SKorean firms to jointly develop new chips

Samsung Electronics will lead a group of South Korean firms in jointly developing advanced semiconductors used for smartphones and digital televisions, officials said Monday.

Samsung, the world's largest maker of microchips for digital gadgets and second largest mobile phone producer, will work with LG Electronics to make global digital TV receiver chips, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said.

LG and other local firms will design the chips while Samsung will manufacture and test the products, the ministry said.

Meanwhile SK Telecom, the country's largest mobile carrier, will develop a wireless connectivity system-on-chip for smart phones with other chip makers, it said.

The government will provide about 19.5 billion won (15.6 million dollars) for the projects while the private sector will put in 21.5 billion won, it said.

(c) 2009 AFP