Third Generation Techonology First For NZ

Ericcson Release

Auckland – New Zealand today became the first country in Australasia to experience third generation (3G) mobile multimedia technology at work.

Inaugurated by acting Minister of Communications and Commerce, the Honourable Trevor Mallard, Ericsson New Zealand unveiled its next generation mobile communications system comprising a purpose-built van and stationary demonstration facility.

Powered by third generation mobile technology, the equipment can receive and transmit data at up to 472 kbps - around 50 times faster than current digital mobile phones. This enables video conferencing, voice calls and high speed internet sessions while on the move.

With the help of an Ericsson real-time encoder, the new MPEG-4 video standard used in the van could soon make mobile videophones a commonly used business tool.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ericsson’s Managing Director in New Zealand, Goran Olsson, said that the future of communications had arrived.

“These are just some examples of how Ericsson 3G technology will change the way we work and play. We're delighted that New Zealanders, known as early technology adopters, can get to see it in action first,” said Mr Olsson.

Other 3G-powered mobile services likely to become available in the near future include entertainment booking, shopping and finance services, also weather news and location finders (maps).

During the unveiling Honourable Trevor Mallard also referred to how the technology might be useful to his own job.

The Minister said, "The enormous amounts of written material I receive might be sent to my handheld device for me to read during spare moments. As Associate Minister of Finance I could check treasury updates on the internet. I could read reports, media updates or Cabinet papers from anywhere in the world. I could follow events in the House, video conference with colleagues or my staff and read newspapers from home in my electorate."

Ericsson has already brought new generation mobile services another step closer with the recent launch of www.E-Zebra.net, an initiative to facilitate the development of mobile internet in New Zealand.

The working 3G system is in Auckland until March 7 before being transported to Greece, then back to Asia for more demonstrations before returning to Sweden.

Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers – network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers – the world over. Please visit Ericsson’s Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.co.nz

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