NEC has recently announced plans to procure chipsets and core software for 3G handsets from Qualcomm and Ericsson, signaling a departure from adopting its own key components. By drawing on outside technological resources for more than half its 3G models, NEC is seeking to minimize R&D costs and flesh out its handset line.

 

The Japanese company has already adopted Qualcomm's chipsets in a new 3G model. In the future, handsets on Qualcomm's chips will primarily shipped to the Chinese market after local operators conclude trials in the beginning of 2005. Handsets based on Ericsson's chipsets are slated for launch in Europe after the first quarter of 2005.