Ericsson in world-first end-to-end HSPA for speeds up to 42 Mbps

Ericsson will conduct the world’s first demonstration of end-to-end HSPA Evolution technology with speeds of up to 42 Mbps at CTIA Wireless 2008, which is being held in Las Vegas from April 1 to 3.

Speeds of up to 42 Mbps represent the next phase in HSPA Evolution. These speeds are achieved by combining new higher order modulation technology (64QAM), together with 2×2 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna technology. The first step of the HSPA evolution will be introduced during 2008.

The improved speed will assist operators in leveraging existing network infrastructure to meet growing consumer appetite for advanced multimedia services. The demonstration will be made using a handheld form-factor device based on Ericsson Mobile Platforms access technology.

“Achieving speeds of up to 42 Mbps is a major industry milestone,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson. “It further strengthens the position of HSPA as the major mobile broadband technology as we go forward. Consumers will enjoy an even richer communications experience thanks to higher speeds, while operators will be able to reduce network operating costs via increased throughput enabled by HSPA Evolution.”

HSPA Evolution is a proven step in the WCDMA/HSPA evolutionary path. Today, HSPA has been commercially launched in 80 countries on all continents and in 185 networks. Ninety of these networks have been delivered by Ericsson and these operators are able to migrate smoothly toward HSPA Evolution.