Ericsson Technology Licensing and NEC sign Bluetooth agreement

March 23 2004 - Ericsson Technology Licensing has signed a license agreement with NEC Corporation for Bluetooth software from Ericsson. The agreement entails the licensing of the Ericsson Core Bluetooth Software Stack B-C1 and B-C3.

The Ericsson Core Bluetooth Software Stack B-C1, based on Bluetooth v 1.1, with functionality including headset and dial-up support, has been implemented in NEC's new 3G mobile phone, 616. This is the first license agreement between Ericsson and NEC for Bluetooth.

The agreement also includes the licensing of Ericsson's recently announced Bluetooth 1.2 stack, the Ericsson Core Bluetooth Software Stack B-C3. The stack includes all the Bluetooth functionality required in the current and the expected next generation of mobile phones, such as support for headsets and handsfree, audio streaming and Java APIs.

"We are very pleased to be awarded a contract by NEC," says Maria Khorsand, President of Ericsson Technology Licensing. "NEC is not only the largest Japanese mobile phone manufacturer, they are also highly respected and well-known globally and are now launching 3G phones. As a major promoter of Bluetooth technology, Ericsson believes that NEC's embracement of this technology will further drive the adoption of Bluetooth in mobile phones."

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

Ericsson Technology Licensing develops state-of-the-art Bluetooth design solutions optimized for mobile communication, computing and media devices. As a major driving force behind the Bluetooth initiative, we have been instrumental in the development of Bluetooth wireless technology from a simple idea into a widely acclaimed industry standard. Our complete portfolio of IP Cores for Bluetooth baseband and radio together with a complete Bluetooth software package, qualification services, training and design services provides semiconductor and original equipment manufacturers the fastest, most reliable course for implementing Bluetooth wireless technology in new products. More information: www.ericsson.com/bluetooth

NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. Ranked as one of the world's top patent-producing companies, NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 140,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately $40 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2003. For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com