Branded network solution providers set to enter dual-mode handset market

With Taiwan-based network device maker D-Link to begin shipping GSM/WLAN dual-mode phones in the first quarter of 2007, other branded vendors such as Linksys (a division of Cisco Systems) and Netgear are expected to follow suit, according to sources at Taiwan network-equipment makers.

While D-Link is outsourcing production of its V-CLICK dual-mode phone, which features tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) and 802.11 Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) access, to Taiwan-based Wistron NeWebs, Netgear reportedly will outsource production of its branded dual-mode phones to Taiwan-based Inventec Appliances, the sources noted.

To avoid competition with branded handset vendors, the network solution providers are expected to initially target specified segments, such as the SMB (small- and medium-size business) market, SOHO users and WISPs (wireless Internet service providers), the sources indicated.

Article translated by Steve Shen and edited by Eric Mah