Ericsson, 3 Italia in world-first commercial step towards HSPA Evolution

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and 3 Italia have achieved an industry first: the successful establishment of enhanced HSPA mobile-data connections in a commercial network. The enhanced HSPA technology enables maximum uplink data rates of 5.8Mbps and a significant reduction in network latency, resulting in markedly better performance for interactive consumer applications.

This milestone, achieved in 3 Italia’s existing commercial network, marks another step towards HSPA Evolution and reconfirms HSPA as the leading mobile broadband technology. The higher uplink data speeds and lowered latency in the mobile network make more efficient interactive communication possible for the consumer. The faster uplink will provide an improved consumer experience in areas such as video conferencing, uploading user-generated content and sending e-mails with attachments, and better performance for interactive online gaming.

Vincenzo Novari, CEO of 3 Italia, says: “This world-first achievement reaffirms our commitment to accelerating the development of the mobile broadband market.”

Cesare Avenia, President of Ericsson Italy says: “This achievement is a strong proof of the excellent service capabilities of Ericsson, which has the responsibility for the overall management of 3 Italia’s network.”

Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio, Ericsson, says: “With this world-first achievement we underline Ericsson’s technology leadership in the mobile broadband area. We thank 3 Italia for the close co-operation to reach this milestone.”