QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) , a leading developer and
innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and other advanced
wireless technologies, today announced the launch of its Wireless
Reach(TM) initiative in Koh Panyee and Ban Pakkoh, Phang Nga in southern
Thailand. QUALCOMM, along with CAT Telecom Public Company Limited (CAT),
the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Ministry of Public
Health (MOPH), the Office of the Non- Formal Education Commission
(ONFEC), the Ministry of Education and Axesstel Inc. (AMEX:AFT) , are
working together to provide EV-DO high- speed wireless services to
fulfill the medical and educational needs of these communities.
"Today's launch of the QUALCOMM Wireless Reach initiative
in Thailand demonstrates our continued efforts to provide greater
wireless access to communities that have limited or no
connectivity," said Shawn A. Covell, senior director, international
government affairs, QUALCOMM. "Due to the unique conditions of
living on a remote island, voice and data communication is often a
challenge and at times, medical assistance efforts can be hampered.
QUALCOMM and our partners are hopeful that EV-DO services will improve
residents' lives by providing easier and faster access to medical
help and education."
QUALCOMM will donate telemedicine equipment for two public health
stations on the two islands, including: illumination and imaging
systems, dermascopes, ENT scopes, general examination cameras,
stethoscopes and digital spirometers. Desktop computers and wireless
connectivity equipment also will be provided to the nearest main
hospital in Phang Nga, connecting the public health stations with the
hospital, enabling them to transmit data to the hospital and benefit
from real-time access to doctors.
"This project is an excellent example of how the government
and the private sector can work together to address socioeconomic issues
faced by some of our rural communities," said Dr. Porntep
Siriwanarangsun M.D., senior advisor, Ministry of Public Health
Thailand. "One of the key challenges we face in communities like
Koh Panyee and Ban Pakkoh is the ability to communicate in real-time,
which is needed for specific medical assistance. We are delighted that
QUALCOMM, CAT and Axesstel have demonstrated their commitment by
supplying telemedicine equipment and EV-DO services that helps to bridge
the communication gap."
The Thailand Wireless Reach initiative will also establish
telecenters in Tub Pud Public Library and Kura Buri Public Library in
the Phang Nga area. QUALCOMM will provide desktop computers and Axesstel
will provide its D800 EV- DO modems to the two libraries for Internet
access, enabling greater learning and education. Furthermore, four
laptop computers - equipped with EV-DO cards and using CAT's EV-DO
network - also will be provided, with the goal of bringing Internet
access for education directly to the people in Phang Nga as part of
ONFEC's mobile learning program. CAT will provide three years of
service - free of charge - in addition to eight EV-DO cards.
"A key mission for ONFEC is to empower underserved communities
with the technology needed to further their learning," said Dr.
Sombat Suwanpitak, director, Office of The Non-Formal Education
Commission. "Thai residents living in Phang Nga - either on islands
like Koh Panyee and Ban Pakkoh or in remote areas such as Tub Pud and
Kura Buri - usually have limited access to telephones and the Internet.
This has been one of our challenges in providing education. However, we
are confident that our efforts in providing broadband wireless Internet
services, using CAT's EV-DO service, will offer residents better
access to information and education and will greatly enhance their
social and economic livelihoods."
"Thailand is one of the most exciting markets in terms of
telecommunications development, and we appreciate the efforts of our
partners in improving teledensity in the rural areas of Thailand,"
said Professor Prasit Prapinmongkolkarn, Ph.D., commissioner of The
National Telecommunications Commission. "Looking ahead, the NTC
will continue to work with our partners to ensure that wireless
technology is delivered to underserved communities."
"CAT Telecom is delighted to work with QUALCOMM, NTC, Axesstel
and the Thai authorities to improve the socioeconomic conditions of
those with limited access to telecommunications," said Mr. Phisal
Jophochaudom, president of CAT Telecom Public Company Limited. "As
a leading provider of EV-DO high-speed wireless data services in
Thailand, we are in a strong position to help the people of Phang Nga
and other remote areas to enhance the overall communications
capabilities in their communities."
"The Wireless Reach project in Phang Nga demonstrates
Axesstel's commitment to further the goal of universal global
connectivity, particularly in underserved regions of the world,"
said Marv Tseu, chief executive officer for Axesstel. "We look
forward to working with QUALCOMM, regional CDMA operators and other
organizations to increase voice and data access in Thailand. We believe
our D800 EV-DO solution will provide the residents of Phang Nga reliable
connectivity to enable them to obtain the information needed for
education and communication that can be difficult in rural areas."
QUALCOMM believes access to advanced wireless voice and data
services improves people's lives. The Company's Wireless Reach
initiative supports programs and solutions that bring the benefits of
connectivity to developing communities globally. By working with
partners, Wireless Reach projects create new ways for people to
communicate, learn, access healthcare and reach global markets. For more
information, please visit www.qualcomm.com/wirelessreach.
QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing
and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and
services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in
San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is
a 2007 FORTUNE 500(R) company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(R) under
the ticker symbol QCOM.
For more information, visit http://www.qualcomm.com or call
858/845-5959.
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