Mobile broadband: HSPA in full-blast

Ericsson president and chief executive officer Carl-Henric Svanberg said that with close to a hundred HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) networks launched across the world, HSPA has been established as the preferred technology for mobility and wireless broadband.

"Millions of people have already today mobile access to the Internet anywhere, anytime", said Svanberg at the recent 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. "The eco system is in place with some 125 HSPA-enabled devices, including some 50 HSPA mobile phones."

The GSM Association, in its 2007 report, defines HSPA as a technology that "allows simultaneous voice and data connections, making it attractive to business and consumer users."

Compared to other high-speed mobile broadband technologies, the GSMA said HSPA "builds on the successful GSM business model, offering users secure network interoperability access and global roaming."

Svanberg stressed the importance of mobile telephony as the only way of closing the digital divide.

"To many people, mobile telephony is their only way to communicate with the outside world. Availability of communications also drives economic growth," he said.

After the recent acquisitions, Svanberg concluded that Ericsson has the necessary capabilities to also lead the development in next-generation (Internet telephony) IP networks.

"We have strengthened our positions further. We have the industry’s broadest and most complete product offering, and will continue our strategy with organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions," Svanberg said.

"We have also accelerated our own research and development since innovation will always be key for leadership in this industry," he added.

In a press conference, the heads of Ericsson’s three business units also presented their offerings and strategies.

Kurt Jofs, executive vice president and head of the Networks business unit, said, "We have a strong position due to our technology leadership and economies of scale. With our industry leading portfolio, we have unique capabilities to meet operators in transforming their networks and business toward broadband."

Hans Vestberg, executive vice president and head of the Global Services business unit, spoke about Ericsson’s leading role as a managed-services partner and prime integrator.

Vestberg said, "We are today managing networks with more than 100 million subscribers. We are also providing technical support 24/7 to operators with more than one billion subscribers. Ericsson Global Services once again grew faster than the market with over 30 percent growth last year. With our number one position in telecom services and more than 10 percent market share, we are positioned for the future."

Jan Wäreby, senior vice president and head of the Multimedia business unit, discussed industry innovations and the multimedia evolution.

"The future is already here at 3GSM and it’s all around us; it’s about music on the move, mobile TV, Internet, and e-mail access anytime, anywhere," he said. "Ericsson is helping to drive the multimedia experience. 

"Our innovative technology, application platforms, cutting-edge Sony Ericsson phones and relationships with leading content developers and application providers make us a valuable partner for operators and other industry players seeking to access more revenue streams," he added.