Samsung Electronics and IBM ink patent cross-license deal
Samsung Electronics and IBM have announced a patent cross-license agreement, under which the companies will license their respective patent portfolios to each other.
Over the past several decades, IBM and Samsung have built strong patent portfolios covering a wide range of technologies including semiconductors, telecommunications, visual and mobile communications, software and technology-based services. The companies said the cooperation fostered by cross-licensing reinforces their ability to provide better products and services while maintaining their competitiveness.
According to Dr. Seungho Ahn, Executive Vice President and Head of the IP Center, Samsung Electronics, this licensing agreement will help both companies expedite innovation and achieve business growth by providing each company access to the other’s patents for basic technologies. The company also hopes that the agreement will open new opportunities for wider collaboration between two of the leading innovators in the technology industry.
As per Ken King, Vice President, Patents, Software & Services IP Licensing for IBM, patents and innovation are a critical component of IBM’s high-value business strategy. In addition to protecting the huge investment we make in R&D, patents also allow them to establish cross-licenses, which provide IBM and partners like Samsung significant freedom of action, which is essential in the competitive global business environment.
Specific terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed.
SK Telecom Picks Top Partners to Build 4G LTE Network
SK Telecom today revealed the first step to commercialize LTE by announcing the selection of Samsung Electronics, LG-Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks as key equipment suppliers for its 4G LTE network. The company will begin providing commercial LTE services in Seoul by July this year and plans to expand the service to the Seoul metropolitan area and six other metropolitan cities by 2012. The service will become nationwide by 2013.
LTE is a next-generation data-only network that allows up to 75 Mbps downlink and 37.5 Mbps uplink speed – respectively, five times and seven times faster than that of WCDMA networks. LTE is also expected to bring a three-fold increase of data capacity compared to existing 3G networks.
Bae Joon-Dong, President and Head of Network CIC of SK Telecom, said: “We’re very excited with this major milestone. As we begin this journey in the evolution of our wireless network, we are delighted to partner with top LTE equipment suppliers to build our 4G network. Once we have full-pledged service, we expect huge market demand and a new wave of mobile innovation with higher quality multimedia contents and advanced smart devices.”
? Selects Samsung Electronics, LG-Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks as LTE equipment vendors
SK Telecom picked Samsung Electronics, LG-Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks as key equipment suppliers for its 4G LTE network – Samsung Electronics and LG-Ericsson will particularly supply switching equipment while all three companies will provide base station equipment. The company began benchmark quality tests of equipment in September 2010 and chose its partners based on price and compatibility with other suppliers.
SK Telecom plans to apply the multi-vendor interoperability technology in order to simultaneously use different vendors’ switching equipment and base station equipment to service one area. This will allow SK Telecom to select optimized equipment according to different network coverage levels, thus creating a higher quality LTE network.
? To introduce SCAN method to realize effective 4G coverage
SK Telecom will adopt its own Smart Cloud Access Network (SCAN) method to set up a truly effective and integrated LTE network. A base station largely consists of Digital Unit (DU) and Radio Unit (RU). With SK Telecom’s SCAN method, LTE network DUs will be stored together in one area, while Remote Radio Units (RRU) – along with the antenna – will be set up in various locations.
SCAN is a highly effective cloud-based network deployment method especially optimized for wireless communication as multiple RRUs can be installed according to varying network capacity needs of each area.
Furthermore, upon receiving approval from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) to utilize the 800 MHz bandwidth for LTE service, SK Telecom plans to provide flawless LTE service underground and inside of buildings from beginning of deployment.
? To launch LTE smartphones, tablet PCs and data modems in 2011
SK Telecom will start offering data modems with plans to commercialize LTE network for the first time in Korea in July. Additional plans to launch diverse LTE devices including smartphones and tablet PCs by end of this year are underway.
LTE smartphones will use 3G network for voice service and LTE network for data service through DBDM (Dual Band Dual Mode) format. Until the company secures nationwide coverage for LTE, all the LTE devices will be launched in DBDM formats. In the areas where LTE coverage is not secured, SK Telecom will offer seamless data service through current WCDMA networks. The DBDM device strategy is also selected by diverse mobile operators that already commercialized LTE service.
? To boost network capacity in small areas by deploying 62,000 Wi-Fi zones and over 10,000 femtocells
SK Telecom plans to handle data traffic flawlessly in small areas by increasing the number of Wi-Fi zones to 62,000 this year and by deploying additional 45,000 Wi-Fi zones by the end of 2011, as well as expanding the 1,000 femtocells deployed last year to 10,000 femtocells. Also, SK telecom plans to offer femtocells that can handle voice and data traffic at the same time in small areas. Furthermore, the 6-sector solutions, which can double the capacity of current base stations, will be expanded to 500 base stations this year from 20 base stations beta-tested at the end of last year.
NTT DoCoMo to launch tablet computer (Japan)
NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s mobile operator is reportedly planning to launch a tablet computer that will be produced by LG Electronics and run on software developed by Google.
According to reports, the device, which is scheduled to be released in Japan by the end of March, is expected to have a smaller than 9-inch screen, but other details have yet to be determined.
The tablet PC would compete with a slew of models from the likes of Dell, Samsung Electronics and Sharp to challenge Apple’s iPad in the new gadget segment.
Microsoft plans to launch Chinese-edition WP7 platform in 2H11
If sources are to be believed, Microsoft plans to launch a Chinese-edition of Windows Phone 7 (WP7) in the second half of 2011 and is currently soliciting China-based mobile device makers including Lenovo, Huawei Technologies and ZTE to jointly develop WP7-based smartphones targeting the China market.
According to the sources, Microsoft is expected to unveil the second batch of WP7 smartphones at the upcoming MWC 2011 trade fair with the showcase including Asustek Computer’s first WP7 model, the E600. Although HTC, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics (LGE) and Dell have all launched WP7-based smartphones, Microsoft still hopes to ignite a wave of demand for Windows Phone-based smartphones with the introduction of the Chinese-version WP7.
However, it remains to be seen if China-based mobile device makers will shift their focus to develop WP7 smartphones as most of them have put effort into Android-based models recently.
Sprint selects Ericsson to upgrade network infrastructure
Sprint Nextel has selected Ericsson to upgrade network infrastructure, after Huawei was ruled out of the bidding amid security concerns within the US government.
The result represents another delay for Huawei’s efforts to break into the US market, where its ambitions have been repeatedly let down by national security concerns over allowing a Chinese company access to US telecoms infrastructure.
Huawei had been viewed as a serious contender for the Sprint contract but was ruled out of the running last month.
The five-year deal which involves construction of a new mobile network across the central and south-eastern US, including the cities of Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Dallas marks an important victory for Ericsson of Sweden, which is battling to defend its market leadership against Huawei.
Paris-based Alcatel-Lucent and Samsung Electronics of South Korea will also provide equipment for the network, with the total value of the contract worth a combined $4bn-$5bn for the three suppliers.
Apple iPad goes on sale in South Korea
Apple iPad finally went on sale in South Korea and this was after three weeks when the local giant Samsung Electronics launched its rival tablet computer the Galaxy Tab in its home market.
One hundred invited preorder customers, anxious to get their hands on the popular new gadget, lined up before dawn at a downtown Seoul branch of wireless operator KT, the sole Korean partner for iPhones and iPads.
According to KT, it had received 50,000 preorders for the iPad since November 17.
According to KT spokesman Ham Young-Jin, the company has started distributing it nationwide. Customers are receiving their preordered iPads at the moment.
The company earlier announced the gadget would start selling at US$192 with a two-year contract, rising to US$745.63 for models with additional features.
HTC files patent suit against Apple
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: A patent infringement case has been filed by HTC Corp against Apple Inc besides appealing U.S. International Trade Commission to ban U.S. sales of iPhones, iPads and iPods. HTC is the fourth in the global smartphones market in the first quarter, just behind Apple,
In March, a patent infringement case was filed by Apple against smaller rival HTC and in response of this; HTC has also filed the lawsuit now.
HTC has gained a lot of ground on Apple’s popular iPhone by manufacturing phones based on Google Inc’s Android software. Apple has been accused of infringing five HTC patents and a ban on importation and sale of its popular mobile devices in the United States has been seeked.
Analysts view the exclusion of Google as a defendant in the Apple’s lawsuit against HTC as a proxy for an attack on Google, which also provides software to phone makers including Samsung Electronics and Motorola Inc.
Though the counter reaction to Apple’s case was expected from HTC but its patent portfolio is still under question mark and does not measure up to other smartphone makers, such as Nokia. HTC’s portfolio is not considered to be strong as it got started on this way later than the other players in the market.
With a power to bar the importation of products that infringe on patents, a U.S. trade panel, ITC that investigates patent infringement involving imported goods, has evolved into a popular destination for patent lawsuits.
According to Jason Mackenzie, HTC’s vice president for North America, the company is taking this action against Apple to protect its intellectual property, its industry partners, and most importantly, its customers that use HTC phones and he also added that the industry should be driven by healthy competition and innovation that offer consumers the best, most accessible mobile experiences possible.
Samsung wins contract to deploy WiMAX in Kazakhstan
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Samsung Electronics has been selected by Kazakhstan’s Alem Communications as its exclusive Mobile WiMAX network supplier. First commercial Mobile WiMAX service has been launched by Alem Communications via its subsidiary Digital TV in Almaty, the economic hub of Kazakhstan on May 1, 2010 after the successful soft launch of the service earlier in March.
Further deployment of Mobile WiMAX services in several other large cities later this year is also on Alem’s cards. 2.5GHz Mobile WiMAX solutions including base stations, service network gateways and other service-related equipment has already been provided by Samsung following the beginning of the partnership with Alem in September 2009.
According to Mr. Grigory Grigorov, CEO of Alem Communications, the company is pleased to partner with Samsung, an industry-leading Mobile WiMAX provider, to bring true mobile broadband services to its customers in Kazakhstan and it is confident that Mobile WiMAX will enrich the Kazakhstani people’s access to information and communications and provide a more efficient environment for Kazakhstan’s business community.
Patent War: Samsung settles dispute with Rambus
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Besides settling all the claims between them, ¬Samsung Electronics and Rambus have also signed an agreement licensing Rambus’ patent portfolio covering all Samsung semiconductor products including a perpetual fully paid-up license to certain current DRAM products. As per the agreement, US$200 million will be invested by Samsung in Rambus stock.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has also been sighed between the companies relating to a new generation of memory technologies.
The initial focus will be on graphics and mobile memory solutions. According to Harold Hughes, President and CEO of Rambus, bringing together Samsung’s market and technology leadership with their innovations for high-performance and high-efficiency memory architectures will make possible an exciting new generation of mobile, computing and consumer electronics products.
MetroPCS Orders LTE Infrastructure from Ericsson & Handsets from Samsung (USA)
MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), the nation’s leading provider of unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract wireless communications service, announces that it has selected its infrastructure and initial handset vendors for its second half 2010 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) Broadband service launch. MetroPCS has selected Ericsson, a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators globally, as its infrastructure vendor for the launch of its LTE service. In addition, MetroPCS has selected Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1, the number one mobile phone provider in the U.S.2, to provide the Company’s initial LTE handset device.
“LTE represents the next generation of wireless technology, and we are proud to be working with two technology leaders in Ericsson and Samsung,” said Roger D. Linquist, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. “As the Internet goes ‘mobile’ we are excited to be at the forefront of this wireless evolution with the building out of our 4G broadband data services. We anticipate to begin offering our 4G LTE services and a dual-mode LTE/CDMA smartphone in our major metropolitan markets in late 2010. When launched, our customers will benefit from our next generation, leading-edge network technology which will enable true high-speed Internet access in the palm of their hand. With the announcement of our LTE launch vendors, MetroPCS will move directly to 4G.”
MetroPCS has successfully encouraged customers to cut the cord on their landline phones and enjoy wireless mobility with their unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract plans. With its LTE broadband initiative, MetroPCS will provide the ability to cut the cord on the Internet, and subscribers will enjoy a richer HTML browsing experience coupled with multimedia applications that allow a traditional wireline Internet experience directly on their handset.
“Ericsson is honored to be chosen by MetroPCS as their LTE/EPC infrastructure supplier for its LTE service launch,” said Angel Ruiz, president and CEO of Ericsson North America. “We look forward to using our leadership in LTE technology to help MetroPCS usher in a new era of communications and transform the mobile-broadband user experience for their customers.”
“Samsung Mobile is excited to announce a handset that will be compatible on MetroPCS’ high-speed LTE network,” said Paul Golden, chief marketing officer for Samsung Telecommunications America. “This mobile device will take the user experience to the next level by offering users a full broadband Internet experience on a LTE infrastructure.”
MetroPCS offers a diverse selection of service plans, which allow customers to talk 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, for a wireless experience that best fits their lifestyles. With MetroPCS, customers pay by the month, not by the minute, and services do not require a signed contract, deposit or credit check. For more information on MetroPCS, please go to www.metropcs.com.
About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) is a provider of unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate with no signed contract. Currently, MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based carrier in the United States and has access to licenses covering a population of approximately 145 million people in the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Detroit, Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa and Sacramento. As of June 30, 2009, MetroPCS had approximately 6.3 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.
About Ericsson
Ericsson’s multimedia content is available at the broadcast room: www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of “to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 75,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 209 billion (USD 32.2 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungmobileusa.com.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices across 61 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
1. Samsung Mobile is proud to provide ENERGY STAR-qualified power adapters with its mobile phones and accessories. ENERGY STAR qualified products use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.
2. Based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics Q2 2009 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Report.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon MetroPCS’ current expectations and assumptions at the time they are made. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. Actual financial results, performance or results of operations may differ materially from those anticipated. The risks and uncertainties include those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the SEC, such as our annual report on form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2008 and in our quarterly reports on form 10-Q. Certain factors that may materially affect such forward-looking statements and our future performance include:
- the demand for LTE services;
- the performance of Ericsson and Samsung under their agreements with MetroPCS;
- the highly competitive nature of our industry;
- the rapid technological changes in our industry;
- our ability to maintain adequate customer care and manage our churn rate;
- our ability to secure the necessary spectrum and network infrastructure equipment;
- our ability to maintain and upgrade our network and business systems;
- ability to obtain permits required for LTE development; and
- governmental regulation of our business network and services and the costs of compliance and our failure to comply with such regulations.
Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. MetroPCS undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise, except as required by law.
SOURCE: MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
Edelman for MetroPCS Sarika Patel, 214-443-7555 sarika.patel@edelman.com
