Ericsson and some start-up <g> collaberating on 3G, Ericy press release 4/28:
Ericsson and Vodafone sign collaboration agreements to develop 3G
Ericsson and Vodafone announce agreements for extensive collaboration between
the two companies to develop and evaluate 3G (third generation) wireless
technologies that will introduce to users the benefits of mobile multimedia
communications.
Both companies are committed to developing UMTS (Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System) - a European variant of IMT-2000, also known as
WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) - and joint participation in
further standardization processes.
This collaboration encompasses early extensive technical experiments and
follows separate announcements by the two companies on 3G/UMTS trials. It
recognizes the benefit of close co-operation between Ericsson as a world-
leading manufacturer of GSM equipment and Vodafone as a world-leading
operator.
Vodafone announced their Wireless Information Superhighway trials to
investigate the performance of wideband mobile multimedia last autumn.
Ericsson launched a 3G/UMTS testbed in Guildford in the UK in February this
year with the UK's first public demonstration of WCDMA live multimedia calls.
The capabilities of this experimental system have been developed by Ericsson,
and performance evaluated jointly with various participants.
Vodafone has actively participated in this early phase to further understand
the potential strengths of the new technology in delivering 3G services, and
sees great value in the results of these joint trials to all potential 3G
operators.
Building on the achievements of the Guildford testbed, Ericsson is installing
further WCDMA base stations around Newbury. These will form a key part of the
Vodafone multi-party trials.
"The establishment of these joint trials marks another significant milestone
in the long and successful relationship between Ericsson and Vodafone, which
has covered first TACS, then GSM and now third generation network
infrastructure," says Nils Grimsmo, Ericsson's UK Managing Director. "The
two companies have been working together for some time on a broad range of
technical solutions for the introduction of a 3G network such as the core
network architecture, transmission, services and integration with GSM. Through
this continuing co-operation both companies expect to resolve outstanding
issues well before commercial deployment."
"Vodafone welcomes the introduction of Ericsson WCDMA equipment to our
Newbury trials," says Alan Harper, Vodafone Ltd's Managing Director. "We are
delighted to be commencing trials well before the forthcoming 3G license
auctions, so that we can understand the practical challenges of deploying
WCDMA. Joint early experience will also help us align our inputs to 3G
standardization to ensure these are completed in a timely fashion to allow
commercial service to start as soon as possible."
Ericsson is today leading the 3G development and has set up WCDMA experimental
systems in the UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, Sweden and China. These full-fledged
3G systems are used to experiment with delivery of new services, leveraging
Ericsson's more than 10 years of research in 3G technologies. Ericsson is also
leading with experimental systems for multiple technologies, like the first
systems focusing on EDGE.
Ericsson is ideally positioned to support any operator anywhere to migrate to
3G systems - regardless of technology heritage or technology choice. Ericsson
will be offering 3G systems based on WCDMA, cdma2000, and EDGE - being the
only supplier with a complete portfolio for second and third generation
systems.
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: ericsson.se
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Paula Wagstaff, Media Relations Director, Ericsson Limited
Phone: +44 1444 234354; E-mail: paula.wagstaff@etl.ericsson.se
Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se
Emma Terleske, Vodafone Group Press Office
Phone: +44 1635 673939 E-mail: press.office@vf.vodafone.co.uk
Company Information
Vodafone is the UK's most popular mobile phone network, and a leading
international GSM operator bringing experience of the development, deployment
and operation of digital and analogue cellular networks. Vodafone currently
has more than 10 million customers world-wide. |
