Korea's Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute Partners with Wi-LAN to Define Specifications of Ultra High Speed Mobile Wireless Systems
CALGARY, Canada and DAEJEON, Korea - October 23, 2002 - ETRI, a non-profit research organization that has been at the forefront of technological excellence for more than 25 years, and Wi-LAN Inc. (TSE:WIN), a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, announced today an agreement to collaborate to define specifications for future mobile wireless systems beyond International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) systems. The future mobile wireless systems are expected to provide ubiquitous broadband mobile access, always connected with optimal bandwidth and cost.
"Wi-LAN is pleased to be chosen as a partner by such a pre-eminent global research institute," said Dr. Hatim Zaghloul, Chairman, President and CEO of Wi-LAN. "ETRI and Wi-LAN share a common vision of the future of broadband mobile wireless communication. Wi-LAN brings to the partnership its commercialized industry-leading W-OFDM broadband wireless technology, and ETRI brings a 25-year track record of technology innovation, a detailed plan for the specification, development and implementation of Fourth Generation mobile systems, and the personnel and capital resources required to make 4G a reality."
IMT-2000 Third Generation (3G) systems and 2.5G mobile systems are beginning to be deployed globally. 2.5G mobile systems, such as GPRS, offer data transmission speeds of 64 to 144 kilobits per second (Kbps). IMT-2000 3G mobile systems, such as EDGE, CDMA-2000 and W-CDMA, offer data speeds that range from 384 Kbps to 2,000 Kbps (2 Mbps). While 2.5G and 3G systems are a major improvement over existing 2G mobile systems, which offer data transmission speeds in the single-digit Kbps range, demand for mobile data capacity is expected to drive the need for Fourth Generation (4G) systems, with data capacity in excess of 10,000 Kbps (10 Mbps), over the next several years. ETRI and Wi-LAN are collaborating to define one of the technology specifications for these ultra high-speed mobile wireless systems.
Initially, ETRI and Wi-LAN will work together on the development of one of the future mobile wireless system specifications and technology roadmaps, and will actively seek collaboration from other partners to promote standardization of the proposed specifications. Commercialization of the systems is targeted for the 2006 to 2007 timeframe.
About the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI)
Established in 1976, ETRI is a non-profit Korean government-funded research organization that has been at the forefront of technological excellence for more than 25 years. ETRI has successfully developed information technologies such as TDX-Exchange, High Density Semiconductor Microchips, Mini-Super Computer (TiCOM), Digital Mobile Telecommunication System (CDMA), and IMT-2000 Mobile Communication System. ETRI is a recognized leader in information and telecommunication research. Detailed information can be found at www.etri.re.kr.
About Wi-LAN Inc.
Wi-LAN is a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, specializing in high-speed Internet access, LAN/WAN extension and broadband wireless access. Wi-LAN's broadband wireless access products are known worldwide for their high quality and industry-leading technology. Wi-LAN believes its W-OFDM patent is necessary for the implementation of devices using the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g or ETSI BRAN HiperLAN/2 standards as well as the current drafts of the IEEE802.16a and ETSI BRAN HiperMAN proposed standards. Wi-LAN licenses its W-OFDM technology and has executed non-exclusive W-OFDM license agreements with semiconductor companies. Wi-LAN is the Chair Company of the OFDM Forum(www.ofdm-forum.com). Wi-LAN's common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WIN." Detailed information on Wi-LAN can be found at www.wi-lan.com.
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