3G Centre for Australia

US : Agere Systems announced that it is establishing a new design center in Australia for next-generation wireless technology development. This operation will enhance Agere's current capabilities in delivering integrated chip set and software solutions for dual-mode 3G mobile phones, providing users with complete mobility across multiple wireless networks around the world as well as broader bandwidth for accessing voice, data, video and multimedia applications.

As the wireless industry begins widespread deployment of 3G networks, Agere is leveraging its leadership in data-enabled, wireless handset systems to deliver a new generation of dual-mode 3G mobile terminal designs enabling such advanced, high-speed multimedia and entertainment applications as real-time audio and video streaming, digital photo imaging, MP3 music capabilities, MPEG4 video playback and interactive games.

Agere's new Australia design center will focus on silicon and systems development for the 3G (WCDMA/UMTS) communications standard, as well as future standards such as High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). This center, which will be located in North Ryde, will also complement current Agere mobile terminal design operations in Munich, Germany; Ascot, U.K.; and Allentown, Pa. Agere plans to employ a team of about 15 engineers in Australia.

"In establishing this new design operation, Agere is strengthening its ability to provide a proven portfolio of mobile communications solutions for the GSM and UMTS markets," said Luc Seraphin, vice president of Agere's mobile terminals division. "This investment in engineering expertise shows Agere's commitment to speeding the global deployment of dual-mode 3G services and enabling unparalleled wireless connectivity, speed and features for mobile users."

Agere's technological depth and wireless systems knowledge gives mobile phone manufacturers a low-cost, high-confidence path to develop dual-mode wireless handsets for the growing 3G market and beyond.

Industry analyst firm Allied Business Intelligence estimates that the number of WCDMA subscribers will grow from approximately 1.2 million in 2003 to more than 200 million globally in 2008. Dual-mode 3G phones allow users to access GSM900/1800/1900 networks, which represent more than 70 percent of the world's cellular networks, as well as new WCDMA/UMTS networks being deployed in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

Agere expects this new design center to be operational in the fourth calendar quarter 2003.