Ericsson to connect Panasonic Toughbooks with mobile broadband

•  All new Panasonic Toughbook models will feature Ericsson's mobile broadband module
• Toughbook notebooks and tablets - used in the toughest environments - will now offer the benefits of embedded mobile broadband
• The HSPA module offers download speeds of up to 21Mbps and upload speeds reaching 5.8Mbps
• The first Panasonic Toughbook models, the CF-53 and CF-31 mk2, are already available

All users of new Panasonic Toughbook models launched in 2011 will enjoy access to a flawless internet connection, even in the most inhospitable environments, thanks to Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERIC) F5521gw embedded HSPA Evolution mobile broadband module.

The Panasonic Toughbook has led the market for rugged laptops for nine years and has 65.3 percent of the European market (2010, VDC). Panasonic Toughbooks, which come in both notebook and tablet models, are built to withstand drops, spills, dust and grime, and are used in the toughest environments - ranging from construction sites to the tallest mountaintops - around the world. In these extreme conditions, often far from any fixed connection, mobile connectivity is crucial to effective communications.

Stephen Yeo, Marketing Director, Panasonic Computer Products Europe, says: "Ericsson's F5521gw module is an ideal addition to our market-leading Panasonic Toughbooks. The long battery life, low power consumption, high performance and cost-effectiveness are exactly what Toughbook users need as they work in environments that would destroy the average laptop."

Mats Norin, Vice President, Ericsson Mobile Broadband Modules, says: "Ericsson has a vision of more than 50 billion connected devices by 2020, and Ericsson mobile broadband modules will play an important part in connecting every segment of our society. Ericsson ConsumerLab research shows that, regardless of the device they use, many people are discovering how difficult life is when they are not continuously connected. Internet everywhere is becoming a prerequisite for consumers as well as professional users. Devices will therefore be required to work in increasingly varied environments and situations, and Ericsson can help ensure those experiences are of the highest quality."

The latest Panasonic Toughbook models are already available, and more products will be launched throughout 2011. Panasonic Toughbooks feature the Windows 7 operating system and Intel processors.

When launched in September 2010, the F5521gw module was the world's first embedded mobile broadband module specifically designed for notebooks and other consumer electronics to support 21Mbps HSPA Evolution networks. The module comes in a standard PCI Express Mini Card format. Two new modules in even smaller and thinner form factors, also supporting 21Mbps download speeds, will be available later this year to fit even smaller devices, such as media players and personal navigation devices. The F5521gw module is based on the proven ST-Ericsson Thor 21Mbps thin modem, which works on both WCDMA/HSPA and GSM/EDGE networks.

Notes to editors:

Related white papers:

http://www.ericsson.com/technology/whitepapers/

Related press backgrounders:

http://www.ericsson.com/ericsson/press/facts_figures/index.shtml

Mobile broadband modules:

http://www.ericsson.com/ourportfolio/products/mobile-broadband-modules

Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room: www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the "prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.

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