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Sprint and Samsung to Explore Wireless Broadband; Technology Trials to Validate Next-Generation Network Infrastructure NeedsRESTON, Va. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 16, 2005 -- Sprint (NYSE:S) and Samsung Telecommunications America have agreed to engage in joint wireless broadband technology efforts to test the IEEE 802.16e standard and drive the development of advanced wireless broadband services. The agreement involves testing of prototype terminals and supporting core network equipment to help substantiate next-generation wireless network infrastructure requirements for future wireless interactive multimedia services. The collaboration will involve lab trials at company facilities and field trials with customers, as well as interoperability testing with Sprint ecosystem partners in order to verify the specifications of 802.16e technology. "The agreement with Samsung will help align technologies and validate requirements for future wireless offerings," explained Barry West, Sprint chief technology officer. "We are evaluating multiple options for 2.5GHz applications and fostering strategic relationships with ecosystem partners who are vital to progress on next-generation wireless broadband access and infrastructure." "Once again, Samsung is working closely with Sprint to drive the next generation of wireless services," said Thomas Jasny, VP of Wireless Broadband Networks for Samsung Telecommunications America. "The 802.16e standard will help support the deployment of true wireless broadband." Samsung has been a key driver of the 802.16e standard and intends to be the first company to give a trial performance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit this year and commercially launch high-bandwidth wireless data access technology early next year in Korea. Wireless Broadband (WiBro) and Mobile WiMax are services enabled by the standard and are seen as offering mobile/portable solutions, high performance, wide-area services and global standardization. Samsung will utilize the experience gained from this research to drive ongoing development of WiMax equipment for the global market, including the United States. About Sprint Nextel Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com. About Samsung Telecommunications America Samsung Telecommunications America, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, visit www.samsung.com/wireless. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2004 parent company sales of US$55.2 billion and net income of US$10.3 billion. Employing approximately 113,000 people in over 90 offices in 48 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing brands, Samsung Electronics is the world's largest producer of color monitors, color TVs, memory chips and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com. |
