Ericsson upgrades 3’s HSPA network speeds in Sweden, Denmark

Ericsson and Hi3G Access Scandinavia (3 Scandinavia) have signed a contract to upgrade the Hong Kong-owned mobile operator’s 3.5G HSPA networks in Sweden and Denmark to maximum downlink speeds of 21Mbps, giving 3’s customers access to improved mobile broadband services. Peder Ramel, CEO of 3 Scandinavia said: ‘We were the first to launch [HSPA-based] Turbo 3G in the Nordic region and now we are proud to be one of the first operators in the world to offer a speed of 21Mbps. Ericsson’s leading technology will help us boost competitiveness and reach our goal of bringing high quality communications to our customers.’ Mikael Backstrom, President of Ericsson Nordic and Baltic region, said: ‘With the upgrade to 21Mbps, 3 is one of the first operators to offer customers new and richer services at this speed. We are proud to contribute to 3’s great ambition to launch high speed mobile broadband services in Scandinavia.’ According to a press release, Ericsson will implement the speed enhancement in selected parts of the network in Sweden and Denmark, and will continue to extend network coverage and upgrade to higher mobile broadband speeds throughout 2009. The commercial launch is planned for the first half of 2009. Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver radio base stations, RBS6000, enhanced core network features and a mobile backhaul including Redback SmartEdge 1200, Marconi OMS 1400 and MINI-LINK TN.