Mobile Broadband

Business perspective

The business perspectives of mobile broadband are defined in the following Ericsson Strategic Engagement Topics (SETs):

• SET Operator ROI Leadership defines the proof points around Ericsson solutions which are at a premium in the industry. This SET is also about helping operators understand the financial aspects of their networks, and to leverage on identified operational efficiencies.
• SET Mobile Broadband Monetization identifies business strategies that have proved successful in mobile broadband markets globally. This SET identifies opportunities for growth and monetization of mobile broadband solutions to increase ARPU in our customers’ business.
• SET Mobile Broadband Operator Strategy focuses on helping implement the customers’ vision of success in their wireless business. It brings together business, solutions and services initiatives to support the operators in driving focused investments aligned with their mobile broadband strategy. In the report MBB OS Q4 report A , Ericsson has summarized some key global mobile broadband operator strategies.

Customer situation

Enhanced mobile networks
The uptake of mobile broadband usage is the main driver for growth in broadband connectivity. People connect to the internet 24/7 via computers and smartphones everywhere. Enhanced mobile networks provide the coverage, performance and capacity required to fulfill people’s high lifestyle-expectations. With the evolution of the major mobile broadband technologies HSPA and LTE, true broadband performance and capacity will continue to be delivered in a cost-efficient manner. In a second wave of mobile broadband offerings, we now see an increased focus on differentiation: where our customers can deliver broadband with the capabilities and costs suitable for each end-user and service. In the future we will see that everything that can benefit from being connected will be connected, primarily over mobile broadband, reaching 50 billion connected devices and more.

Ericsson’s offering

Ericsson is the industry leader with mobile broadband solutions that are designed to support operators’ long-term strategies. Our offering includes:

• Product solutions that encompass GSM, CDMA, EDGE, EVDO, HSDPA, HSPA, LTE and Wi-Fi
• Bringing excellence in network performance with product and services solutions based on our global expertise (Operator Performance Partnerships)
• Bringing insights to the industry with consulting in Mobile Broadband Monetization of cellular and Wi-Fi solutions, identifying data plans that are successful in Ericsson markets
• Driving organic and disruptive evolution of wireless networks with Network Evolution
• Identifying value propositions for both operators and Ericsson in network solutions and deployment through return on investment (ROI) Leadership analyses
• • Providing guidance to the industry and operators about the future – Heterogeneous Networks Leadership for efficient use of wireless with convergence of technologies
• • Using all of the above approaches in the form of a Mobile Broadband Operator Strategy that guides our customers in implementing their five-year strategic vision in the industry with Ericsson.

End-user perspective

Because the success of our customers is measured to a large extent by the experience of their subscribers, the end-user perspective is a critical aspect of Ericsson business solutions. This is captured in the form of ConsumerLab reports (external to Ericsson) and mobile broadband insights listed in the documents below:

• Smartphone Lab EP MBB Report 2012-Q4 - Rev A reports on Ericsson insights on smartphone evolution, applications and effects on the end-user perspective in using an mobile broadband network
• SSB Q4 Global market and strategy update rev A d reports on mobile broadband around the world, and provides material about how to capture mobile broadband business, based on our findings from global markets
• Smartphone shipment report Q3 2012 provides insights on trends in smartphone types to better define Ericsson and operator strategy
• SET Operator Performance Partnerships describes how excellent user experience is possible with well designed and optimized wireless networks.

Technology perspective

Mobile broadband is rapidly evolving as a technology: from GSM/CDMA – HSDPA/EVDO – HSPA – LTE, and converging with Wi-Fi solutions into heterogeneous networks. This combination of technologies leads to multiple, business-driven use cases in different industry verticals outside mobile broadband.

Aspects of technology evolution, and changes needed in networks, are addressed in the SET Network Evolution. Guidance to new operators and Ericsson sales is addressed in the 2012 SET LTE Leadership. Proof points for both customers and Ericsson sales are described in Proof points of Ericsson LTE Leadership

As a logical next step in technology evolution, heterogeneous networks will be addressed in SET Heterogeneous Networks Leadership. 

Main values

Mobile broadband presents great opportunities for operators in both mature and new markets. As consumers demand more from mobile broadband, operators who can offer the best services with the best speed, availability and quality will earn loyalty and create a competitive advantage. The opportunities for growth are exceptional.