Samsung Electronics Begins Investment in LCD Line 7-2
- To invest 290 billion won


Samsung Electronics, the leader in TFT-LCD technology, has begun construction of a Line 7-2 at its fabrication facility in Tangjeong, South Chungcheong Province. Samsung said on Dec. 27 that it will make a 290 billion won (US$273 million) investment in order to start off the construction of the building for the new line. Line 7-2 will be located to the west of Samsung's Line 7-1. The fabrication facility will be about 300,000 sq. meters while the module assembly facility will be about 93,000 sq. meters. Line 7-1, the joint venture between Samsung Electronics and Sony Corporation, is the world's first 7th Generation line and production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2005.
Following market acceptance of 32-inch LCD panels, Samsung is well positioned to take the lead in standardizing 40-inch and 46-inch LCD TV panels with this early capital investment. The construction of Line 7-2 is in response to the rapid growth in demand for 30-inch and larger LCD TVs and production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2006.
"With Line 7-2, Samsung will secure a stable supply from which we can deliver high-quality, affordable LCD TV panels," said Lee Sang-wan, president and CEO of Samsung's LCD Business. "This will solidify Samsung's leadership position in the industry as it standardizes large-sized LCD TVs."
Currently, Samsung is analyzing the glass size and production capacity that will be most appropriate for the Line 7-2 facility.
Samsung joins WiMAX Forum as Principal Member
Samsung Electronics Co. has become a principal member of the WiMAX Forum, confirming Samsung's commitment to WiMAX that promotes and certifies the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based on the IEEE 802.16 standards.
By joining the WiMAX Forum, Samsung Electronics has the opportunity to promote and contribute to the WiMAX Forum in expanding its scope into the mobile broadband wireless by bringing its expertise and capabilities in mobility and advanced wireless broadband technology to WiMAX.
Samsung Electronics has significantly contributed to the IEEE 802.16 standards and the Korean WiBro (Wireless Broadband) initiative.
Samsung has been developing IEEE 802.16e based products for the commercialization in Korea by the first half of 2006 and for the delivery of WiMAX Forum Certified a products to the global market.
"Samsung has been successfully delivered and supported the mobile products and solutions to our customers. As Samsung has strong commitment and capabilities in new wireless technologies enhancing seamless mobility for the mobile broadband wireless services, we will be successful in Korea as well as in the global market," said Park Joon-ho, vice president of Telecommunication Systems Division at Samsung Electronics.
"We are delighted Samsung has joined the WiMAX Forum," said WiMAX Forum President Ron Resnick. "Samsung has been contributing to the IEEE 802.16 standardization activities and the wireless communications. Their strong commitment and capabilities should significantly help expand our scope with mobility for making broadband wireless available anytime, anywhere, around the globe."
The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, non-profit corporation formed to promote and certify the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products using the IEEE 802.16 and ETSI HiperMAN wireless MAN specifications. The forum's goal is to accelerate the introduction of these devices into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified a products will be fully interoperable and support Metropolitan Broadband Fixed and Portable Applications.
For more information about the WiMAX Forum and its activities, please visit www.WiMAXForum.org.
WiMAX Forum a and WiMAX Forum Certified a are registered trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. nw