Nokia Siemens Networks and Hon Hai Diversify into GSM

The cooperation between Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) and Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co. Ltd. and its reinvested Foxconn International Holdings Ltd. (FIH) is expected to diversify into global system for mobile communications (GSM) base stations, according to David Ho, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) Greater China chairman.

NSN is also actively seeking partnerships from downstream Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) terminal-product producers. Mike Wang, NSN Taiwan general manger, said that NSN hopes to see more WiMAX terminal products, such as cellphone models and computer cards, to upgrade the overall development of the emerging WiMAX market. NSN would not directly place orders with terminal-product manufacturers, Wang said, but provide an open test platform for interested companies for product certifications.

According to Wang, some local companies have been relying on the following firms for WiMAX terminal product certification, including ZyXEL Communications Corp., GemTek Technology Co., Ltd., D-Link Corp., CyberTAN Technology Inc., High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC), Compal Communications Inc. (CCI), BenQ Corp., etc.

Ho claimed that Nokia is one of the major cellphone contract customers for FIH and the two parties have worked as partners on handset R&D and production. The next step, the Greater China chairman pointed out, is for Nokia and FIH's cooperation to diversify into 2G base stations, for which FIH could supply modules.

Source: Taiwan Economic News