Franklin Telecom Buys Out Partner in Cyclone

Franklin Telecom in Westlake Village has acquired full ownership of its joint venture with StarComm Products, based in Huntington Beach.

The venture, announced in May 1996, was formed to develop the ICM8 card, a major component of its Cyclone product. The Cyclone merges Franklin’s D-Mark Channel Bank with StarComm’s V.34 modem technology.

The product, which combines two pieces of equipment into one, brings cost savings to Internet service providers, eliminates a labyrinth of wiring and allows greater simplicity of use, according to Franklin spokeswoman Helen West.

The original agreement called for Franklin to own 70% of the ICM8 card while StarComm held the remaining 30%. Franklin’s acquisition of StarComm’s 30% was accomplished through a cash buy-out.

“I am delighted to be able to have full ownership of the Cyclone,” said Frank Peters, Franklin’s president and chief executive officer. “The Internet explosion is still in a relatively early stage, and the Cyclone is made to order for larger corporations interested in outsourcing or installing remote access, and also entrepreneurs.”

Franklin Telecom, founded in 1981, designs and manufactures communications devices, satellite systems and software.