operating at 1.7 GHz. This network represents the first open system architecture implementation of CDMA in South Korea. The system provided by Daewoo and Motorola will have the capacity to serve up to 300,000 subscribers.

Korea represents one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia. Approximately 12 million new cellular subscribers are expected by the year 2000.

Product shipment will commence in the second quarter of 1997, with the first phase of commercial deployment scheduled for early 1998. The CDMA network will serve subscribers from the western portion of Seoul to Inchon, an area which accounts for nearly one-third of South Korea's population of more than 45 million people.

"This announcement marks the first step toward fulfilling an undertaking to provide open systems for CDMA networks in South Korea," said Richard Sell, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola APCIG. "With this network, KTF subscribers will be able to place and receive calls throughout the country."

QUALCOMM Files Lawsuit Against Ericsson for CDMA Patent Infringement

San Diego, Mar. 20, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated announced today that it has sued Ericsson, Inc. for patent infringement based on recent public statements by Ericsson that it intends to offer Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) handsets for sale in the United States cellular market within a matter of months.

QUALCOMM's lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Diego, charges Ericsson with infringement of seven QUALCOMM patents which cover essential features of handsets hat meet the specifications of the United States CDMA cellular telecommunications standard known as IS-95A or the standard for the new PCS wireless services known as ANSI J-STD-008.

QUALCOMM holds patents essential to practice both standards and to the manufacture and sale of handsets for use in systems compatible with the standards.

An Ericsson company is a licensee under QUALCOMM's Patents for the manufacture of handsets for use in the Globalstar satellite communications system, but Ericsson has not been granted a license by QUALCOMM for cellular, PCS or other terrestrial applications.

Qualcomm, Hitachi in strategic pact

SAN DIEGO, Mar. 20, 1997 -- Qualcomm Inc said Thursday it had signed a deal with Hitachi Ltd to form a strategic alliance for Hitachi to build cellular phone base station equipment using Qualcomm's wireless technology.

The equipment would use Qualcomm's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology for use in cellular, Personal Communications Services (PCS) and wireless local loop telephone applications.

The strategic alliance follows the signing of a worldwide, royalty-bearing alliance on CDMA infrastructure equipment announced between the two in December 1996.

Hitachi plans to make a multi-million dollar payment to Qualcomm and will purchase from Qualcomm a part of Hitachi's CDMA infrastructure requirements.

The companies also said they will continue to explore opportunities in the United States and elsewhere around theworld to jointly market and sell CDMA products.

Amplidyne introduces 100 Watt PCS Multicarrier Amplifier to the wireless market

SOMERSET, N.J.--Mar. 20, 1997 -- Amplidyne Inc., a manufacturer of wireless communications amplifiers, introduced their new CDMA/TDMA 100 Watt PCS Multicarrier Amplifier for PCS applications.

The new amplifier utilizes Amplidyne's ultra linear technology with patented predistortion circuitry. The amplifier offers benefits to the operators and network integrators for reducing unwanted IMD, remote channel allocation, and a cost effective solution for high density urban applications.

The amplifier is being offered in the Korean band (1805 - 1870 MHz) and the U.S. band (1930 - 1990 MHz). The amplifier is modular in construction and uses a switched combiner offering operators to determine operation levels from 20 Watts, 40 Watts, 70 Watts and 90 Watts. Devendar Bains, President, CEO and Chairman of Amplidyne Inc. stated that "Introduction of this product is a milestone for Amplidyne Inc. We are aiming to satisfy the high density digital CDMA and TDMA requirements of the PCS networks in Korea, the United States and the explosive worldwide PCS market." The company is now able to demonstrate this product to the OEM market and has started to market the product worldwide. A product release was recently published in the Microwave Journal, Feb. 1997 issue.

DSP Communications to Supply CDMA Chip Sets to Fujitsu; Fujitsu teams with DSPC for CDMA; Agreement marks second major DSPC CDMA customer announcement within last month

CUPERTINO, Calif., Mar. 13, 1997 -- DSP Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSPC) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Fujitsu, Limited for IS-95 based Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) subscriber equipment.

Under the terms of the agreement, DSPC will develop and supply IS-95 based baseband processor chip sets to be used in dual mode CDMA/JTACS subscriber terminals developed by Fujitsu for the Japanese market.

"We are pleased to partner with Fujitsu to offer CDMA baseband processor chip sets for cellular and PCS handsets," said Dr. Joseph Perl, Executive Vice President of DSPC. "As a leader in the market, Fujitsu is dedicated to offering a better solution for end users, and DSPC is committed to supporting Fujitsu in delivering the exceptional quality they require."

The CDMA technology developed by DSPC will provide Fujitsu with a high level of quality, including improved voice clarity, greater talk and standby times, reduced size, and lower costs. "DSPC's commitment to providing improved quality, while also reducing costs reflects our vision of an evolving wireless communications market where long lasting customer relationships and success can only be derived with continual improvements," Perl said. The agreement with Fujitsu adds a new company to DSPC's growing customer base.

The agreement to deliver CDMA chip sets to Fujitsu also marks the emergence of an entirely new Japanese market for DSPC, separate from its well-established PDC market. "We anticipate an exciting ramp-up in the CDMA arena and believe Fujitsu's entry is an important step forward in meeting the needs of this quickly evolving market," said Arnon Kohavi, VP Business Development of DSPC.

DSPC's CDMA chip set provides dual mode CDMA/analog baseband processing. For cellular, personal communications services (PCS), and wireless local loop (WLL) applications, the chip set offers a compact solution for hand-held, mobile units. Based on advanced digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, DSPC's CDMA chip set provides a cost-effective, versatile solution that can be easily adapted to meet new requirements.

QUALCOMM Announces Contract with JSC Personal Communications; Will Provide CDMA Wireless Infrastructure in the Greater Moscow Area

San Diego, CA, Mar. 12, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the signing of a multi-year contract with JSC Personal Communications of Moscow, Russian Federation to supply a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) wireless communications system which could lead to an increase in capacity to serve up to 300,000 subscribers in the Greater Moscow Area starting with 100,000 subscribers initially.

"JSC Personal Communications has made a strategic decision by choosing CDMA from QUALCOMM, which will provide the most modern, cost-effective and quality services to its customers in the greater Moscow area." said Dr. Irwin M. Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of QUALCOMM. "This represents a significant recognition of the growing global acceptance and deployment of CDMA systems, especially in Eastern Europe."

JSC Personal Communications is a subsidiary of MTU-Inform. With 70,000 lines, MTU-Inform is the second-largest local telephone operator in Moscow. Under terms of the contract, QUALCOMM will supply its CDMA digital wireless infrastructure equipment, network planning and installation services.

In the course of the project implementation, MTU-Inform plans to provide their subscribers in the Moscow area with a wide range of services, which are based on CDMA technology along with the capacities of the MTU-Inform digital network. QUALCOMM will plan, design and install a digital wireless CDMA network in the Greater Moscow Area. The multi-phased deployment will begin in early 1997 with the first phase entering commercial implementation by mid-1997. QUALCOMM's network will enable JSC Personal Communications to provide its customers with the unique advantages of CDMA technology such as including enhanced voice quality, clarity and privacy.

CDMA systems provide greater capacity, using less spectrum and power than competing older technologies.

Motorola to install CDMA cellular network in Mainland China

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Mar. 6, 1997 -- Motorola's Asia Pacific Cellular Infrastructure Group (APCIG) today announced plans to install a trial CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) cellular network in Mainland China. Through an agreement with Beijing Telecommunications Administration and Telecommunications Development Department of the China Electronic System Engineering Company (CESEC), Motorola APCIG will install the network for 43,000 subscribers throughout Beijing.

The Beijing trial is the first of a limited number of large-scale commercial CDMA trials planned by the national-level Beijing Telecom Great Wall joint planning office. It is expected that rollout of the technology nationwide will quickly follow successful trial operations. Since a large portion of the 800 MHz cellular frequency spectrum is currently being used in only limited operations, CDMA rollouts, with their high capacity and superior voice quality, will be advantageous in addressing the service needs of a rapidly growing cellular customer base.

China currently has approximately 6.5 million cellular subscribers, a number that has grown by at least 100 percent in each of the past four years. The CDMA trial in Beijing, the capital city and seat of power of China, establishes a leading position in China for Motorola CIG's most advanced digital cellular technology.

As part of the agreement with Beijing Telecom Great Wall, Motorola APCIG will deploy 30 of its SC™ 2450 base stations and an EMX(R) (Electronic Mobile Exchange) 2500E large-capacity switch for the CDMA network.

The project will be completed this year. Upon successful completion of the trial, the Beijing system will be put into full commercial service.

"Beijing Telecom Great Wall should be commended for its pioneering efforts to bring the latest digital service to subscribers throughout this vibrant, capital city," said Richard Sell, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola APCIG. "Residents there will soon realize the many benefits CDMA technology affords, including greatly enhanced voice and call quality. We are proud that we were first to bring TACS (Total Access Communications Systems) technology to Beijing, then GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and now CDMA."

Last year, Motorola CIG announced that it had formed a joint venture to manufacture, distribute and provide service for CDMA infrastructure products within China with what is now called the China Eastern Communications Company Limited (Eastcom). The joint venture, the only one in China's cellular industry, was put into operation in January this year. It represented a new milestone in the developing CDMA relationship between Motorola CIG and its partners in China.

CDMA is a second-generation digital cellular technology which uses radio spectrum, an increasing valuable but limited resource in China, more efficiently. Besides being easily integrated with AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service) or TACS networks in a dual-mode operation, CDMA can increase capacity by eight to ten times that of analog channels and three times that of other digital technologies.

Motorola First To Publicly Demonstrate New Generation Digital Cellular Voice Coder

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 4, 1997 -- Motorola today became the industry's first network equipment provider and handset manufacturer to publicly demonstrate the advantages of the next generation digital voice coder for cellular, Personal Communications Service (PCS), and wireless local loop systems.

Live demonstrations of the enhanced voice and noise suppression qualities of the new 8Kbps Enhanced Variable Rate Coder (EVRC) were among the highlights of Motorola's "Wireless '97" exhibition that opened today.

A voice coder is a speech coding and decoding unit that converts conventional speech into a digital format during voice transmission and back into a non-digital format for reception.

For network operators and subscribers, the new 8Kbps EVRC combines and offers the best attributes of all currently available digital voice coders.

Operator Benefits: The high quality voice reproduction does not sacrifice the capacity of a network nor the coverage area of a cell site. An 8Kbps EVRC system, using the same number of cell sites, provides network operators with greater than 100 percent additional capacity than the 13Kbps voice coders that are deployed in commercial CDMA systems today.

In fact, an 8Kbps EVRC system requires at least 50 percent fewer cell sites than a comparable 13Kbps system to provide similar coverage and in-building penetration.

"The EVRC will enable operators to offer mobile subscribers a landline quality service that was first offered in a mobile environment with the current 13Kbps voice coders, but at a significantly reduced price," said Tony Hennen, senior vice president and general manager of Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group's Product Operations. "The new EVRC also is critical to the long term success of WiLL(R) systems and other fixed wireless local loop systems where landline quality and low cost are required to compete with conventional wired solutions."

Subscriber benefits: The 8Kbps EVRC uses a state-of-the-art background noise suppression algorithm to improve the quality of speech in noisy environments typical of urban streets where there is heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This also is an advantage compared with traditional landline phone systems which do not have equivalent noise suppression capabilities.

DSP Communications to Supply CDMA Chipsets for Siemens

Siemens is gearing up for CDMA and choosing its partners, one of whom was announced today. DSPC will be a key strategic supplier for Siemens, offering the IS-95-based CDMA baseband processor.

Cupertino, CA, Mar. 4, 1997 -- DSP Communications, Inc. and Siemens Wireless Terminals, a division of Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc., today announced that they have signed a worldwide strategic agreement for IS-95 and J-STD-008-based Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) subscriber equipment.

Under the terms of the agreement, DSPC will develop and supply IS-95/J-STD-008 baseband processor chip sets to be implemented in CDMA mobile handsets developed by Siemens.

Siemens' CDMA terminals will include both 800 and 1900 MHz CDMA products to serve cellular and PCS markets. Siemens plans to supply CDMA handsets for Personal Communication Services (PCS) and cellular markets worldwide.

"We are proud to offer the core baseband processor chip set for Siemens' handset which we believe will offer end users the innovation they desire," said Dr. Joseph Perl, Executive Vice President of DSPC. "We believe Siemens will quickly and aggressively stake out its position as a leader in both national and international CDMA handset markets."

DSPC's CDMA chip set provides a compact solution for dual mode CDMA and analog baseband processing as specified by TIS/EIA IS95B, IS-96B, IS-98A, IS-125 and IS-127 standards. In PCS applications, J-STD-008 and J-STD-018 standards will be met as well.

For cellular, PCS, and wireless local loop (WLL) applications, the chip set offer a compact solution for hand-held, mobile units.

"Offering a compact, low power, low cost solution, DSPC's CDMA chip set offers a very competitive solution for Siemens' subscriber units. These must not only optimize performance, but also minimize cost, power, and size," said David Thompson, Senior Director of CDMA Development for Siemens Wireless Terminals. "As a strategic supplier and development partner, we feel DSPC will play an important role in promoting a cost effective, innovative solution."

Chilesat PCS and QUALCOMM Sign Agreement for CDMA Infrastructure and Digital Handsets for $94 million

Chile Joins Growing List of Countries Adopting Advanced CDMA Technology

Santiago, Chile, Mar. 4, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced a signed agreement with Chilesat Telefonia Personal S.A., a subsidiary of Télex-Chile S.A., to supply approximately $94 million of Personal Communication Services (PCS) infrastructure and subscriber equipment and services, based on QUALCOMM's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, and allow QUALCOMM to make an equity investment in Chile.

"Chilean consumers will be able to experience the distinct advantages of QUALCOMM's CDMA technology such as clearer call quality, enhanced security and superior data capability as Chile joins the growing list of Latin American countries to deploy CDMA," said Dr. Irwin M. Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of QUALCOMM. "QUALCOMM is proud to add Chilesat to the growing numbers of companies making a technology choice for the 21st century."

Télex-Chile's Chairman of the Board Juan Eduardo Ibanez also expressed satisfaction with the agreement stating "QUALCOMM is an excellent partner for the Chilesat PCS venture given its cutting edge technology and experience in PCS systems." He added that CDMA technology has been the choice of most PCS service providers in the U.S. market, where CDMA represents over 65 percent of the U.S. PCS market.

Under the terms of the agreement, QUALCOMM will provide Chilesat with its 1900 MHz base stations and base station controllers, radio frequency design, training and network planning services using QUALCOMM's QEDesign network planning software, under a turnkey contract that also includes voicemail and microwave backhaul. The contract also provides for delivery of the QCP-1900 phone.

The system will be deployed to operate with quality that is competitive to wireline despite running through diverse terrain and weather conditions throughout Chile. Completion of the system deployment is expected by mid-1998 and consists of three phases. The first phase entails service deployment in Santiago and Vinã Del Mar, which will provide service coverage to over half the population of Chile.

Chile, a technology leader in the Latin American wireless communications marketplace, recently awarded one of three PCS licenses in 1900 MHz frequency to Chilesat Telefonia Personal, allowing it to quickly deploy a fully digital CDMA nationwide network in Chile.

Nokia confirms its commitment to CDMA; Nokia to use own CDMA chip design for future products

SAN FRANCISCO, March 3, 1997 -- Nokia today announced that is has designed its own CDMA chip set for use in Nokia products scheduled for commercial delivery beginning in the summer of 1997. Nokia will base its first CDMA dual-mode 800 MHz phone on the design of the award winning and internationally popular Nokia 2100 series.

In addition to being the first company to offer a competitive and alternative CDMA design, Nokia's initial CDMA products will support an 8 kbps and 13 kbps vocoder for excellent voice quality. The phones also will fully support IS-95A features such as short messaging and caller line identification.

"This announcement further validates the acceptance of CDMA technology," said Larry Paulson, Vice President, Business Development at Nokia Mobile Phones Inc. "From our perspective, CDMA, TDMA and GSM compliment each other. Nokia's CDMA program is an extension of our leadership in digital technology development."

Globally, Nokia's design teams share in much of the development of technology and products. Economies of scale stemming from Nokia leadership in GSM and TDMA engineering, production and sourcing provide benefits for operators and end customers. Operators will gain fast and innovative network solutions from Nokia's experience gained in CDMA technology development. Additionally, Nokia's award-winning user interface and large display make the phone and digital services easy to use. Nokia's common digital accessory platform will mean a full range of car, power and desktop accessories available for the product when it is brought to market.

Nokia's commitment to CDMA began in 1991 with the establishment of a dedicated CDMA research center in San Diego. Since then, Nokia has been an active member of the CDMA Development Group (CDG) and has played a key role in standards development by solving industry problems and providing essential algorithms for CDMA*s enhanced variable rate codec (EVRC). Additionally, Nokia participates in many of the CDG development and standardization groups for data and future CDMA standards such as wideband digital systems (FPLMTS).

Finland-based Nokia is a global telecommunications company with 1996 net sales of $8.5 billion. Nokia is Europe's largest manufacturer of mobile telephones, a pioneer in digital switching and wireless communications, and a significant supplier of advanced access systems, including home terminals. Nokia shares are traded in the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NOKA. The shares are also traded in Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Paris and Frankfurt.

Nokia is the title sponsor of the Nokia Sugar Bowl college football classic held annually in New Orleans.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Megan Matthews
Manager, Communications, Nokia Mobile Phones
Tel. + 1 214 257 9267

http://www.nokia.com

---------------------------------

Additional information

CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access

FPLMTS -- Future Public Land Mobile Telecommunication System

QUALCOMM Demonstrates Breadth of CDNU Wireless Internet Connectivity at CTIA's Wireless '97 Exhibit and Conference

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced that the Company's broad range of CDN4-A based Wireless Internet Connectivity solutions will be demonstrated at the CTIA's Wireless '97 exhibit and convention today through March 5th, Utilizing QUALCOMM's commercially available infrastructure and subscriber equipment, as well as standard over the air and Internet protocols, several implementations will be shown, from Internet information access via QUALCOMM phones and Unwired Planet's UP.LINK browser, to complete Internet connectivity on laptop computers and handheld PCs such as LG Electronics Model LH-I00E and Hewlett Packard's HP 32OLX.

"Just as QUALCOMM spearheaded the drive which resulted in the acceptance of CDMA as the superior wireless technology for voice services, we are now extending the benefits of CDMA to include providing one-button wireless access to the Internet," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, president of QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "While voice services continue to drive system rollouts and coverage, QUALCOMM is including data services across its product line to enhance the value of the voice telephone to end users and open the door to new carrier revenue opportunities."

QUALCOMM's demonstrations include several implementations of the CDMA packet data standard, IS-657. Packet data is of special interest to system operators as data 'packets' use radio and system resources only when sending and receiving information. This can be contrasted to standard cellular or landline 'circuit switched' connections which tie up a circuit for the entire data session. The result is that packet data services are much more efficient and cost effective. Three of the implementations shown are:

"Every QUALCOMM Phone a Smart Phone": Each CDMA phone manufactured by QUALCOMM can directly connect to Internet based information, without the need for extra modem hardware. QUALCOMM has partnered with Unwired Planet, and is using its innovative web browser to combine the power of QUALCOMM's CDMA phones with the wide range of information available on the Web. Several applications are being demonstrated, including stock quotes, weather reports, sports scores, movie listings, and even setting up restaurant reservations for show attendees.

"CDMA Wireless Hand-held PC Connectivity": Connectivity is being shown with Microsoft Windows CE based handheld PC's, providing lightweight and inexpensive wireless solutions for mobile professionals.

"CDMA Wireless Mobile Connectivity": QUALCOMM phones are being shown connected to laptop computers demonstrating on-line Internet connectivity. Without the need for an external modem, and using just a cable from a QUALCOMM CDMA phone to a laptop, applications such as Netscape Navigator and America Online are being demonstrated.

"The HP 32OLX palmtop PC with QUALCOMM's wireless CDMA Internet access will give HP customers the power to stay on top of their vital business even when they are away from the office," said Khen Joo Khaw, general manager of Hewlett-Packard's Asia-Pacific PC Division. "The full-width display and communications features on the HP 300 series palmtop PCs make them and ultimate tools keep a mobile workforce organized and in touch."

"We believe CDMA will offer customers high performance wireless data services to compliment the already successful international voice launches," said Peter Suh, chief technology officer of LG Electronics. "QUALCOMM phones connected to our LG Electronics Model LH-100E handheld PC demonstrates just how easy it will be for CDMA customers to connect to the Internet."

The end-to-end solution being demonstrated at the show utilizes a QUALCOMM Intelligent Base Station Controller (IBSC), a QUALCOMM 1900MHz Base Station Transceiver Sub-system (BTS), a standard network router, as well as the IS-95 air interface and IS-657 CDMA packet data standards. Industry-standard Internet and communications protocols are also being used (TCP/IP). No modems are needed and simple software upgrades allow CDMA cell site equipment to support this feature. Additionally, data traffic is carried from CDMA cell sites to the switching center via the same backhaul used for voice traffic. Data rates are either 9600 or 14400 bps are currently offered.

"QUALCOMM is excited to be the first wireless infrastructure provider to offer products that support packet data, a feature utilized primarily for Internet connectivity," said Tom Bernard, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Products Division. "By providing higher data rates than competing technologies, along with the robust and private CDMA airlink, packet data has been easily integrated into our network systems with a simple software upgrade. A standard network router can also be included in the IBSC to offer operators this new, revenue generating feature in CDMA networks worldwide."

QUALCOMM Unveils the New QCT-6200 Fixed Wireless Terminal

QCT-6200 Delivers Landline Voice Quality from a Wireless Solution for Companies Seeking to Quickly and Inexpensively Replace or Augment Land-Line Service

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the introduction of its second generation of advanced fixed wireless communications products. The Company unveiled the 1900 MHz QCT-620O, the first in a new series of single line Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) fixed wireless terminals. The QCT-6200 takes advantage of QUALCOMM's advanced CDMA digital technology, delivering crystal-clear call clarity, proven reliability and enhanced privacy. Manufactured by QUALCOMM, the new QCT-6200 CDMA digital terminal will become available in the second quarter of 1997.

"QUALCOMM's entire series of CDMA digital fixed wireless solutions, including the QCT-6200, offers new revenue opportunities for CDMA wireless systems operators world-wide," said Gina Lombardi, vice president of product development and product management for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "Our fixed wireless phones enable CDMA mobile network operators to target new PCS opportunities for incremental subscribers, such as second line service, construction sites, RV's, boats, and vacation homes."

The attractively styled QCT-6200 weighs 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilos) and has been designed for reliable operations in a broad range of environmental conditions. The rugged QCT-6200 can also deliver temporary communications during emergencies or special events requiring temporary additional service. An optional battery back-up will keep connected telephones operating in the event of a power failure.

The CDMA wireless QCT-6200 offers two built-in RJ- 11 jacks for connection to phones, answering machines, modems, and faxes, with the ability to support up to five ringer equivalent numbers. QUALCOMM's entire line of fixed wireless CDMA digital phones support wireless access to voice and data services with superior voice quality and can be equipped with a serial port for direct connection to computers, digital fax machines and packet data network services. The QCT-6200 supports both 13kbps and 8kbps vocoders to deliver exceptionally clear wireless communications. The QCT-6200 supports custom calling features such as caller ID, call forwarding, call waiting, 3-way calling and automatic call-back.

QUALCOMM Announces New Low-Power CDMA Base Station Chipset

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced a CDMA infrastructure chipset which includes a new, low power Cell Site Modem (CSM) and the Frame Interface and Router Module (FIRM) for base station communications. These two devices together with a microprocessor encompass the main baseband elements of a CDMA Cellular or PCS base station. CDMA infrastructure and test equipment manufacturers using the CSM and FIRM will realize significant power and cost reduction with these new highly integrated devices.

"With this new chipset, we are addressing the increasing market demand for optimized CDMA Base Station and Test Equipment solutions. A very compact and scaleable architecture can be achieved using CSM and FIRM," said Johan Lodenius, Director of Marketing of QUALCOMM's ASIC Business Unit.

The new CSM 1.5 (Q5165) is a CDMA digital baseband modem which incorporates the CDMA Modulator, CDMA Demodulator, and Serial Viterbi Decoder to provide reduced cost and improved functionality in the base station. The CSM 1.5 requires a single power supply operating between 2.7 and 3.6 volts, and consumes 40 percent less power than QUALCOMM's first generation CSM ASIC (CSM1.0). The CSM1.5 comes in a 100-pin TQFP package making its footprint only two thirds the size of the CSM 1.0, and its height only half the height of the CSM 1.0. The CSM 1.5 has a flexible microprocessor interface which makes it compatible with any base station design regardless of CPU preference. Also, the CSM 1.5 is completely software compatible with the CSM 1.0

The FIRM ASIC (Q5182) plays an important role in the Base Station Communication Network. It processes, buffers and routes packets containing digital voice data. This processing enables the various subsystems in a CDMA Cellular Land Network to communicate with each other. The FIRM ASIC represents a significant cost reduction to infrastructure manufacturers combining the functions of several separate HDLC controllers, FIFOs and other peripherals chips into one device. For control, the device has an asynchronous inter-face that enables a microcontroller to directly, access it's registers. The FIRM allows hardware designers to reduce the size of their printed circuit boards, reduce the number of traces on the boards, lower the power dissipation and simplify their software.

"QUALCOMM is committed to provide high quality integrated circuits for CDMA applications. enabling infrastructure and test equipment suppliers to continually increase the functionality and decrease the cost of their products," said Donald Schrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager of QUALCOMM's ASIC Business Unit.

Engineering samples and production quantities are currently available from QUALCOMM for both the CSM and FIRM devices.

QUALCOMM Unveils the 'Q" Phone: An Extraordinary New Palm-Sized CDMA Digital PCS Phone

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today unveiled the first palm-sized phone to offer the extraordinary benefits of its Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital technology, including exceptional voice quality and enhanced security.

"For the first time in the history of wireless communications, consumers will have more than just the beauty and convenience a palm-sized phone offers. QUALCOMM's 'Q" phone offers the exceptional performance that only our CDMA digital technology can deliver and supports instant wireless access to Internet information at the touch of a button," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, president of QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "The introduction of the new CDMA digital PCS 'Q' phone provides another example of QUALCOMM's leadership in the innovative design and manufacture of the most advanced CDMA digital solutions available today."

The new Personal Communications Services (PCS) 1900 MHz "Q" phone is the smallest and lightest CDMA phone in existence, weighing in at approximately 5 ounces (147 grams). Designed with frequent wireless users in mind, the "Q" phone offers the convenience of a small phone plus delivers the advanced performance of a complete wireless information appliance. The new "Q" supports instant wireless access to information previously available only from computing devices, including meeting schedules, airline reservations, stock quotes, weather reports, movie listings and sports scores. The "Q" phone is expected to become commercially available during summer of 1997.

"In designing the smallest CDMA digital phone in existence, QUALCOMM endeavored to develop an uncompromising solution for professionals on-the-go that would deliver all of the features and benefits that best serve their lifestyles," said Gina Lombardi, vice president of product development and product management for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "The new 'Q' PCS phone offers an extraordinary array of features and benefits tailored to the needs of these demanding consumers, and provides these benefits through an exquisitely designed package."

The "Q" phone is the first CDMA digital phone to offer users a choice of call alerts, including a new vibration mode, allowing users to be silently notified of a call or page, and a variety of programmable fingers. For greater flexibility in call answering, the "Q" phone offers users a choice to best suit their tastes. Users can select automatic call answer which enables users to answer a call by simply opening the phone, or for those who prefer caller ID, users may choose to have the phone display the call upon opening and answer the call with a single touch. In addition the QUALCOMM phone offers a convenient ear-jack and optional headset for hands-free calling.

Like QUALCOMM's entire series of CDMA digital portable phones, the "Q" phone features one of the largest liquid crystal displays (LCD) available, including a four-line by 12 character display area plus a line of icons indicating signal strength, battery status, transmission mode, roaming status and other functions. The large display is ideal for enhanced calling features that the phones support such as incoming caller ID, short messaging service and voice mail alert.

The "Q" phone will also be upgradeable to accommodate future wireless data and Internet information access options. The "Q" phone complements QUALCOMM's entire family of advanced CDMA digital phones, including the QCP series of cellular and PCS portable phones and the QCT series of cellular and PCS fixed wireless phones. The hallmarks of every QUALCOMM CDMA digital phone include crystal clear voice quality, enhanced privacy, fewer dropped calls, and longer talk and stand-by times.

BC TEL Mobility Selects QUALCOMM's QEDesign Network Planning Software for Its Cellular Network

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated has signed a contract with BC TEL Mobility of Vancouver to provide its QEDesign Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network planning software.

"QUALCOMM is pleased to add BC TEL Mobility to our growing list of QEDesign network planning customers," said Mark Kelley, director of QUALCOMM's Network Planning. "QEDesign offers a cost-effective and complete solution to the challenges of planning a digital network. We look forward to continuing our ongoing working relationship with BC TEL Mobility to assist them in planning and optimizing their state-of-the-art CDMA network."

BC TEL Mobility used QEDesign software to develop its CDMA network which will provide its customers with the next generation of digital cellular services. BC TEL Mobility, one of Canada's largest providers of wireless telecommunications services, has been testing QEDesign software over the past year and awarded QUALCOMM the contract because of its progressive features and ease of use.

"We chose QUALCOMM's QEDesign software because it best suits our needs from both a design and post-installation point of view," said Ferdi Schell, Vice President of Operations and Engineering for BC TEL Mobility. "We have been using QEDesign in the deployment of our CDMA network. QEDesign allows our network planners to accurately design and plan a complete CDMA network."

QUALCOMM developed the UNIX-based software in two years after incorporating the results of numerous CDMA pilot system deployments tested since 1990. Introduced last year, QEDesign network planning software features a combination of high-speed graphics and flexible system editing, as well as QUALCOMM's QCPlan CDMA analysis module. The QEDesign software also has a novel feature which enables network planners to make use of satellite imagery, as well as traditional terrain and land use data.

QEDesign software is available now for UNIX workstations from Sun Microsystems, Silicon Graphics and Hewlett-Packard. Annual software lease fees, or outright purchase fees are priced competitively and are negotiated based on options, quantities, length of contract, among other conditions. QUALCOMM can also design networks to meet exact customer requirements using customized terrain, clutter and demographic databases.

QUALCOMM Announces the QCTest Mobile Diagnostic Monitor

New Software Package Now Available

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced a new software package of the QCTest Mobile Diagnostic Monitor (MDM). The QCTest MDM, designed to analyze over-the-air Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular and Personal Communications Service (PCS) performance, allows field representatives to measure network performance in real-time. Performance measures are provided for mobile-based CDMA RF performance for IS-95A (CDMA cellular) and J-STD-008 (CDMA PCS) standards.

"Our new QCTest MDM software package provides greater flexibility to our customers for CDMA network analysis," said Gina Lombardi, vice president of product development and product management for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "QUALCOMM has helped set up thousands of cell sites in over 20 countries around the world, Our inherent expertise in developing and delivering superior CDMA digital products and service ensures our customers will receive the finest tools available to provide uncompromising CDMA digital services."

Like QUALCOMM's entire series of support tools, the QCTest MDM software offers proven test capabilities and reliable over-the-air analysis for QUALCOMM's CDMA phones. Operators of the software can display subscriber station information and manipulate QUALCOMM subscriber station data and functions. With over 15 user-selectable screens, the QCTest MDM software meets the critical needs of field teams by providing real-time pilot information, transmit and receive powers, vocoder rates, system statistics, system status, messaging and alarms.

Over-the-air system performance can be correlated with time, speed and position/location utilizing the QCTest MDM software's serial GPS/DR interface. Additionally, the QCTest MDM logs mobile-based binary data that can be post-processed using QUALCOMM's QCTest Data Analysis System (DAS) for message parsing, graphical displays and outputs in industry accepted formats.

QUALCOMM Announces the New QCP Series of CDMA Digital Phones - Including the First CDMA PCS/Analog Dual-Band Phone

Ergonomically designed models added to QUALCOMM's leading family of CDMA digital phones

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the addition of three new Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital handsets to it's QCP series of portable phones. The new additions include the QCP-2700, the first CDMA 1900 MHz PCS/800MHz analog dual-band phone, the QCP-820 CDMA 800 MHz digital/analog dual-mode phone and the QCP-1920 CDMA 1900 MHz PCS phone. The new series of handsets will become available in the summer of 1997.

"The introduction of the new QCP series of phones reflects QUALCOMM's commitment to provide carriers with a breadth of choice for their customers," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, president of QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "The enhanced performance of our CDMA digital phones is raising consumer expectations for wireless products. The new QUALCOMM QCP series of high performance CDMA digital phones provide consumers greater comfort and ease of use. Now consumers will be able to choose the phone that best suits their lifestyle without compromising any of the benefits that CDMA has to offer."

The sleek new CDMA digital phones weigh in at less than 7.5 ounces, and offer a host of new features. All new QUALCOMM QCP models come equipped with a unique dial shuttle, allowing users to quickly and easily operate the phone with a single touch. A new user interface provides simple, rapid access to a host of phone features. The new series of phones offers an ergonomically designed earpiece - providing users optimal comfort and exceptional sound reception, even during extended conversations. The phones also include intelligent internal charging controls and three cosmetic battery options, a slim NiMH battery, a standard NiCad battery and an extended Lithium Ion battery providing up to five hours of talk time.

The QCP-2700 is QUALCOMM's first dual-band, dual-mode phone offering expanded coverage for today's PCS only subscribers. The new phone will provide carriers an opportunity to capture customers seeking the inherent benefits of CDMA digital PCS performance and the ability to roam outside their PCS coverage areas.

QUALCOMM's entire series of QCP CDMA digital phones features the industry's largest liquid crystal display (LCD), including a four-line by 12 character display area plus a fine Of icons that indicate signal strength, battery status, roaming status and other functions. The large display is ideal for enhanced calling features the phones support such as incoming caller ID, short messaging service and voice mail alert. The hallmarks of every QUALCOMM CDMA digital phone include exceptionally clear voice quality, reduced background noise, enhanced privacy, fewer dropped calls, and longer talk and stand-by times.

QUALCOMM Introduces New Base Station for More Flexible Wireless Communications

New, multi-carrier BTS offers higher capacity in a compact, modular design

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM, Incorporated today announced the introduction of its new CDMA Base Station Transceiver Subsystem (BTS) design that supports multiple carriers while offering higher capacity. Designed for operators who provide wireless service to high capacity markets, this product is capable of providing wireless service using up to two 1.25 MHz carriers.

"This new BTS offers telecommunications carriers the ability to support more than one CDMA carrier on the same equipment footprint," said Tom Bernard, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Products Division. "Our newly-expanded line of versatile BTS products allow service providers to implement QUALCOMM's advanced CDMA technology in rapidly expanding wireless markets more efficiently and more cost-effectively than ever before," Bernard said.

This newest BTS product from QUALCOMM supports 6 sectors with one carrier or 3 sectors with 2 carriers. Whether the operator is deploying a new CDMA system or overlaying an existing CDMA or analog network, QUALCOMM's BTS products provide optimal solutions for a variety of markets.

"This new multi-carrier BTS is a valuable addition to our existing line of flexible base station products," said Chris Simpson, senior vice president in QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Products Division. "We are excited to bring our customers another product that responds to their requirements. The new BTS assists operators by offering higher capacity as they add new subscribers to their networks."

QUALCOMM's BTS architecture is modular, giving operators the ability to add capacity as their system grows. Supporting a variety of indoor and outdoor applications, these BTSs can be co-located with existing telecommunications equipment, allowing CDMA overlays to be deployed without costly or risky change-outs of the existing wireless infrastructure.

QUALCOMM Introduces QEDesign Release 1.3 For CDMA and AMPS Network Planning and Simulation

Premier CDMA Network Planning Solution Commercialized

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated a leader in wireless communications solutions, today announced the immediate commercial availability of QEDesign Release 1.3, the industry's premier planning and simulation software solution for CDMA and AMPS networks.

"QUALCOMM realizes that accurate network planning is a crucial first step for the successful deployment of CDMA systems as well as for system expansion and enhancement, QEDesign offers CDMA operators an exceptional software solution written specifically for CDMA network planning," said Tom Bernard, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Products Division. "With QEDesign's commercial release 1.3, QUALCOMM now offers an improved, user-friendly planning software, to round out our complete design and deployment products and services."

QEDesign provides comprehensive planning, analysis and simulation features and functions for CDMA network planners, including: interactive path loss analysis (path loss cursor); handoff simulation; wide range of data import and conversion capabilities; CDMA-specific coverage analysis; microcell modeling and analysis; neighbor list management; PN offset planning; visual antenna editor; field measurement integration and RF model refinement; and WYSIWYG plot outputs.

A simple, easy-to-use graphical user interface increases a network planner's productivity through extensive use of direct on-screen manipulation such as drag-and-drop and point-and-click functions, interactive analysis features including line-of-sight, path-loss and spider cursor, complete online documentation and support for visual data set overlays. Also provided as new options are: complete AMPS modeling and analysis in support of cellular network migration from AMPS to CDMA; and a minicell modeling function, licensed from Multiple Access Technologies Ltd. (Release 1.3.1).

"As the developer of CDMA technology, QEDesign focuses on CDMA network planning and design, leveraging QUALCOMM's broad knowledge and experience with the technology, and its successful deployment," said Mark Kelley, director, QUALCOMM's Network Planning.

QEDesign can be used to analyze and predict the performance of CDMA systems by providing software solutions that include RF propagation prediction, custom loss and demand, coverage and capacity based on non-uniform system loading and prediction of CDMA hand-off zones.

QEDesign offers a variety of key technical support features including analysis of CDMA optimization, load, reverse and forward links and high speed propagation. QEDesign also provides the highest resolution and versatility of graphical outputs, as well as frequency reuse efficiency and independent analysis of vendor equipment.

In addition to the software and its extensive functionality, QUALCOMM offers a full set of complimentary pre- and post-installation services, ranging from network planning consulting to system configuration and installation, plus full help desk and customer care services.

QUALCOMM Announces Next Generation Mobile Station Modem

Provides Enhanced CDMA Functionality and Lower Power Consumption

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the MSM2300, a next generation Mobile Station Modem (MSM) CDMA On A Chip baseband processing solution, providing enhanced CDMA functionality, reduced power consumption, additional flexibility and lower system costs.

The MSNU300 includes proprietary CDMA building blocks and several microprocessor and DSP cores integrated onto a single chip. Target applications are subscriber units for multi-mode cellular, PCS and Wireless Local Loop (WLL) systems. The MSM2300 interfaces directly to QUALCOMM's Baseband Analog Processor (BBA) chip which bridges the RF and digital baseband portions of a CDMA phone. Together, the MSM2300, BBA and RF front end make up all the system hardware necessary for an entire IS-95A CDMA compliant subscriber unit.

"The current generation of QUALCOMM MSM is the first true single-chip wireless modem to reach multi-million production quantities. We have leveraged the expertise derived from this with solid CDMA know-how and the experience of supporting several large volume customers into creating the new MSM2300," said Johan Lodenius, Director of Marketing for QUALCOMM's ASIC Business Unit.

The searcher in the MSM2300 is eight times faster than in previous generations of MSM, resulting in shorter acquisition times during power-up and hand-off. The new searcher also significantly reduces microprocessor overhead by using an advanced pre-processing engine greatly off-loading the microprocessor and lowering power consumption. In addition, the MSM2300 searcher reports the position of multipath peaks with a higher resolution.

Furthermore, the new MSM design has a fourth demodulating finger which improves reception quality in environments with high multipath such as downtown areas with many tall buildings, mountainous areas or the inside of a building. The Viterbi decoder has also been enhanced for higher forward link capacity.

The MSM2300 will support 8k and 13k QCELP and EVRC vocoders. Initially 8k and 13k QCELP will be included, followed by EVRC later in 1997.

The MSM2300 is expected to show up to 75 percent reduction of power consumption in sleep mode and a 25 percent reduction in CDMA transmit and receive mode over current modems. Improvements in power consumption are enabled by a more efficient physical and circuit design including enhanced clock management circuitry, allowing precise control over individual functions. Handset manufacturers will experience a significant increase in stand-by time of the phone as a result of the power savings. The die-size reduction will also allow QUALCOMM to offer MSM2300 at a reduced price.

To facilitate an easy migration path, the MSM2300 has exactly the same pinout as the MSM2.2 making it a drop-in replacement on a printed circuit board. It can also run MSM2.2 software with minimal code changes. Engineering samples will be available in summer 1997, with production quantities following in Q4 1997. The MSM2300 will be available from several world-class foundries to ensure security of supply.

"The introduction of MSM2300 underscores our mission to create a family of cost-effective high performance semiconductor products for CDMA applications worldwide. Now that CDMA technology has proven itself and become a worldwide success story, we are aggressively moving ahead to provide even more optimized and fine-tuned ASIC solutions. We are committed to continue meeting our customers needs and support the high-volume demands required for mass market deployment," said Donald Schrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager of QUALCOMM's ASIC Business Unit.

Motorola Joins Forces With Airtouch To Provide Circuit Switched Data Services Over CDMA

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. and SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Mar. 3, 1997 -- Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) today announced that AirTouch Cellular is scheduled to be the first cellular operator to host a trial installation of Motorola's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) circuit switched data technology. The trial is scheduled to begin in the second half of 1997 in one of the AirTouch markets offering Powerband digital service based on CDMA technology.

The CDMA circuit switched data service from Motorola CIG uses an InterWorking Unit (IWU) which provides the hardware and software needed to manage data transactions on CDMA cellular networks. This advanced circuit switched data service will enable CDMA subscribers to communicate without wire to a landline modem or fax machine -- without the use of an external modem card. Using only a CDMA handset and a cable which connects the handset to the RS-232 connection of a computer, a subscriber will be able to send and receive data and faxes at data rates up to 14.4Kbps.

"This approach will make it faster, more reliable and more convenient for our Powerband customers to send data," said Gloria Everett, vice president Network Engineering and Operations, AirTouch Cellular. "We're eager to conduct a successful trial so we can begin bringing these services to market."

"Motorola applauds AirTouch for adding this cutting-edge service to its CDMA portfolio," said Jack Finlayson, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola CIG's Pan American Wireless Infrastructure Division. "The introduction of advanced digital data capabilities equips subscribers with services that will permit communication while on the go."

Because CDMA digital cellular technology is optimized for data transfer, subscribers of CDMA digital cellular networks will be able to enjoy the highest quality of fax services and asynchronous data transmissions. The CDMA circuit switched data service from Motorola CIG will provide cellular operators with the opportunity to broaden their services portfolios and increase airtime usage while giving subscribers access to critical information from almost anywhere.

QUALCOMM Announces New QCTest ONIST™ for Testing CDMA System Voice Quality

San Francisco, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the immediate availability of the QCTest Objective Non-Invasive System Tester (ONIST™) CDMA voice quality analyzer which performs objective and comprehensive analysis of CDMA cellular for PCS voice quality in deployed systems.

"Accurate, real-time measurement of voice quality is one of the most critical factors in the optimization of high-performance CDMA systems, both during and after installation," said Tom Bernard, president of QUALCOMM's Wireless Infrastructure Products division. "We responded to the industry's need for rapid, reliable testing of these systems, by offering ONIST™, which provides real-time, network performance for any CDMA base station compliant with IS-95 or J-STD-008."

QUALCOMM developed QCTest ONIST™ to objectively analyze voice quality of operational CDMA systems. ONIST™ generates comprehensive engineering-level results which are highly correlated to customers' voice quality perceptions. It is also able evaluate voice quality on systems providing both 8 kbps and 13 kbps service, while measuring a wide variety of performance metrics.

"In any CDMA network, objectively measuring voice quality has always been a challenge in the field," said Robert Sanchez, director of QUALCOMM's CDMA Ancillary Products Division. "QUALCOMM has solved this problem with the creation of ONIST™, which provides any CDMA engineer or network operator with the tools needed to objectively determine the v voice quality of his or her operational network on a day-to-day or even hour-to-hour basis."

QCTest ONIST™ is one of the many products in the QCTest line ancillary products offered by QUALCOMM for the evaluation of CDMA systems. In addition to ONIST™, QUALCOMM has an extensive line of products specifically designed and developed for CDMA IS-95 or J-STD-008 over-the-air testing and analysis. The QCTest products now available include the Mobile Diagnostic Monitor (MDM), Data Analysis System (DAS), Call Traffic Generator (CTG), Base Station Load Tester (BLT), CDMA QCTest Vehicles, and software tools such as MPAR (message parsing software), Analyze (neighbor list management and channel statistics software), and FDAS (software only version of the DAS for the field).

QUALCOMM Announces the QCM Series of CDMA Digital Phone Modules

New CDMA Digital Phone Modules Deliver Proven Performance From the Pioneers of CDMA Digital Technology

San Francisco, Mar. 3, 1997 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated today announced the new QUALCOMM QCM series of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital phone modules. The new series includes the QCM-800, and 800 MHz dual mode CDMA digital/analog module and the QCM-1900, a 1900 MHz CDMA digital Personal Communications Service (PCS) module. The QCM series of CDMA modules, now available, will assist new manufacturers in dramatically reducing their product development and test cycles by providing an all-in-one production-ready solution.

"The introduction of the new QCM series of CDMA digital products is evidence of QUALCOMM's commitment to further the development of CDMA solutions world wide," said Gina Lombardi, vice president of product development and product management for QUALCOMM's Subscriber Products Division. "Through our QCM modules, QUALCOMM is able to transfer its proven technological, design and manufacturing expertise and deliver proven solutions that will help others to quickly and inexpensively bring their own CDMA digital products to market."

The QCM phone modules deliver all of the benefits of QUALCOMM's CDMA digital technology, including superior voice quality, greater security, fewer dropped calls and greatly reduced interference and background noise. The modules provide a fast, affordable platform for the development of CDMA digital products and include standard interfaces for easy implementation. The QCM series will follow QUALCOMM's product innovations in future generations and will support both voice and data applications. The form factor of the modules are extremely compact, approximately the size of a Type III PCMCIA card. The QCM-800 module is compliant with the IS-95A standard and the QCM 1900 is compliant with the ANSI J-Std-008 standard.

Motorola (NYSE:MOT) Unit Unveils New Cell Phone

Schaumburg, Ill., Mar. 3, 1997 -- Motorola Inc said Monday its Cellular Subscriber Sector announced the availability of the new MicroTAC SC-725 cellular telephone, the latest in its line of 800 MHz telephones.

The new phone provides operation for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) and Narrow-band Advanced Mobile Phone Service (NAMPS) modes and includes a 13Kbps voice coder, Motorola said.

QUALCOMM (NASDAQ:QCOM), Sony Unveil Dual-Mode PCS Phones

San Francisco, Mar. 3, 1997 -- Vowing to see widespread deployment of their digital cell phones in 1997, QUALCOMM Inc. and Sony's U.S. Wireless Telecom unit unveiled Monday a new generation of digital handsets that answer the call.

QUALCOMM and Sony are involved in a joint venture ­ QUALCOMM Personal Electronics ­ to build and market the phones. QUALCOMM owns 51 percent and Sony the remaining 49 percent.

The new products are designed to handle calls over the newer, second generation of mobile phone networks known as Personal Communications Services (PCS), in contrast to the new widespread cellular networks based on older analog technology.

In a bid to accelerate the transition to the new PCS-type networks, QUALCOMM and Sony said some of the new models offer dual-mode capabilities allowing callers to use the phones on both new digital PCS and older analog cellular networks.

The last six months have seen the rapid introduction of PCS networks, that when fully built out will cover vast swaths of the United States where 110 million people live. For now, regional coverage remains a patchwork of old and new.

Using dual-mode phones, a caller can travel seamlessly from a region with a PCS network to one using the older analog technology without losing the connection, the companies said.

In separate statements, both Sony and QUALCOMM announced new dual-mode phones. QUALCOMM also said the new line-up includes a five-ounce "palm-sized" model that is the lightest digital cellular phone available.

Yutaka Sato, president of Sony's U.S. Wireless Telecoms unit, said that, "In 1997 we'll see full-scale deployment of CDMA on a nationwide basis."

"Our 'Digital Dream' lineup will play a key role in supporting market expansion by delivering enhanced network features like caller ID, short messaging, voice mail alert, and over-the-air activation," Sato said.

Digital Dream is Sony's brand for the digital handsets.

The phones use QUALCOMM's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, which expands the call capacity of cellular networks and improves voice quality, according to its backers.

While manufactured collaboratively at the joint venture's factory in Sand Diego, the handsets are sold separately by each company.

The new phones are expected to be commercially available to both U.S. and overseas carriers this summer. A Sony official said the phones would range in price from $199 to $299 at retail stores in the United States.

"Our third generation of handsets are not only shorter and lighter but come in a variety of cosmetic designs and battery configurations," said Stephen Burke, a Sony Wireless vice president.

QUALCOMM contributes enhanced radio spectrum and power control technology and Sony provides battery systems to the venture. The batteries offer up to five hours of talk time and 48 hours of standby readiness before needing to be recharged.

QUALCOMM's palmtop "Q" phone is designed to be a complete wireless information appliance offering wireless access to information previously available only from computing devices, including meeting schedules, airline reservations, stock quotes, weather reports, movie listings and sports scores.

Sony's new models include a pure digital PCS phone operating at the PCS standard of 1.9 gigahertz and two dual mode phones, with one that functions at 800 megahertz and another that operates at both 1.9 gigahertz and 800 megahertz.

The new phones incorporate Sony's "jog dial" function that gives users easy access to a variety of caller-defined programming features like volume controls and memory recall and security features.

Nokia confirms its commitment to CDMA

Nokia to use own CDMA chip design for future products

San Francisco, Mar. 3, 1997 -- Nokia today announced that is has designed its own CDMA chip set for use in Nokia products scheduled for commercial delivery beginning in the summer of 1997. Nokia will base its first CDMA dual-mode 800 MHz phone on the design of the award winning and internationally popular Nokia 2100 series.

In addition to being the first company to offer a competitive and alternative CDMA design, Nokia's initial CDMA products will support an 8 kbps and 13 kbps vocoder for excellent voice quality. The phones also will fully support IS-95A features such as short messaging and caller line identification.

"This announcement further validates the acceptance of CDMA technology," said Larry Paulson, Vice President, Business Development at Nokia Mobile Phones Inc. "From our perspective, CDMA, TDMA and GSM compliment each other. Nokia's CDMA program is an extension of our leadership in digital technology development."

Globally, Nokia's design teams share in much of the development of technology and products. Economies of scale stemming from Nokia leadership in GSM and TDMA engineering, production and sourcing provide benefits for operators and end customers. Operators will gain fast and innovative network solutions from Nokia's experience gained in CDMA technology development. Additionally, Nokia's award-winning user interface and large display make the phone and digital services easy to use. Nokia's common digital accessory platform will mean a full range of car, power and desktop accessories available for the product when it is brought to market.

Nokia's commitment to CDMA began in 1991 with the establishment of a dedicated CDMA research center in San Diego. Since then, Nokia has been an active member of the CDMA Development Group (CDG) and has played a key role in standards development by solving industry problems and providing essential algorithms for CDMA*s enhanced variable rate codec (EVRC). Additionally, Nokia participates in many of the CDG development and standardization groups for data and future CDMA standards such as wideband digital systems (FPLMTS).

Finland-based Nokia is a global telecommunications company with 1996 net sales of $8.5 billion. Nokia is Europe's largest manufacturer of mobile telephones, a pioneer in digital switching and wireless communications, and a significant supplier of advanced access systems, including home terminals. Nokia shares are traded in the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NOKA. The shares are also traded in Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Paris and Frankfurt.

Nokia is the title sponsor of the Nokia Sugar Bowl college football classic held annually in New Orleans.