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| Stock Symbol: WIN (TSE) Profile News: Forums: |
Calgary based Wi-LAN is an innovator in
the field of wireless broadband technology with its
patented Wide-band Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing (W-OFDM), one of several patented
technologies the company has. Its focus is what is called spread spectrum systems, a method of transmitting data over varied frequencies, a process known as "frequency hopping". Interestingly, a form of the technology was co-developed and patented by Hollywood screen legend Hedy Lamarr. This "Secret Communication System" was developed to guide torpedoes to targets without enemy detection during World War II. Lamarr's patent expired in 1959, but Wi-LAN shrewdly bought a 49% interest in her claim to the patent in exchange for Wi-LAN shares. Not only was Lamarr compensated for work she never received compensation or recognition for before, Wi-LAN got rights to actively promote Lamarr's recognition as a spread spectrum pioneeer. Wi-LAN has proposed that its patented Multicode Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (MDSSS) technology be made an international standard with the International Telecommunications Union by offering to license it on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. The Swiss based ITU is the international body that sets global telecom network and service standards. Wi-LAN's aim is to become the new standard for third generation cellular telephone systems. Its W-OFDM technology was made a standard by the IEEE in September 1999 and was recently licensed to Philips Semiconductors. The stock moved from the Alberta Stock Exchange to the TSE in late October 1999 and has risen steadily in price since. It doubled in the week ending Nov. 26 on speculation that it may become a takeover target for Cisco Systems which has developed a similar technology which may infringe on Wi-LAN patents. The company is co-hosting a conference in California with partner Philips Electronics on Dec. 2nd to form a consortium of wireless companies around Wi-LAN's technology. Shares Outstanding: 20,882,476
Address: Phone: 403-273-9133 This page last updated: Nov. 28, 1999 |