Ericsson demonstrates world-first end-to-end HSPA Evolution technology for speeds of up to 42 Mbps at CTIA Wireless 2008 in Las Vegas

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) 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 2x2 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.

Ericsson’s WCDMA/HSPA Radio Access Network solutions offer an evolutionary path for HSPA Evolution. For example, the RBS 3000 family of Ericsson base stations has support for both HSPA Evolution and LTE. Ericsson’s recently launched next-generation radio base station family, the RBS 6000 series, offers a enhanced multi-standard solution that supports GSM/EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA Evolution and LTE, all in a single package.

Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson, says: “Achieving speeds of up to 42 Mbps is a major industry milestone. 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.

The demonstration will be held at Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth 2024, from April 1 to 3.

Ericsson has recently opened an updated Experience Center in its North American headquarters in Plano, TX, with a complete HSPA-based mobile broadband network with a wide range of commercially available devices.