Wireless developers gain access to leading-edge test facility

    
    -  British Columbia and Alberta wireless developers can test new
       wireless applications on a carrier-grade 3G network

    -  Ericsson to supply Vancouver-based Wavefront with HSPA radio access
       equipment as well as access to its leading-edge Montreal test
       facility providing a resource to support innovation and growth of
       wireless companies
    

TORONTO, March 11 /CNW/ - Wireless developers in Western Canada are now able to test new wireless applications on a 3G network, in real-world situations over robust networks, to help them ready their technology for market. Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) is supplying Vancouver-based Wavefront with HSPA radio access equipment and access to the company's leading-edge Montreal Test Facility, one of the largest in Canada.

"The final piece of the puzzle for most wireless applications developers is testing their technology on a large-scale network," said Mark Henderson, president and CEO of Ericsson Canada. "With this connection, developers now have convenient and affordable access to such a network as well as the support of our world-leading Montreal Testing Facilities."

Prior to this arrangement it was difficult for developers, especially for those based in Western Canada, to test their products on a 3G network. The arrangement between Ericsson and Wavefront will give smaller organizations access to one of Canada's leading wireless testing centres.

"Ericsson's network test lab at Wavefront connects innovators on the West Coast with the testing resources of the world's leading telecom infrastructure company," said James Maynard, president of Wavefront. "Without a doubt, this contribution from Ericsson Canada will lead to more Canadian mobile applications reaching the global marketplace."

Ericsson will provide access to a basic core network and application services with a variety of nodes including; a circuit-switched core, packet core, and a Radio Network Controller (RNC). An Ericsson RBS 3206 base station will be used for the HSPA radio connectivity. Ericsson engineering support will also be available to developers should they need help troubleshooting applications.

Formed in 2007 as a joint venture between industry and government, Wavefront supports the growth of the Canadian wireless industry with services that accelerate commercialization for new mobile applications and technologies.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the "prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 80,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 206.5 billion (USD 27.1 billion) in 2009. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.

    
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About Wavefront

Wavefront is the community-based commercialization center for Canada's wireless and new media development companies. Wavefront improves speed-to-market and delivery of mobile applications and devices by providing emerging companies with a suite of WaveGuide(TM) training, mobile industry advisory, incubation and testing services that facilitate market linkages and commercial engagement with the mobile ecosystem and enterprise companies around the world.

www.wavefrontac.com

For further information: Patricia MacLean, Ericsson Canada Inc., Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]; Patty Lee, Wavefront, Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]