Ericsson Pumps Up HSPA

STOCKHOLM -- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) will perform the first-ever demonstration of the new HSPA multi-carrier technology for peak downlink data rates of 42Mbps at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Australian operator Telstra, currently pioneering HSPA downlink data rates of up to 21Mbps in their Next G(TM) commercial network, welcomes the demonstration of the multi-carrier technology, which will significantly improve consumer experience in the entire network coverage area.

Multi-carrier technology is the next step in the evolution of HSPA and enables consumers to receive data simultaneously on two frequency channels. This doubles the user data rate in the coverage area of an HSPA network and on the cell edge, where consumers normally experience lower data rates. As a result the peak downlink data rate increases from today's fastest available 21Mbps to 42Mbps. This significantly improves the consumer experience for online services with high-quality content.

The demonstration uses the design concept of an Ericsson Mobile Broadband Router. This consumer device enables easy-to-use fixed wireless access as an attractive alternative for fixed-line services by utilizing an HSPA network. The unit can be used anywhere broadband access is needed, such as in homes, offices or public places. Thanks to the Mobile Broadband Router, the high data rates of up to 42Mbps can be shared between multiple consumers, providing efficient use of the high-speed broadband connection.

Ericsson's HSPA multi-carrier technology will be ready for commercial implementation by the end of 2009.

Mike Wright, Executive Director Telstra Wireless says: "This exciting concept demonstration shows the strength of the HSPA technology on which we have based our Next G(TM) network. The Telstra and Ericsson partnership has grown through the various releases of HSPA and has delivered tremendously successful high speed broadband services to millions of Australians. It is impressive to see the next evolution in action today as an indication of what carriers will be able to experience by the end of the year."

Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio, Ericsson, says: "With this demonstration, Ericsson shows its continued technology leadership. High peak data rates, increased capacity and low network costs are important ingredients for successful mobile broadband services. With the early introduction of 64QAM, MIMO and multi-carrier technologies, Ericsson enables operators all over the world to be leaders in their broadband markets."

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)