Ericsson is to provide Emitel with Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) lines to establish broadband service for smaller towns and local communities of southern Hungary. The ADSL lines will be delivered using Ericsson's new ultra-compact, scalable Ethernet DSL Access solution. The solution enables standard ADSL lines to be offered economically at smaller sites (starting from ten subscribers) and uses Ethernet technology to provide cost-effective high-bandwidth links in the 'second mile' network.

"Ericsson's Ethernet DSL Access is completely breaking away from the philosophy of traditional telecommunication equipment," says Bela Kozma, General Manager of Emitel. "We see it as a step towards IP (Internet Protocol) integration, which can give the possibility for Emitel to leapfrog some development steps."

Ericsson's Ethernet DSL Access will allow Emitel to easily build out their backhaul network directly on IP, without the need for ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) or other technology.

Initially, Emitel will be offering high-speed Internet access to its customers. In the future, Emitel could also cost-effectively implement bandwidth-intense services by using the IP multicast capabilities of the Ethernet DSL Access network.

Implementation of the network began this month. To date, Ericsson Hungary is the only ADSL supplier of Emitel.