Ericsson today announced another milestone in rapid growth of wireless broadband this week with Telstra’s demonstration of the world’s fastest mobile broadband modem on its Next G mobile network during its Investor Day presentation in Sydney on 6 November. 

The broadband device is capable of peak network downlink speeds of 21Mbps and uses Enhanced HSPA (eHSPA) technology created in conjunction with Telstra partners Ericsson, Sierra Wireless and Qualcomm.

Trials of the mobile broadband modem will commence in December with a full commercial launch scheduled for early 2009. Telstra's Ericsson-built, HSPA-enabled Next G network is considered by many to be one of the world’s most advanced mobile networks. 

“The new modem underscores the stunning growth of mobile broadband and the maturity of HSPA technology. There are now more than 63 million mobile broadband users around the world and a mass market is developing rapidly. Users are realising that mobile broadband offers the superior benefits of better security, cost, coverage, simplicity, mobility and speed,” said Tony Malligeorgos, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Ericsson Australia and New Zealand.   

“'3G networks have evolved considerably since the first deployment in 2002 and there are currently 221 HSPA networks in commercial operation today.  eHSPA will continue to evolve and deliver increased peak network speeds for operators and by the end of 2009 will provide downlink speeds of up to 42Mbps, together with increased network capacity to support the booming mobile broadband market,” said Mr Malligeorgos.

Earlier in October Ericsson hosted the world’s first live demonstration of eHSPA interoperability at Ericsson headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, with Telstra, Qualcomm, and Sierra Wireless. 

Out of the estimated 1.8 billion broadband subscriptions by 2012, Ericsson estimates that some two-thirds will be mobile broadband services. The faster speeds and greater capacity of HSPA technology will result in new applications such as e-health, and an increasing number of devices will acquire mobile broadband capability, such as laptops, cameras, tablet computers, and games consoles.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 185 million subscribers. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of ‘communication for all’ through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm, London and NASDAQ stock exchanges.

For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi.