Chip company throws its weight behind low-cost handsets

Handset makers, semiconductor manufacturers, operators, and other key players in the wireless industry have important roles to play in bringing low-cost mobile telephony to emerging markets, according to Dr. Bill Krenik, manager of advanced wireless architectures for Texas Instruments` Wireless Terminals Business Unit. Addressing the World Handset Forum in San Diego, Krenik emphasized that while the next billion wireless subscribers are likely to come from emerging economies, the significance of the low cost market goes well beyond economics and into the humanitarian realm.~ ~ "With the advent of ultra low-cost GSM phones at the sub-$40 wholesale cost, we are finally able to bring mobile communications to economically disadvantaged regions of the world," noted Dr. Krenik.

"The GSM Association`s `Connecting the Unconnected` program is playing a leadership role in serving developing nations in Asia, Africa, Latin America and South America."~ ~ The next plateau, the even more affordable $30 voice-only mobile phone, is just ahead. Krenik explained that in order to achieve economies of scale with ultra-low-cost handsets, silicon electronics integration is critical because silicon cost is a major factor in a phone`s overall cost.~ ~ Krenik pointed out that his company`s DRP single chip integration technology leveraged for ultra-low-cost phones is finding its way into other types of mobile phones as well, including those with GPS, WLAN, Bluetooth, and mobile TV capabilities.~ ~ "As the wireless industry continues to decrease the cost of bringing mobile telephony to these underserved regions, we will see great improvements in commerce, social interaction, and even safety," said Krenik.~ ~