Ericsson demonstrates new HSPA technology

MANILA, Philippines - Ericsson performed the first-ever demonstration of the new HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) multi-carrier technology for peak downlink data rates of 42Mbps at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Australian operator Telstra, currently pioneering HSPA downlink data rates of up to 21Mbps in its Next G commercial network, welcomed the demonstration of the multi-carrier technology, which would significantly improve consumer experience in its entire network coverage area.

Multi-carrier technology is the next step in the evolution of HSPA and enables consumers to receive data simultaneously on two frequency channels.

This doubles the user data rate in the coverage area of an HSPA network and on the cell edge, where consumers normally experience lower data rates. As a result, the peak downlink data rate increases from today’s fastest available 21Mbps to 42Mbps, significantly improving the consumer experience for online services with high-quality content.

The demonstration used the design concept of an Ericsson Mobile Broadband Router, a consumer device that enables easy-to-use fixed wireless access as an attractive alternative for fixed-line services by utilizing an HSPA network.

The unit can be used anywhere broadband access is needed such as in homes, offices or public places.

Thanks to the Mobile Broadband Router, the high data rates of up to 42Mbps can be shared among multiple consumers, providing efficient use of the high-speed broadband connection.

Ericsson’s HSPA multi-carrier technology will be ready for commercial implementation by the end of 2009.