Alcatel-Lucent Invests in WiMAX Semiconductor Supplier Sequans

Alcatel-Lucent today announced it has invested in SEQUANS Communications, a leading supplier and developer of fixed and mobile WiMAX semiconductor solutions. The investment is an extension of Sequans’ recent round of funding announced in July 2006. Terms of the investment agreement were not disclosed.

“Our investment in Sequans shows our commitment to WiMAX and our interest in supporting the development of the leading WiMAX technologies,” said Karim El Naggar, vice president of Alcatel-Lucent WiMAX Business Unit. “Sequans’ high-performance chips are an important element helping to ensure Alcatel-Lucent’s leading position in this industry.”

“Alcatel-Lucent is a key WiMAX player and the worldwide leader in broadband deployment,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “By strengthening our cooperation, we will be able to better benefit from Alcatel-Lucent’s vast experience in addressing the needs of broadband fixed and mobile markets.”

Sequans has been heavily involved with the development of IEEE 802.16 d/e standards and WiMAX Forum activities, including all PlugFests, where interoperability is tested, and certification procedures. Sequans will soon be releasing a mobile WiMAX chip for client devices designed to exceed WiMAX Forum Wave 2 certification requirements.