History of Samsung (14): Partnerships Form as Mobile Phone and LCD Markets Expand: 1999

Samsung Electronics developed world’s first 1GHz CPU

Samsung Electronics developed the world’s first super-fast 1GHz CPU in June, 1999. In cooperation with Compaq Computer Corp., Samsung developed 1GHz Alpha CPU which was at least twice as fast as the data processing speed of previous market-leading series chips.

Samsung and Sprint PCS Signed $500 million agreement 

Samsung Telecommunications America (STA) and Sprint, the biggest PCS Corporation in the United States, reached an agreement valued at up to $500 million for the delivery of wireless phones. At the time, this was the Samsung’s biggest mobile phone contract.

Samsung signed $8.5 billion agreement

1999 was quite a year for investments and multi-million or billion dollar agreements.  Samsung Electronics signed a $100 million agreement with Apple for development of a TFT-LCD. In addition, Dell Computer Corp. partnered up with Samsung Electronics to supply it with TFT-LCD in a deal worth $8.5 billion over five years. The deal was very important to Samsung in its efforts to shore up its position as the market leader in the TFT-LCD market against competitors.

Announcement of “Samsung DIGITall, everyone’s invited”

1999 lead Samsung Electronics to herald a new brand slogan – “Samsung DIGITall: everyone’s invited” – in order to reflect the company’s drive to integrate digital home, mobile and personal multimedia on a global scale. Samsung’s goal was and is to become the top digital product supplier in the world, focusing on three core themes: For all generations, For all customers, For all products. In addition, Samsung Electronics presented a ‘Global Digital Road Show’ as a part of the global marketing campaign.

Samsung Electronics develops the world’s first TV phone

Samsung Electronics completed development of the world’s first mobile phone with a satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) chip. This step paved the way for localization of satellite DMB components. Satellite DMB was in the spotlight as the next generation in broadcasting formats. The service would be accessible anywhere to users on the move via either receivers in automobiles or handheld terminals. With 1.8 inch TFT-LCD screen, the mobile phone TV had the smallest satellite DMB chip.

*The History of Samsung Electronics

(1) Paving a New Path 1968~1970

(2) Diversification and Expansion 1971~1974

(3) Meeting Demands for Energy Efficiency 1975~1976

(4) Innovation and efficiency combine for record-beating production and export boom! (1977~1978)

(5) Suwon R&D Center Expands Knowledge Base: Samsung Semiconductor Expands Production Base 1979~1980

(6) History of Samsung (6): Entering the Global marketplace 1981~1983

(7) Semiconductor Breakthroughs and High-Profile Sponsoring 1984-1985

(8) RAM Grows as Tape Recorders Shrink, Awards Pile Up: 1986-87

(9) Restructuring the Company to Clarify Its Purpose: 1988-1989

(10)The world’s first dual deck VCR completed and massive Chinese production begins: 1988-1992

(11)Adoption of new Corporate Identity and development of world’s first 256-mega DRAM semiconductor: 1993-1997

(12)Declaration of the Customer Rights & development of new refrigerator and Agipul type washing machine

(13)Development of flat screen TV and cellular flip phone: 1998