Ericsson announced Wednesday consumers in Denmark and Sweden would enjoy the world's fastest 3G networks in the first quarter this year thanks to cooperation between it and broadband operator 3 Scandinavia.
"We are the 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," said Peder Ramel, CEO at 3 Scandinavia, which is a part of the global 3 group with 25 million customers in 10 countries.
The statement also said the 3 network speed would be quadrupled from 21 Mbps to 84 Mbps, which meant people could enjoy social networking, online gaming and videoconferencing even on the move.
The upgrade would be complemented by a new 900 MHz 3G network, the first in Sweden, also supplied and supported by Ericsson, the statement added.
In addition, Ericsson is providing IP-based optical and microwave backhaul and support services.
3 is Scandinavia's only pure play 3G and mobile broadband operator with operations in Sweden and Denmark.
3 Scandinavia is a joint venture between Hutchison Whampoa Ltd in Hong Kong (60 percent) and Investor AB in Stockholm (40 percent). The company also holds a license to operate a 3G network in Norway.