ITU and Qualcomm Enhance Mobile Telecommunication Capacity for Emergencies

GENEVA and SAN DIEGO, July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ITU and Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services, have reached an agreement to improve emergency communications for disaster preparedness and to coordinate relief activities in the aftermath of a disaster.

Qualcomm has agreed to donate a Qualcomm Deployable Base Station (QDBS) to ITU with a total estimated value of nearly USD 500,000. The base station will enhance ITU's capacity in deploying mobile telecommunications to assist countries in preparing for disaster and in strengthening response and recovery mechanisms.

Based on 3G CDMA technology, QDBS is a compact, quickly deployable and easy to operate mobile solution for providing first-responder communications. This reliable, responsive and complete cellular system can be forward-deployed to supply vital wireless communications.

"We are delighted by this alliance with one of our development Sector Members," said Mr. Sami Al Basheer, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. "QDBS brings with it the wireless technology that is so essential in bridging the telecommunication gap when terrestrial networks are knocked out by natural disasters."

Qualcomm provides wireless solutions that are relevant and critical in responding to disasters. Through its Wireless Reach(TM) initiative, Qualcomm works with organizations such as ITU to bring wireless technology to those who need it most.

"We are proud to work with ITU and provide a useful system to enhance their emergency communications programme," said Shawn A. Covell, Senior Director of International Government Affairs for Qualcomm. "Wireless Reach is fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with ITU in order to help make a difference when a disaster strikes."

    For more information, please contact:

    Sanjay Acharya
    Chief, Media Relations and Public Information
    ITU
    Tel: +41 22 730 5046
    Mobile: +41 79 249 4861
    Fax: +41 22 730 5939
    E-mail: pressinfo@itu.int

    Cosmas Zavazava
    Chief of Division
    Emergency Telecommunications
    ITU
    Tel: +41 22 730 5447
    E-mail: cosmas.zavazava@itu.int

    Tina Asmar
    Qualcomm Corporate Communications
    Tel: +1 858 845 5959
    E-mail: corpcomm@qualcomm.com


    John Gilbert
    Qualcomm Investor Relations
    Tel: +1 858 658 4813
    E-mail: ir@qualcomm.com

About Wireless Reach

Qualcomm believes access to advanced wireless voice and data services improves people's lives. Qualcomm's Wireless Reach(TM) 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 health care and reach global markets.

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) 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 100 Index, the S&P 500 Index and is a 2009 FORTUNE 500 company. For more information, please visit www.qualcomm.com.

About ITU

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. For nearly 145 years, ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems and addressed the global challenges of our times, such as mitigating climate change and strengthening cybersecurity.

ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums, such as ITU TELECOM WORLD, bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the telecommunications and ICT industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing world.

From broadband Internet to latest-generation wireless technologies, from aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based meteorology, from convergence in fixed-mobile phone, Internet access, data, voice and TV broadcasting to next-generation networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

SOURCE ITU; Qualcomm Incorporated

Released July 9, 2009