Ericsson demonstrates world’s first 150Mbps LTE connection on a live network

Increased data speeds for improved user experience
Demonstration makes use of Renesas Mobile’s SP2531 LTE triple-mode modem
First LTE Category 4-compatible devices expected to hit the market by the end of 2012
In collaboration with Renesas Mobile, Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) is showcasing LTE Category 4, specified by 3GPP as providing downlink speeds of up to 150Mbps, at Mobile World Congress 2012. Category 4 is the next step in the evolution of LTE, and will enable smartphones and other LTE devices – such as tablets and routers – to deliver an even better end-user experience.

This demonstration is the first of its kind, using Ericsson live infrastructure and the SP2531 LTE triple-mode modem from Renesas Mobile. With this initiative, Ericsson continues to demonstrate technology leadership within the area of mobile broadband. Enhancing the smartphone ecosystem by increasing data speeds will allow data usage to continue to grow.

Thomas Noren, Head of Product Area Radio, Business Unit Networks, Ericsson, says: “Driving peak-rate performance in this way is an example of successful collaboration between Ericsson and Renesas Mobile. Category 4 enables an improved end-user experience by providing downlink speeds of up to 150Mbps to the large number of LTE smartphones that are coming to the market.”

Ericsson and Renesas Mobile have a relationship that stretches back more than a decade, having collaborated on interoperability development testing (IODT) of advanced technologies. This collaboration helps to drive the development of truly non-proprietary industry solutions, which allow new technologies to be widely deployed.

David McTernan, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communication, Renesas Mobile, says: “Battery life is a key determinant of the user experience when using mobile devices and the MP5232 enables smartphones to support Category 4 connections of up to 150Mbps, with minimal additional power consumption in the modem.”

The first LTE Category 4-compatible devices are expected to hit the market by the end of 2012. Ericsson’s LTE infrastructure support is already available.