From ChinaNex (including more on TDSCDMA)
chinanex.com
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Datang Telecom is reportedly asking Qualcomm for talks about specific use of what Qualcomm claims to be its patents on CDMA, where Datang is accused of using without permission in its development of TD-SCDMA. The issue is become critical after the MII has allocated spectrum bands for TD-SCDMA, opening way for commercial deployment in China.
Qualcomm insists it own the basic patent for TD-SCDMA, similar to WCDMA and CDMA2000, all are 3G standards. Qualcomm has been very strict on protecting its right so that it can reap licensing fees of 2-6% from every 3G handset sold.
The request by Datang indicates a gesture of compromise; previously the MII and Datang insisted TD-SCDMA was invented completely by the Chinese. Qualcomm has not responded to the Datang's request. Analysts estimate if TD-SCDMA takes off in China, Qualcomm could gain $860 million to $1.4 billion in royalties.
[11/08]
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A Siemens executive has openly criticized CDMA2000 and urged Unicom to alter its directions to GSM-GPRS, in order to be eventually migrating to WCDMA.
The executive predicts CDMA2000 will unlikely become a 3G mainstream, and Unicom has only 4 million CDMA customers but over 57 million GSM customers, and the company must find ways to bring up these customers to a new platform. Unicom, however, seems to be headed for a different direction as the company is completely sold out to CDMA. Siemens has supplied GSM equipment to Unicom.
Responding to the criticism that TD-SCDMA is not an open standard, the executive said it is a misunderstanding; in fact, CDMA2000 is the most closed system, because it is different from anybody else, said the executive. Most believe WCDMA will take up 80% of 3G market in the world, including the US where CDMA is born.
[11/08]
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A group of mobile equipment companies has announced an exclusive patent pricing for WCDMA, which is lower than the current royalties companies must pay Qualcomm for use of its patent.
The purpose of the alliance is to ensure use of WCDMA patent will pay less than 5% of equipment price. Nokia, Siemens, Ericsson and NTT DoCoMo said they will use the policy to promote WCDMA in the world, which is already a de facto standard for 3G in many countries.
Analysts say the alliance is a challenge to Qualcomm, because they can completely abandon CDMA payment by turning to WCDMA. More companies have said they will join the alliance, including Fujitsu, Matsushita, NEC and Sony.
[11/08]
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What a funny little dance.... |
