Ericsson Press Releases

Ericsson licenses GPRS and 3G platform to Finnish Benefon

Date: Monday, March 11 2002
 

Ericsson Mobile Platforms and Benefon have agreed on licensing
Ericsson's cutting edge handset technology to Benefon's mobile
telematics products currently under development. The platform enables
GPRS (2.5G) and in its later releases also 3G access.
 
Benefon provides terminal products and solutions to the global mobile
telematics market, by combining three main enabling technologies:
mobile access, mobile Internet and service platforms, and mobile
precision location.
 
"Benefon selected Ericsson Mobile Platforms as the provider of mobile
access technology, due to Ericsson's leading position in GSM, GPRS
and 3G networks and handset technology. The world-class platform is
instrumental in Benefon's push to secure a leading global position in
the growing mobile telematics market. Beyond mere GPRS, our product
range now has a credible roadmap to global multiband GSM and 3G
coverage", says Jukka Nieminen, Chief Operating Officer of Benefon.
 
"The collaboration with Benefon is a further proof of the technical
and commercial strength of Ericsson's solution. Based on Benefon's
strength in the technology and market for Location Based Services,
Ericsson Mobile Platforms believe that Benefon can build a strong
business also outside the consumer handset industry", says Tord
Wingren, President of Ericsson Mobile Platforms.
 
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet
communication through its continuous technology leadership. Providing
innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping
to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
 
 
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Peter Olofsson, Director Public Relations
Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 8 719 1880 / +46 70 267 3445
E-mail: peter.olofsson@etx.ericsson.se
 
About Ericsson Mobile Platforms
Ericsson made an early strategic decision to accelerate the wireless
industry. On 1 September 2001, Ericsson Mobile Platforms was formed
as a fully operational company to offer its complete 2.5G and 3G
platform solutions to all manufacturers of mobile phones and wireless
information devices on the open market. Ericsson Mobile Platforms
offers the fastest route for manufacturers to launch new GPRS or 3G
products with limited R&D and resources, allowing them to focus on
areas of product
differentiation, including applications, industrial design,
distribution and branding.
 
About Benefon
Benefon is a leader in mobile telematics instruments. This market
includes specific professional and consumer application areas such as
safety and security, logistics, asset management, mobile workforce
and fleet management, and health. Benefon mobile telematics
instruments provide full voice and telematics communication as well
as precise location of the user outdoors and indoors. Headquartered
in Salo, Finland, Benefon has designed and manufactured wireless
terminals for GSM and NMT systems since 1988. Please visit:
 www.benefon.com