EDOM Technology, a Taiwanese-based semiconductor distributor, and Magnolia Broadband, Inc., a fabless semiconductor start-up and innovator of antenna diversity RF solutions for the wireless industry, have jointly signed a distribution agreement. The pact authorizes EDOM to sell, distribute and support Magnolia's diversity handset chipsets to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the Taiwanese and Chinese markets.

The deployment of Magnolia's DiversityPlus chips in dual antenna cell phones will enable wireless carriers to serve twice as many subscribers within the same wireless infrastructure, eliminating the need for additional cell towers, while boosting coverage, data throughput and battery life. Additional benefits for carriers and consumers will include more reliable connections, fewer "dead zones," improved quality of service and a substantial lowering in the amount of energy the phone emits.

The EDOM distribution agreement adds to Magnolia Broadband's growing list of international distribution partners and closely follows recently announced deals with Uniquest of Korea and Macnica of Japan. The EDOM partnership further bolsters Magnolia's strategic plans of deploying the DiversityPlus technology in all major wireless markets. Last month, the company successfully completed the first phase of a prototype program for Korea's SK Telecom to integrate Magnolia's novel DiversityPlus product in a cdma2000 1xEVDO handset platform. The prototype is being field-tested in commercial networks to validate performance previously obtained in prior field tests.

"We look forward to representing Magnolia Broadband in the Chinese marketplace and are confident that our marketing presence will help the company to establish its handset diversity technology with key handset OEMs," said Wayne Tseng, EDOM's CEO and chairman. "We are confident that Magnolia's unique diversity solution is well-suited for success in China and Taiwan's expanding and demanding telecom markets."

"As China becomes the largest wireless market, we are very pleased to have EDOM Technology in the forefront to assist us there," said Larry Wasylin, Magnolia's vice president of sales and marketing. "EDOM will undoubtedly provide Magnolia with the market savvyness we need to deploy our DiversityPlus technology in China. This is another strong endorsement of our technology coming from a leading regional distribution player."

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