Samsung and Sprint Nextel Will Bring Mobile WiMAX Broadband Services to Nation's Capital

DALLAS, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics, a leading provider of telecommunications network systems and handsets, today confirmed that it has been awarded the Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD markets by Sprint Nextel to help develop Mobile WiMAX wireless broadband network infrastructure and provide customers with an enhanced mobile multi-media experience.

Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD are the first markets awarded to Samsung since Samsung and Sprint Nextel agreed last August to work together on the major US carrier's 4G wireless broadband initiative which will use the Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e TDD OFDMA) technology standard.

Sprint Nextel is currently planning the network infrastructure for this market, with plans to initially deploy Mobile WiMAX base stations covering Washington D.C., Baltimore, and northern Virginia. Beginning on December 7, 2006, and using Samsung network equipment and devices, Sprint made the first live Mobile WiMAX data calls in this market which is now demonstrating the delivery of high-speed data and streaming video. Sprint expects to start commercial service in the region in late 2007. These advanced services will be delivered via new and innovative devices once the Mobile WiMAX infrastructure is completed. Customers will also benefit from Samsung's international experience in Mobile WiMAX, which will now be applied to the U.S. market. In addition, Samsung has committed to delivering six WiMAX- capable devices, including Ultra mobile PCs and personal media players. Samsung also plans to enter the WiMAX chipset business.

"Samsung is particularly honored to be entrusted with the early deployment of the network for the capital of the United States of America, which also includes Sprint's executive headquarters," said Tom Jasny, Vice President of Wireless Systems and Broadband for Samsung Telecommunications America.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN WiMAX TECHNOLOGY

A pioneer in Mobile WiMAX technology, Samsung has been conducting numerous trials with various partners in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Currently, seven trials are underway, with more planned in this year. Periodic demonstrations have also been conducted. The technology has already been commercialized in South Korea since May 2006, and Samsung now provides Mobile WiMAX network solutions to various service providers in North and South America, and Asia.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, L.L.C., a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit http://www.samsungwireless.com/ .

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com/