Ericsson shows first live WCDMA multimedia calls from its new UK WCDMA Center

Ericsson shows first live WCDMA multimedia calls from its new UK WCDMA Center Ericsson has conducted the UK's first public demonstration of live WCDMA multimedia calls for third-generation (3G) mobile communications. Ericsson made the WCDMA calls at the opening of its UK WCDMA Center outside London. The Center is open to all existing operators and new candidates for UK 3G licenses: some already working with Ericsson at the Center. As well as providing a complete, fully operational WCDMA network, the Ericsson center will also enable further testing and evaluation of new mobile handsets and services. Among services shown at the inauguration, Ericsson demonstrated over the air all-WCDMA wireless multimedia, including video calls and links to the company's WCDMA system in Sweden. These are the latest in a series of Ericsson WCDMA trials, including WCDMA calls over public networks during 1998. Ericsson completed the first WCDMA voice call in April 1998. Previous breakthrough WCDMA calls also include video calls from Italy to Germany over the air having the Japanese video standard meet the European video standard. Ericsson's aim with the Center is to give potential 3G operators, service providers and developers further hands-on experience of WCDMA technology and its service capabilities, enabling fast roll-out of attractive services as soon as possible after UK 3G licenses are issued. Speaking at the launch, Ericsson's Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Torbjörn Nilsson, said, "This will give potential 3G operators, regardless of present experience, valuable real-world insight of what to expect from services. Participants will also be able to further exchange knowledge on equal terms. National and international stakeholders will participate in this exchange. Added to this exchange is also research and academic institutions, user groups as well as operators and service providers from other parts of the world." With WCDMA as a cornerstone, ETSI 3G standard named UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), will enable users a range of wireless services, including high-speed wireless IP services, as well as opening doors to exciting new service opportunities. Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Paula Wagstaff, Media Relations Director, Ericsson Limited Phone: +44 1444 234354; E-mail: paula.wagstaff@etl.ericsson.se Håkan Enquist, Director, UMTS, Ericsson Limited Phone: +44 1483 305910; Eric Österberg, Communications Director Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 0599; E-mail: eric.osterberg@lme.ericsson.se ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/19/19990219BIT00560/bit0001.pdf http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/19/19990219BIT00560/bit0002.doc