Ericsson And Intel To Enable Next Generation Of Mobile Internet Devices

CANNES, France, Feb. 4, 2000 - Intel Corporation and Ericsson today announced that Intel will provide Ericsson the next generation of high-performance flash memory for cellular phones, and that the companies will team on flash product definition for future wireless devices, such as Internet-enabled mobile phones.

The agreement between Ericsson, a leading vendor of mobile phones for wireless voice and data applications, and Intel, the leader in flash memory and supplier of wireless components, includes a three-year commitment by Ericsson to purchase Intel's flash memory devices. In addition the companies will work together to define flash products capable of storing code and data such as Web pages, e-mail, voice and music. The agreement will enable Ericsson to bring to market new products that support content and services made possible by the upcoming third generation (3G) networks, which will combine voice and Internet capabilities into wireless handheld devices.

"Bringing the benefits of the Internet to mobile phones and other wireless devices opens up tremendous opportunities for businesses and consumers. Intel is excited to play an active role in enabling devices for the wireless Internet," said Ron Smith, vice president and general manager, Wireless Communications and Computing Group, Intel.

"Ericsson is leading the development of the third generation (3G) mobile communications, thanks to our broad expertise in both networks, systems and mobile devices. This collaboration with Intel is one important enabler for Ericsson so that we can be well positioned to meet the exploding demand for Internet-enabled mobiles," said Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications.

Intel's Wireless Communications and Computing Group focuses on cellular and wireless communications, providing silicon solutions for various computing and wireless communication devices and data applications in the growing cellular market. These include flash memory; chipsets; reference designs and software; digital signal processing activities; StrongARM*; and low-power Intel Architecture-based handhelds.

Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: www.ericsson.se/pressroom.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.