These are landmark times for the internet, with the number of users set to reach one billion by mid 2005. Usage growth has been particularly rapid during the past decade, fuelled by the mass uptake of fixed broadband technologies like DSL, ISDN and cable. Simultaneously, uptake of mobile telephony has been growing beyond even the wildest expectations, and today penetration levels are touching almost 100 percent in many countries.

Now, following the proliferation of laptops, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, game consoles and other wireless devices, both enterprises and consumers alike are demanding convergence of the internet and mobile telephony. People want to be able to quickly and efficiently access information whenever they choose, from wherever they are. And mobile broadband promises to allow this.

In addition to mobility and rapid data speeds, mobile broadband will offer consumers nationwide coverage, unchallenged flexibility, full interoperability and superior reliability. By allowing subscribers this kind of freedom, operators will enjoy a significant boost in revenue, as rapid data speeds will encourage the downloading of pictures, videos, music files and more.

While usage of mobile broadband services will spur the development of new hybrid access devices, laptop computers will, in the short term, probably remain consumers' first choice. In 1997, global laptop sales stood at around 13.3 million units, representing 14 percent of the total market for computers. This figure almost tripled to 35.3 million in 2003, and by the end of 2004, it is expected to reach 42.5 million. Operators have recognized this trend and are already providing 3G data cards for laptops.

But it is not only consumers and enterprises driving demand for mobile broadband. Governments are now launching initiatives that will make internet access an inalienable citizens' right. In 2002, the European Union established a Mobile Broadband Wireless Access work group, charging it with realizing the vision of widespread deployment of broadband wireless networks. A similar drive is taking place in the USA, where the promise of broadband access for all became a policy issue in the 2004 presidential elections.

Governments are also interested in using mobile broadband for electronic administration. The wireless internet will be a cost-effective and convenient way to reach citizens in remote, inaccessible areas. This will be particularly relevant to governments of large, populous countries, such as China, India, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia, where much of the future growth in internet usage is expected to come from. And for many of the citizens of these countries, mobile broadband will be the primary way in which they access the internet.

Until now, telecom companies have largely foregone remote and inaccessible areas, as the cost of installing wireline networks is both difficult and prohibitively expensive. But 3G mobile networks present a cost-efficient means of covering such regions with both voice and broadband services, which will be key to the economic development of previously unconnected local markets. By allowing the wider transfer of knowledge, mobile broadband has a significant role in helping to overcome economic and cultural divisions.

Ericsson is taking a leading role in helping 3G operators to realize the mobile broadband opportunity. The company has already supplied to 27 out of 45 commercially launched WCDMA networks, and is today the undisputed leader in radio network technology. The strength of this position allows Ericsson to ensure that mobile broadband will drive long-term growth in the telecom industry and will become a significant source of revenue for its customers.