Sagem Wireless and ST-Ericsson to partner on LTE

ST-Ericsson and Sagem Wireless collaborate on multimode platform for launch of commercial multimode LTE/HSPA+ products in 2010

Geneva, Switzerland, Cergy-Pontoise, France, July 8, 2010 - Sagem Wireless, a leader in the design and delivery of customised connected lifestyle devices and services, and ST-Ericsson, a world leader in wireless platforms and semiconductors, are to partner on the development of multimode LTE/HSPA+ reference designs, devices and modules. Sagem Wireless and ST-Ericsson are collaborating on a multimode platform, which can connect to LTE, HSPA+, 3G and GSM networks, to develop a mobile broadband modem to be launched before the end of 2010. 

Supporting downlink speeds of up to 100 Mbps via LTE and 21 Mbps via HSPA+, Sagem Wireless' dongle modems will enable Internet Gateways to offer ultra high speed wireless access. These modems will also enable laptops to get online wherever there is mobile coverage, giving end-users a high level of flexibility. 

There are now 61 live commercial HSPA+ networks in 34 countries and 80 mobile operators, spanning 33 countries, are committed to deploying LTE, according to the GSM Association. Sagem Wireless also plans to use the multimode platform to produce versatile modules that can bring high-speed mobile connectivity to laptops, netbooks, tablet computers, machine-to- machine (M2M) applications and other devices.

"Working with ST-Ericsson on LTE will enable Sagem Wireless to be at the forefront of the development of state-of-the-art devices and modules modems that can connect to the world's fastest mobile networks," said Yves Portalier, EVP, Strategic Planning of Sagem Wireless. "ST-Ericsson's single family of platforms will also enable Sagem Wireless to produce a wide range of devices faster and more cost-effectively than if we had to juggle multiple incompatible platforms."

"We have developed our multimode platform to enable people to connect to the best available mobile network wherever they are, whether that be with LTE, HSPA+, 3G or GSM, switching between different access technologies effortlessly and seamlessly," said Pascal Langlois, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of ST-Ericsson. "The fact that the platform is ready to make its debut in commercial devices in 2010 further underlines ST-Ericsson's strong position in the development of LTE device platforms and Sagem Wireless’ system-level and RF integration expertise."

About ST-Ericsson

ST-Ericsson is a world leader in developing and delivering a complete portfolio of innovative mobile platforms and cutting-edge wireless semiconductor solutions across the broad spectrum of mobile technologies. The company is a leading supplier to the top handset manufacturers and ST-Ericsson’s products and technologies enable more than half of all phones in use today. The company generated pro-forma sales of about USD 2.7 billion in 2009. ST-Ericsson was established as a 50/50 joint venture by STMicroelectronics and Ericsson in February 2009, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. More information on ST-Ericsson is available at www.stericsson.com.

About Sagem Wireless

Sagem Wireless provides customised connected lifestyle devices and services to leading consumer lifestyle brands and mobile network operators worldwide. Using technology innovation and customer insight as strategic tools in the product design process, Sagem Wireless develops a range of connected lifestyle devices personalised to the specific needs of different customer segments. With industry leading technology partners and its own R&D centres based in Europe and Asia, Sagem Wireless offers pre-requisite manufacturing expertise intrinsic to the product design process that relies on both flexibility and the highest level of quality to assure successful entry into new and existing markets. For more information, visit www.sagemwireless.com