Triggered by strong market interest and supporting the growth of mobile broadband worldwide, Ericsson has announced the launch of infrastructure and device platforms for WCDMA/HSPA in the 2.6 GHz frequency band. The launch of HSPA products in the 2.6 GHz frequency band provides an immediate and secure choice for operators planning to offer mobile broadband services in this band.

The initiative follows increased interest from mobile device manufacturers in launching HSPA devices for the 2.6 GHz band. In turn, Ericsson is adding 2.6 GHz support to its successful family of WCDMA/HSPA device platforms and mobile broadband modules for use in notebook computers.

New licenses for the 2.6 GHz frequency band are now becoming available, stimulating current HSPA operators to further grow their existing mobile broadband business into new frequency bands, as it allows them to leverage existing infrastructure, providing greater cost efficiency, and supporting a wider range of end-user devices. The commercial launch of networks and end-user devices with HSPA support in the 2.6 GHz frequency band is set for the latter part of 2008. Ulf Ewaldsson, vice president and head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson, said, "The launch of HSPA products for the 2.6 GHz frequency band supports Ericsson's ambition to bring mobile broadband everywhere, at any time, from any device to as many people as possible.