In countries with limited access to fixed networks, where demand for broadband is strong and the mobile phone is the most affordable way to access the internet, Ericsson's (NASDAQ:ERIC) EDGE Evolution presents subscribers with a great opportunity. This shortcut to mobile broadband adds 3G capabilities to GSM networks, significantly reduces delays and can increase data speeds by up to 300 percent. A potential market of 4 billion GSM users could soon enjoy internet browsing, access to social networks, and other multimedia content via their mobile phones.
EDGE Evolution also makes a difference for users who already have access to mobile broadband services. With improved speed and overall data performance, the existing GSM network can complement and smooth out patchy 3G coverage. The software is now being activated and evaluated in several European and Asian operators' live networks.
Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson, says: "We are proud to be the world's first vendor with a commercially available EDGE Evolution solution. This is mobile broadband performance with low entry barriers. With this technology operators can address a potential market of 4 billion GSM users and provide cost-effective mobile broadband anywhere - including countries where 3G licenses have not yet been granted. It is all part of our commitment to offering improved communications such as mobile broadband to more people around the globe and to helping close the digital divide."
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Ericsson's 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 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises of 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 "to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 75,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 209 billion (USD 32.2 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
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About Ericsson in EDGE mobile networks
Ericsson is the world's leading EDGE supplier, supporting more than 60 percent of the 443 commercially launched EDGE networks (GSA July 2009). Ericsson EDGE and EDGE Evolution bring mobile broadband capabilities to the GSM network by substantially increasing data performance and capacity. It does this through a software-only upgrade of existing equipment, a fast and easy way to reach the mass market with mobile broadband services.
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About EDGE Evolution
EDGE Evolution boosts data speeds to 1Mbps, significantly reduces latency to below 80ms and doubles capacity and spectrum efficiency. This new technology simply improves the perceived performance across all services including web browsing, video streaming, music downloading, interactive and conversational services. The improved performance and capacity in GSM complements WCDMA/HSPA and LTE networks, meeting the growing demand for mobile broadband. The first step toward the full implementation of EDGE Evolution is the introduction of downlink dual-carrier and reduced latency features as defined by 3GPP Release 7.
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www.ericsson.com/technology/whitepapers/broadband/index.shtml
www.ericsson.com/technology/whitepapers/broadband/index.shtml