TSMC replaces PHS with customized 3G handsets offered by CHT

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has begun replacing low-power PHS (personal handyphone system) handsets used by about 20,000 employees for internal communications with a custom-made 3G handset provided by Chunghwa Telecom (CHT). TSMC's procurement budget for the handsets is expected to reach NT$60 million (US$1.8 million) at least, according to industry sources.

TSMC has used PHS in order to avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI) in clean rooms, the sources pointed out. CHT successfully adjusted its 3G service along with the custom-made 3G handset to meet TSMC's requirements about EMI and information security, in order to win TSMC's bidding project to replace PHS, the sources indicated.

The 3G handset allows TSMC employees to talk with one another without charges and connect their office extension numbers with the handsets, the sources indicated.