Spreadtrum Communications

The spreading use of cell phones can mean expanded profits for makers of wireless communications semiconductors like Spreadtrum Communications. The company designs and markets baseband communications chips for the wireless telecom market. Its semiconductors, which are compatible with a range of international wireless standards, are sold to manufacturers of cell phones who incorporate them into their products. Spreadtrum makes sales directly to customers in China through a subsidiary in Shanghai while its US operations focus on administration and R&D. Nearly all of the company's customers are in China.