History

NEC History

From the beginning of telephony to broadband Internet technology, NEC (Nippon Electric Company) has devoted more than 100 years of technological innovation to serving people around the world.

NEC was formed as a limited partnership between Japanese investors and the Western Electric Company in 1899, where it began producing and selling telephones and switching systems.

The company quickly expanded as it contributed to technological advancements in radio communications, computer design, photo telegraphic equipment, telecommunications and broadcast transmissions.

Today NEC Corporation is a Global Fortune 500 company with more than 154,000 employees worldwide and $41 billion in revenues.

NEC Australia

NEC Australia opened in 1969 with just five employees at its head office in Mulgrave, Victoria. Today, it employs over 800 staff and 200 partners to research, develop and deploy advanced IT and network communication solutions and services using best-of-breed technologies.

NEC Australia is a leading provider of superior, affordable products, services and solutions to carriers, business, government and consumers. A leader in the development of broadband and mobile communications technologies, NEC Australia’s expertise has propelled the company to the forefront of new era in communications.

Through the provision of new technologies such as plasma displays, data projectors and high-speed broadband connections, NEC Australia continues to drive innovation into the home and business.

Milestones
2010	NEC focus is on cloud services and unified communications
2009	NEC launches Broadband for Seniors Internet kiosks across the Australia
2008	NEC revolutionises the classroom with new interactive whiteboard
2007	The UNIVERGE Communications Centre is launched
2004	Five super computer sites are located in Australia
	Australia implements the first i-mode mobiles for Telstra
2003	Next Generation broadband research unit is established
	Delivery of Australia ’s first 3G mobiles - Hutchinson
2001	NEC launches new company-wide positioning statement "Empowered by Innovation"
	NEXTEP Broadband launched to deliver broadband services to small and medium enterprises throughout Australia
	40,000 key telephone systems sold
	NEC celebrates 100 years
1999	NEC opens the world's most advanced semiconductor R&D facility
1998	Launched maxi multimedia, a world first multimedia project offering on-line access to Victorian Government services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1997	Won the contract to provide rural and remote Australia with an advanced communications system
1996	Introduced digital mobile telephones including Australia 's first designed and developed GSM mobile
1994	Produced our millionth colour television in Australia
	Launched the mobile satellite telephone - the world's first mobile satellite telephone
1992	Launched the world's smallest phone - the P5
	Completed installation of the PABX network at the Australian Antarctic Divisions Headquarters in Kingston, Tasmania, linking field bases at Macquarie Island, Casey, Davis and Mawson Stations
1990	Upgraded the Brisbane to Cairns microwave broadcast transmission link and completed the Melbourne-Adelaide microwave link
1989	Sold our 10,000th PABX in Australia
1986	Launched Cellular Mobile Telephones, EFT-POS Data Modems, and Envoy Telephones
1985	Completed the Bendigo, Victoria, remote satellite main earth station, a part of the Iterra Network Service
1984	Commenced manufacture of Fibre Optics Transmission Systems
1983	Commenced marketing pagers in Australia
1981	NEC Computers Australia established
	NEC Australia's 500th PABX system is sold
1980	Started producing PABX equipment
1979	Launched facsimile machines
1977	Japan's National Space Development Agency launches the NEC-produced Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (Himawari)
1969	NEC Australia commenced operations with 5 employees
1960	Integrated circuit R&D begins
1954	Computer R&D begins
1950	Transistor R&D begins
1944	NEC becomes the first company in Japan to successfully test microwave multiplex communications
1925	Electron tube development program starts
1924	Radio communications business begins
1899	Nippon Electric Company Ltd. is established with Western Electric Company of the United States to become the first Japanese joint venture with foreign capital
1899	Production, sales and maintenance of telephones and switching systems begin

Related Links (external):

NEC History

NEC Australia

Milestones