Ericsson has launched a new range of products aimed at low-ARPU markets as it targets operators keen to connect the unconnected.
The vendor claims the solutions can reduce the total cost of ownership of its total site solution for mobile broadband by up to 40 percent.
They include new mobile broadband tools that help operators to discover which consumers within a GSM/EDGE area have the highest number of internet ready devices.
The new products include pairing its Site Manager software with its Site Controller hardware, new MINI-LINK products and additions to its Enclosure range of radio system hardware.
Ericsson is focusing on the six out of 10 people in developing countries who have no internet access, as well as the 15 percent of the world who have no access to electricity.
A report to be published by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development will claim the digital divide is moving from telephony to the internet. It will claim it will cost $450 billion to bring the next 1.5 billion online.
Daryl Schoolar, Principal Analyst, Intelligent Networks, Ovum, said: “These innovations address investment pain points while also considering the current situation and environment of many of these builds. Ericsson is unique in their multifaceted approach and focus on spurring mobile broadband adoption in these developing markets.”
Arun Bansal, Head of Business Unit Network Products, Ericsson, added: “These are among the most important additions to our product portfolio for mobile broadband coverage growth ever. Ericsson supports the International Telecommunication Union’s Connect 2020 target of ensuring that more than 50 percent of people in the developing world are using the internet by 2020.
“In order to reach this goal, together we will need to connect roughly 500,000 new users to the internet each day. Ericsson continues innovating so that operators can create viable business even in rural or off-grid settings, and to make the most difference with every investment.”