Danish and Swedish are preparing themselves four times faster mobile broadband as operator 3's network speeds is set to increase from 21Mbps to 84Mbps. And, to improve coverage, the upgrade will be complemented by a new 900MHz 3G network, the first in Sweden, supplied and supported by Ericsson.
Peder Ramel, CEO at 3 Scandinavia, said: "We were the first to launch turbo 3G in the Nordic region and now we are first signing up for the world's fastest 3G. Our Scandinavian customers are sophisticated users with high demands in terms of mobile broadband services. Ericsson is evolving our network so we can meet these demands and give our customers true connectivity, wherever they are – from city office to country cottage."
Mikael Bäckström, Head of Market Unit Nordic and Baltics at Ericsson, added: "This is an exciting opportunity to provide 3 and its users in Sweden and Denmark with our high quality technology and services. The confidence 3 is showing in us and our products is a result of our focus on being a long-term partner and contributing to 3's ambitions for high-speed mobile broadband services in Scandinavia."
The three-year contract between Ericsson and 3 includes the HSPA Evolution capacity upgrade of its existing 3G network, via 42Mbps, to 84Mbps plus a new WCDMA/HSPA radio access network on the 900MHz frequency band. In addition, Ericsson is providing IP-based optical and microwave backhaul, and support services. Rollout will start in the first quarter of 2010.