The Hindu Business Line : Ericsson in talks with PC makers to embed 3G modules

According to Ericsson, mobile broadband will have more than one billion users and will be integrated in more than half the notebooks shipped worldwide by 2011.

Thomas K. Thomas

New Delhi, Sept. 17 Swedish telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson is in talks with Indian PC makers to embed 3G-enabled modules in laptops and netbooks.

This will enable users access high-speed wireless broadband without having to attach a dongle or data cards — similar to how WiFi is built into most laptops.

While Ericsson has partnered a number of global notebook makers, including Dell and LG, it wants to have Indian partners as well.

Speaking to Business Line Mr Mats Norin, Vice-President of Ericsson Mobile Broadband Modules, said, “We are in talks with manufacturers in India to offer our mobile broadband module. Our objective is to enable consumers to get a superior user experience at an affordable price. Ericsson offers a complete solution with hardware, software, support and IPR — all included as part of the package.”

Until now Ericsson has been focussing on India’s telecom network equipment market and this will be the first initiative to make available affordable devices as operators get ready to launch 3G services.

Mr Norin, however, did not give out any names of the potential partners.

State-owned MTNL, which was the first to launch 3G services, has launched Dell manufactured 3G-embedded laptops and netbooks in Delhi and Mumbai. The solution includes the embedded 3G Ericsson module with GPS and MTNL SIM on Dell’s select range of laptops with a start-up price of Rs 30,000.

If Ericsson manages to partner with Indian manufacturers, consumers could get the device at a much cheaper rate.

According to Ericsson, mobile broadband will have more than one billion users and will be integrated in more than half the notebooks shipped worldwide by 2011.

“We leverage our global testing facilities, extensive knowledge in radio design and our mobile platform technology. We aim to be the catalyst in creating a strong mobile broadband ecosystem, creating a mass market for connected devices,” said Mr Norin.

Strategy

According to Mr Norin, Ericsson’s strategy is to offer the 3G module not only to laptops and notebooks, but to all connected devices. “We are continuously working to advance our technology for built-in mobile broadband to fit into a range of pocketable devices,” Mr Norin said.

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