Wavecom Makes Korean Waves

Communications Today, May 30, 2002

Wavecom [WVCM] will provide its Wismo wireless modem technology for the GSM/GPRS phones that Korean handset manufacturer Pantech will make for the European market. France-based Wavecom also has incorporated its wholly owned subsidiary, Wavecom Korea, after being active in the country since April 2000.

Wavecom will provide Wismo Pac P3206B modules that will be the wireless engine for Pantech mobile phones to be launched in Italy and Spain in the first quarter next year. It also will provide integration support. The Pac P3206B ensures GPRS class 10 wireless connectivity and WAP 1.2.1 capability while supporting enhanced and multimedia message connectivity.

Pantech started as a paging device manufacturer for Korea and Southeast Asia markets before beginning to make digital handsets in 1997. The company, which develops both CDMA and GSM phones, for 2001 reported revenues of 400 billion won ($325 million), including 350 billion won ($285 million) form its CDMA product sales. Pantech expects this year to double its revenues to 800 billion won ($650 million), largely by expanding its GSM device sales to equal its CDMA sales in 2001.

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