LOWELL, Mass., Feb. 13, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- BitWave Semiconductor, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company and innovator of software defined radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) solutions for the cellular industry, today named Osmo Hautanen, a former top Nokia executive, to its Board of Directors. Hautanen will advise and support BitWave's efforts to further develop and commercialize its Softransceiver(tm), a chip-based technology platform that will enable users of cell phones to move across diverse networks with the same device handset.
Hautanen is a recognized leader in technology, telecommunications and private equity communities with extensive experience in managing and organizing operations for major global companies, as well as startups. During his 18 year tenure as an executive at Nokia USA, Hautanen was instrumental in developing the U.S. and Latin American Markets. He also served as the CEO of Fenix LLC, the holding company for Union Pacific Corporation's extensive portfolio of technology assets.
"We welcome Osmo's counsel as we continue our focus on delivering world class diversity technology to the global marketplace," said Doug Shute, CEO of BitWave Semiconductor. "Osmo's telecom expertise, strong industry ties and exceptional success in helping to guide the growth of a wide variety of companies will be great assets to BitWave's future success."
"I look forward to using my experience to help BitWave reach its full market potential and successfully commercialize its technology," said Hautanen. "I am confident that BitWave's technology will be an essential component for carriers and OEMs around the world."
About BitWave Semiconductor, Inc.
BitWave Semiconductor, Inc., is a fabless semiconductor company and developer of the Soft Transceiver chip. BitWave is implementing its patent pending software defined receiver technology in a single CMOS RFIC chip designed to enable users of standard cell phones, laptops and other mobile devices to communicate across diverse networks. Mobile devices using the Softransceiver can operate on multiple frequencies and communication protocols, giving consumers and businesses a broader choice of networks and services. The Softransceiver will allow network operators to offer services on demand and allow device manufacturers to build a single, low-cost radio that can be used in any network, anywhere. All of these benefits are achieved while decreasing the transceiver price, increasing phone battery life and increasing radio performance.
BitWave's founders have more than 50 years collective experience in successfully commercializing software-defined radio technology for the cell phone industry. BitWave's IP and technology has been tested and validated in silicon. Since its inception in 2003, BitWave has received $13 million in funding from notable investors that include Techno Venture Management, E-Century Capital and Apex Venture Partners. BitWave is currently collaborating with multiple researchers from universities including MIT and the University of Florida, and the company has a large number of patents pending. For more information, go to www.bitwavesemiconductor.com.