Ericsson Launches HSPA Solution for the 2.6 GHz Frequency Band

Ericsson announced the launch of infrastructure and device platforms for WCDMA/HSPA in the 2.6 GHz frequency band, to support the growth of mobile broadband worldwide. Ericsson's solution is immediately available to operators planning to offer mobile broadband services in the 2.6 GHz frequency band.

The initiative comes as a result of the strong market demand for mobile broadband. Responding to the increased interest shown by mobile device manufacturers in launching HSPA devices for the 2.6 GHz band, Ericsson is adding 2.6 GHz support to its family of WCDMA/HSPA device platforms and mobile broadband modules for use in notebook computers.

As new licenses for the 2.6 GHz frequency band are becoming available globally, Ericsson's solution gives mobile operators the opportunity to create new markets. The deployment of HSPA on the 2.6 GHz frequency band also stimulates current HSPA operators to extend their existing mobile broadband business into new frequency bands, as it allows them to use existing infrastructure, providing greater cost efficiency and supports a wider range of end-user devices.

"The launch of HSPA products for the 2.6GHz frequency band supports Ericsson's ambition to bring mobile broadband everywhere, at any time, from any device to as many people as possible," said Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson. "HSPA is a proven technology and the leading industry standard. It is already deployed in several frequency bands - including 850, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2100MHz - and deployment in the 900MHz frequency band will start soon. Support in the 2.6GHz frequency band brings the economies of scale of HSPA also to operators with 2.6GHz licenses and their end users."

To date, HSPA is available in more than 130 live networks worldwide, with more than 50 additional deployments ongoing. The first commercial launch of networks and end-user devices with HSPA support in the 2.6 GHz frequency band is expected near the end of 2008.

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