STMicroelectronics Strengthens Position in Wireless Segment

Geneva, May 2008 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced the intention of ST and EMP (Ericsson Mobile Platforms) to, within the existing partnership, also develop an analog baseband for a future high-volume EMP platform.


Building upon the successful joint development and start of volume production of 3G and 3.5G digital baseband processors for Ericsson Mobile Platforms’ licensees, the two companies are now extending their efforts into the area of analog baseband.

The new joint efforts aim to deliver to EMP licensees an analog baseband with high performance and quality with lower power consumption and greater cost efficiency, building on a leading combination of system and silicon expertise.

“ST is already one of our strategic partners in digital basebands and connectivity devices and we have now also decided to make the first analog baseband together,” said Robert Puskaric, head of Ericsson’s mobile platforms’ business. “As the wireless platform leader, we need access to best-in-class chipset solutions, in order to further strengthen and differentiate our product offer.”

“We are excited by Ericsson’s decision to also develop analog baseband with ST,” said Monica de Virgiliis, Group Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Wireless Multimedia Division. “This is a strong endorsement of our product and IP portfolio leadership, which puts ST in a unique position to serve the wireless market.”

About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of ‘communication for all’ through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm and NASDAQ stock exchanges.