Panasonic to Stop Making GSM phones
12 December 2005 by axxxr
Panasonic Mobile have announced that they are to cease production of GSM handsets from January 2006 and concentrate on 3G next generation handsets. Panasonic Mobile will phase out its overseas 2.5G GSM mobile terminal operations due to severe global competition.By concentrating resources into next-generation mobile terminal technologies, as well as unifying its platforms and core technologies for the Japanese and overseas market, Panasonic Mobile aims to improve development efficiency and product competitiveness.Sales and service activities for the current GSM products will continue. In line with this decision, the following initiatives will commence from January 2006: (1) In order to concentrate resources into the development of common core technologies and next-generation mobile terminals, Panasonic Mobile fs global R&D structure will be reorganized. By focusing on the development of a Linux OS-based global platform, Panasonic Mobile will close its R&D operations at Panasonic Mobile Communications Development Corporation of U.S.A. (PMCDU) in the United States, which has been developing other OS platforms. In addition, R&D operations at Panasonic Mobile Communications Development of Europe Ltd. (PMCDE) in the United Kingdom will concentrate on the development of 3G and next-generation technologies such as wireless modem and other platforms. (2) With the phasing out of GSM mobile terminal operations, Panasonic Mobile will reorganize its overseas manufacturing facilities. |