Samsung to export WCDMA technology

Samsung Electronics Co. has recently signed with Vibo Telecom Inc., a Taiwanese mobile communication system operator, to export its third-generation wideband code-division multiple access system, also known as WCDMA. Samsung Electronics said yesterday in a press release that Vibo Telecom recently received 2.1 gigahertz frequency from the Taiwanese government early this year. Vibo Telecom is planning to set up Samsung Electronics’ WCDMA base stations and switchboards in the nation so that it can begin commercial service late this year. A Samsung Electronics spokesman said the two companies decided not to disclose the length of the contract or how much it is worth. Samsung said the deal would make Samsung the first Korean WCDMA exporter. European mobile communication equipment companies, such as Siemens and Nokia, are leading the WCDMA equipment market because the standard is based on the global system for mobile communication standard, which is used in Europe. Separately, LG Electronics Inc. is also entering the next-generation mobile communication equipment market through a joint venture with Nortel Networks Corp., a Canadian mobile communication equipment maker. LG is planning to have a joint production line in Cheongju, North Chungcheong province, and the two companies will develop base stations and switchboards together. by Park Sung-ha, Lee Weon-ho