Qualcomm and Asiaspace WiMAX Sdn Bhd have agreed to jointly explore future deployment of LTE TDD (LTE Time Division Duplex) technology in Malaysia. Asiaspace currently holds a licence for mobile broadband frequencies in the 2.3 GHz band in Malaysia and intends to examine the technological and commercial opportunities presented by LTE TDD. Asiaspace expects to leverage the 3GPP wireless ecosystem serving more than one billion mobile subscribers worldwide.

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services, and Asiaspace WiMAX Sdn Bhd today announced that they have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore future deployment of Long Term Evolution Time Division Duplex (LTE TDD) technology in Malaysia.

Asiaspace currently owns a licence to provide wireless technology services on the 2.3 GHz band in Malaysia. With this licence, Asiaspace intends to explore the deployment, in the near future, of LTE TDD technology, which is a reflection of the commercial advantages service providers can capitalize on as they become part of the 3G wireless ecosystem of more than one billion mobile subscribers worldwide. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 80 operators have committed to launch LTE in 33 countries as of June 2010, which demonstrates a continued commitment to providing innovative devices and services for the consumer.

“Asiaspace looks forward to working with Qualcomm in examining the technological and commercial opportunities presented by LTE TDD,” said Datuk Abdul Ghani Bin Abdullah. “Our vision is to offer the best wireless experience to the customer – regardless of the type of technology. We believe that LTE TDD technology will best serve the highly vibrant and mobile society Malaysia represents by allowing us to stay within the boundaries of mainstream wireless technologies and interoperate with 3G and 2G networks. As a business, Asiaspace will be able to enjoy the cost benefits of scale and tap into the massive subscriber base that already exists within the cellular mobile world.”

“Qualcomm is pleased to be in discussions with Asiaspace to explore the deployment of a LTE TDD network in Malaysia,” said John Stefanac, president of Southeast Asia & Pacific for Qualcomm. “Spectrum is a scarce resource around the world, forcing service providers to deploy wireless technologies that not only provide high-speed connectivity and access, but also ones that are interoperable with all the 3G standards that are currently thriving. We are delighted Asiaspace is interested in LTE TDD, as it provides a fully mobile wireless experience for the consumer, backed up by ubiquitous 3G coverage.”

About Asiaspace WiMAX Sdn Bhd

Asiaspace Sdn Bhd (ASB) was incorporated in Malaysia under the Companies Act 1965 on 15 October 1996 as a private limited liability company. In April 1998, ASB was granted by the Government of Malaysia a carrier license under the repealed Telecommunications Act 1950 and the license was migrated to the new Communications & Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA). The principal activities of Asiaspace group of companies are to provide common shared telecommunications infrastructure, to all wireless telco providers in Malaysia. Asiaspace is also licensed to provide WiMAX service on 2.3GHz band (30MHz) and mobile TV Broadcasting over the L-Band spectrum (25MHz). For more information, please visit www.asiaspace.com.my.

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is the world leader in next-generation mobile technologies. For 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of wireless communications, connecting people more closely to information, entertainment and each other. Today, Qualcomm technologies are powering the convergence of mobile communications and consumer electronics, making wireless devices and services more personal, affordable and accessible to people everywhere. For more information, visit Qualcomm around the Web: www.qualcomm.com
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