Ericsson has been awarded a contract by FarEasTone to deploy HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), while expanding its existing share of the 3G/WCDMA radio footprint from Northern Region to Central Region. Ericsson will also provide related support services.

The HSPA network Ericsson is building for FarEasTone will be the fastest of its kind in Taiwan, supporting initial download speeds of up to 3.6Mbps; nine times faster than today’s 3G network.

Jan Nilsson, President of FarEasTone, says: “We are delighted to be able to provide consumers with first-class services using Ericsson’s world-leading 3G, HSPA, and IMS solutions. Our subscribers will enjoy a whole new 3G experience, and FarEasTone’s competitive advantage will be boosted. The focus of the new IMS system is to deliver new IP multimedia-services, and drive revenue growth.

FarEasTone will also become the first operator in Taiwan to implement IMS. Ericsson IMS makes it possible for FarEasTone to combine today’s and tomorrow’s applications and create an integrated services offering for the Taiwanese market. IMS will enable FarEasTone to offer an attractive and convenient communications experience; utilizing one common system for all broadband services users will have the freedom to access any service with the most convenient device at any given moment.

The upgrade and expansion of FarEasTone’s existing 3G network will provide significant improvement in both transmission speed and overall system performances and pave the way to all-IP.

SeГЎn Gowran, President of Ericsson Taiwan, says: “As the prime driver in an all communicating world, Ericsson is determined to excel in network infrastructure and services while being perceived as the most innovative and responsive business partner. The FarEasTone contract further highlights our leading position in HSPA and IMS, as well as our strong services offering in evolving networks to all-IP.”

This contract award follows the 2005 collaboration between Ericsson and FarEasTone to launch FarEasTone’s initial 3G service.

Nokia and SingTel announced today their collaboration to bring together the best of two worlds, 2G/3G and WLAN (Wireless LAN) in an integrated dual-mode telephony solution on Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia N80 Internet Edition. SingTel’s VoIP on mobile service, which is unique in its kind, combines the mobility of cellular and the cost-effectiveness of wireless broadband. Selected SingTel Mobile subscribers will be invited for a service trial which will allow them to use voice and data services from home and on the move through SingNet Wireless Surf Zones. The commercial launch of the service is expected to be later this year.

“Nokia is pleased to co-operate with SingTel on this industry leading initiative on our range of multiradio mobile devices”, said Chris Carr, General Manager, Customer Market and Operations, Nokia Singapore, “Consumers can now experience the power of mobility and benefit from accessing Internet services and calls without being connected to a computer.”

Vicki Brady, Vice President (Consumer Marketing), SingTel said, “SingTel is proud to be one of the first operators globally working with Nokia to bring VoIP services over Wireless LAN to our customers using Nokia devices. With SingTel’s VoIP on mobile service, our customers can make local calls over the Internet with their VoIP handsets for a fixed monthly fee.”

Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and the Nokia N80 Internet Edition are the first Nokia devices that are able to support SIP-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). All three devices work on 2G, 3G and WLAN networks. The Nokia N80 Internet Edition is the first ever handset to enable seamless home media networking between compatible TVs, audio systems and PCs.

SingTel’s VoIP on mobile service will be available to non-business customers on postpaid mobile plans, allowing them to make unlimited local calls using their SIP-enabled VoIP devices. The service can be accessed using the WiFi network at home or through more than 330 SingTel Wireless Hotspots across the island. The subscription fees for the service will be announced in due time.

Motorola leverages vast wireless expertise to enable advanced silicon innovation that helps ensure its leadership in cutting-edge WiMAX handsets

Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today announced a strategic initiative to develop mobile WiMAX chipsets for use in Motorola’s next-generation WiMAX devices. This investment in chipset design demonstrates Motorola’s on-going commitment to WiMAX and expands the company’s role as a leader in end-to-end WiMAX solutions beyond infrastructure and handsets to the core implementation of WiMAX in chipsets.

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that Motorola is, and intends to remain, a leader in WiMAX — including the design of silicon chipsets for mobile devices. For some time now Motorola has been investing in the development and deployment of WiMAX — from infrastructure to advanced silicon,” said Ron Garriques, president of Motorola’s Mobile Devices Business. “In our vision of seamless mobility, WiMAX will help transform the mobile communications experience for everyone. Enhanced speed for data, as well as cost efficiencies and network optimization for wireless operators are just some of the benefits that are fueling excitement and accelerated adoption of WiMAX across the industry.”

Motorola’s initial chipset will focus on core 802.16e mobile WiMAX functionality supporting voice, video, and data for low power mobile applications in handsets and modules. These first chipsets are scheduled to support commercial Motorola WiMAX devices in 2008 for carriers in North America, Japan and around the world including Sprint and others. Motorola is working with its silicon vendors on the overall fabrication of the new chipsets.

“Sprint Nextel’s ability to offer customers a nationwide mobile data network depends in part on broad availability of mobile WiMAX-enabled chipsets for advanced wireless broadband services,” said Atish Gude, senior vice president, Corporate Strategy, Sprint Nextel. “WiMAX innovators like Motorola will help speed the adoption of wireless mobility products and services as we meet the growing access and mobile Internet needs of customers, when and where they want.”