Ericsson to set up a "developers zone"

This zone will provide back-end infrastructure and support to develop wireless content and applications based on WAP, GPRS, Bluetooth and 3G. The plan to set up such a zone follows its decision to focus on not only providing technology used to deliver 3G but also services and applications that can be delivered, using 3G, to the end consumers.

Speaking to domain-b, Mr Rohit Chandra vice-president marketing and technical solutions Ericsson Communications Ltd. said, "The Indian mobile industry is going to experience exponential growth in the next 3 to 4 years. The government has allowed the operation of the third, and fourth in some cases, cellular operator in the various circles of operation. It has also opened limited mobility through CDMA technology. We already have over 40 per cent share of our GSM infrastructure market in India and the evolution to high-speed technologies will offer immense opportunities of growth for Ericsson."

He said that in the long run Ericsson would offer its Indian customers a complete portfolio of second and third generation mobile technologies along with solutions for a smooth migration from 2G to 3G systems.

Ericsson feels 3G, or third generation, holds immense potential for various businesses including network operators, internet service providers (ISPs), IT hardware and software vendors, system integrators and consumers who will be able to access a host of applications on their mobile phones.

Commenting on the significance of 3G technology for India Mr Ian Campbell, managing director Ericsson Communications Ltd. said, "3G is going to revolutionise wireless communications globally by ensuring mobile Internet applications are available at higher speed and lower cost to consumers. As convergence of telecom and Internet becomes a reality in India, cellular operators will gradually shift from GSM to GPRS. However, over the next 3 years to 4 years, there is going to be an inherent need for faster and richer content through mobile internet, which is going to be fulfilled by 3G technology."

Company sources pointed out Ericsson has 26 of the 43 officially announced 3G orders worldwide and is well positioned to lead the era of mobile internet globally.

Ericsson has been associated with Indian telecom for close to 100 years and had introduced its first product in 1903. Currently its digital switching systems handles over 75 per cent of the international calls made through the VSNL gateway. Ericsson has installed over 1.3 million fixed lines in India besides supplying telecom infrastructure equipment in the area of switching and transmission to DOT, MTNL, defence and Indian railways. Ericsson has established 23 of the 43 GSM networks in India commanding a market share of approximately 50 per cent and a geographic spread of over 90 per cent of the GSM coverage in India.

Ericsson has also emerged strongly in the area of internet protocal or IP and datacom, having bagged 11 out of 15 circle wide orders from DOT for internet infrastructure based on Tigris Multi Service Access Platform. Its technology development centres in Bangalore and Hyderabad create advanced software for mobile systems and new technologies including internet/IP for use internationally. Ericsson has a manufacturing facility in Jaipur, where it manufactures AXE switching equipment.