Ericsson drives mobile broadband mass market with launch of HSPA embedded module

February 21, 2007

Ericsson is launching its new HSPA embedded module, which enables built-in mobile broadband in every new notebook computer, as well as in any other device.

To further strengthen its position in the broadband market, Ericsson is moving to bring HSPA to every new notebook, fixed wireless terminal and any other device where 3G can replace ADSL. The launch is in line with Ericsson's strategy to accelerate the growth of the mobile broadband market and continue its world leadership.

Håkan Eriksson, CTO, Ericsson, says: "We want to make mobile broadband a mass market and with this new offering we are taking the lead."

Networks all over the world are now being upgraded and users are starting to realize that the same high-capacity services that, until now, have been available only at home or in the workplace can be accessible using any device. Users are beginning to see the possibilities of mobile broadband - connectivity to any service, anytime, anywhere and on any device.

"The module is built with core technology from Ericsson's mobile platforms business," Eriksson says. "Ericsson knows 3G better than anyone, and has a strong patent portfolio and patent cross-licensing agreements. The company is uniquely positioned to reshape the broadband market, and we will leverage our worldwide, end-to-end testing facilities, extensive knowledge in radio design and our mobile platform technology for this state-of-the-art product."

Ericsson's HSPA module, designed, manufactured and marketed by the new Embedded Modules product area, will support all mobile standards: HSPA, EDGE, GPRS and GSM. For HSPA, it will offer 7.2Mbps in the downlink and 2Mbps in the uplink.

"For Ericsson, this way of offering HSPA embedded modules in notebooks is completely new," Eriksson says. "We believe it's what's needed to make mobile broadband take off."

The HSPA module, smaller than a credit card, will be included in notebooks by early 2008.