Qualcomm Sets Up Vietnamese Joint Venture

Qualcomm says that it is setting up a joint venture with the Vietnamese handset manufacturer IQLINKS. The JV is the first CDMA450 terminal manufacturer in Vietnam. IQLINKS JV also is the first company headquartered in Vietnam to enter into a patent license agreement with Qualcomm to develop, manufacture and sell CDMA2000 and EV-DO subscriber units and modem cards.

"Qualcomm is committed to the growth of Vietnam's telecommunication industry and to supporting local operators as they bring advanced 3G CDMA services to under-served communities," said Jim Hoang, senior director, Vietnam Business Development, Qualcomm. "We are very pleased to be working with IQLINKS to help realize this shared vision."

Under the terms of the JV agreement, IQLINKS JV has entered into a CDMA Subscriber Unit License Agreement with Qualcomm and plans to manufacture 3G CDMA terminals, particularly 450 MHz WLL terminals with remote electricity power meter reading capability. Qualcomm CDMA Technologies also will supply chipsets to the JV.

According to the CDMA Development Group, CDMA450 networks are now deployed in 35 countries around the world and additional networks will soon be launched or are undergoing trials. In Southeast Asia, commercial CDMA450 networks have already been deployed in Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (EVN Telecom)."

Posted to the site on 7th August 2006