In a development agreement this week between Siemens Communication Devices (Richardson, TX) and Proxim Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA), the two companies say they will jointly develop integrated wireless voice and data network solutions for home and small office use.

Siemens will provide core voice capability for the technologies and products resulting from the partnership, while Proxim will contribute expertise on the wireless data elements of converged data/voice solutions. The cooperative wireless approach is designed to eliminate the limitations of existing home wiring, and to avoid costs and time of installing new wiring.

For telecom service providers, the Siemens/Proxim partnership is intended to help drive broadband services into more homes at lower costs, and also open the way for new services and revenue streams. The companies say service providers will be able to deliver complete voice and data solutions throughout the home while increasing the likelihood of controlling the "last mile" amid competitive pressures. (www.siemenscordless.com; www.proxim.com)