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UbiNetics and Hitachi Partner to Develop 3G Chip-Sets
September 23, 2002
UbiNetics has signed a global development and licensing agreement
with Hitachi to help it develop a 3G/GSM radio frequency chip (RFIC).
UbiNetics, a supplier of 3G technology and testing solutions, will
jointly develop and license the system level design of the RFIC
to Hitachi. In turn, Hitachi will sell the new chips to its customers,
which include the leading handset manufacturers.
The multi-mode solution incorporates GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS technology,
so it is highly cost-effective for manufacturers.
This deal is the first of its kind to be signed by UbiNetics. It
underlines the company's status as an independent supplier and developer
of 3G products and Intellectual Property (IP).
"The 3G market represents an enormous growth opportunity for Hitachi.
However, given the complexity of the technology, we needed to work
with a specialist to develop the best possible solutions for our
customers," said Kunio Kobayashi, general manager of the Radio Frequency
Device Division, Hitachi.
"While there have been some much-publicized delays in 3G deployments,
most operators are well on the way to completing their network build-outs.
It is not a case of if 3G will arrive - it is here already. This
is why leading device manufacturers are making significant investments
now to meet consumer demand when the first networks go live," said
Björn Krylander, CEO of UbiNetics.
"Hitachi will undoubtedly be one of the leading suppliers of chip-set
solutions to this burgeoning industry. Therefore, its decision to
partner with UbiNetics and develop 3G chip-set solutions is not
only great news for us, but also a very positive sign for the industry
as a whole," added Krylander.
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