QUALCOMM today announced that QUALCOMM's Mobile Station Modem chipsets will support Philips' wireless local area network (WLAN) module. This integrated solution will offer connectivity to WLAN networks as well as to existing cellular networks and will feature compatibility with 802.11b and 802.11g protocols on both CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS) networks.

"Our work with Philips helps us to address the demand for additional functionality in mobile devices," said Mike Concannon, vice president of strategic products for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "This strategic relationship delivers a number of new possibilities, which we look forward to making a reality."

"We are pleased that QUALCOMM has chosen Philips' WLAN solutions to help meet the growing demand for greater connectivity in mobile devices," said Paul Marino, vice president and general manager, Connectivity, Philips Semiconductors. "Combining our highly-integrated, low-power WLAN solutions with the industry leading QUALCOMM MSM chipsets, brings a new level of mobile functionality to wireless users."

The WLAN solution allows mobile handsets to use high-speed wireless local area networks when available for connections of up to 54 Mbps. Initially supported on the MSM6550 chipset, the 802.11b/g-compatible broadband capabilities enabled by Philips' WLAN module are scheduled to be commercially available by the end of 2005. WLAN technology offers support for applications such as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), voice calls with simultaneous data transfer and other data-intensive applications.