Ericsson stages live global WCDMA multi-party link-up

Ericsson stages live global WCDMA multi-party link-up Ericsson is demonstrating at CeBIT 2000 the world's first live multi-party link-up of WCDMA pilot systems across seven countries in four world regions. In a move that brings WCDMA technology another step closer to commercial deployment, Ericsson is staging the first live public demonstration featuring a multi-party link-up between Ericsson's WCDMA pilot systems in Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Visitors to the Ericsson stand will be able to try out a selection of wireless services that are possible over a WCDMA network, such as multi- party video conferencing, listening to streaming music, sending wireless postcards to family and friends, and wireless Internet surfing to favorite sites. Ericsson recently won the first-ever agreement for a commercial end-to-end 3G system. The Finnish 2G Ltd. has chosen Ericsson as the main supplier of a nationwide mobile network integrating GSM and 3G. Around the world, Ericsson's customers, the operators, are already trying WCDMA pilot systems and potential applications. Trying this at an early stage ensures that operators achieve a smooth roll-out of services and networks once they acquire the license. Ericsson's WCDMA pilot systems can handle voice calls at 8 kbps, circuit- switched data at 64, 128 and 384 kbps, and packet-switched data at up to 472 kbps. Each system uses Ericsson's common packet switching platform that handles both realtime IP and ATM between network nodes and within each node. The innovative platform offers mobile network operators a flexible infrastructure for future-proof transition to the 3G networks which will be needed for new mobile Internet services. Ericsson is leading the development of 3G mobile communications and the transition to 3G systems. Ericsson offers a smooth transition path from all 2G systems to 3G systems based on WCDMA, cdma2000 and EDGE. Ericsson is the only supplier with a full range of both second and third generation systems. The company offers a 3G portfolio with end-to-end solutions, including terminals, applications and infrastructure. Ericsson has already announced 3G pilot systems on three continents, leveraging the company's more than 10 years of research in 3G technologies. The company has set up 3G pilot systems in Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, U.S., Spain and Sweden. 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 James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 509 9261; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Mikael Halén, Director, Product Marketing, Wideband Radio Networks Ericsson Business Unit WCDMA Systems Phone: +46 70 267 0309; E-mail: mikael.halen@era.ericsson.se About WCDMA 3G services are combining high-speed mobile access with IP (Internet Protocol) based services, resulting in better performing wireless communications delivered with greater cost-effectiveness and significantly richer content. WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) is one of the third generation radio interface technologies that is optimized for wideband radio access to support high-speed multimedia services such as video conferencing and Internet, as well as voice calls. WCDMA allows the wireless bandwidth to be tailored efficiently to the needs of each individual call, whether it is voice, data or multimedia. It can handle both packet and circuit switched services. Multiple calls of different types can be simultaneously made. Ericsson is the world-leading supplier of mobile infrastructure, supplying all current major digital mobile technologies: GSM, PDC, TDMA and cdmaOne. With its complete portfolio of 3G wireless systems, Ericsson is ideally positioned to support any operator anywhere to migrate to 3G, whatever the technology choice, WCDMA, cdma2000 or EDGE. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/02/24/20000224BIT00660/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/02/24/20000224BIT00660/bit0002.pdf