Ericsson Shows PC And Tablet Broadband Modules

Ericsson has unveiled what it claims to be the world’s first mobile broadband module to run at 21Mbps, the HSPA Evolution (HSPA+) F5521gw. All the major UK mobile networks support HSPA.

Twice the size of a 10p piece, the Ericsson F5521gw supports download speeds of up to 21Mbps and upload speeds of 5.76Mbps. Ericsson introduced the new broadband module at the 2010 Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco.

Focus On Smaller Devices

The Ericsson module also features GPS tracking along with version 3.0 of Intel’s encrypted SMS antitheft technology. The chip can remotely disable a laptop, if the PC is lost or stolen, by using encrypted text messages if it finds the operating system is out of band or not running. The laptop can be reactivated immediately when found.

Wake-On-Wireless allows the device to automatically activate to access content push services and updates.

Although Ericsson is offering faster mobile broadband modules for notebooks and netbooks, it is now focused on developing Internet connectivity for smaller devices, Mats Norin, vice president of Ericsson’s Mobile Broadband Modules division, told eWEEK.

At the IDF show, Ericsson unveiled both the F5521gw and a second-generation 7.2Mbps mobile broadband module, called the F3307, for tablets and consumer electronic devices with 3G speeds. It will also be compatible with Intel’s upcoming Oak Trail mobile processors.

“Built-in mobile broadband provides the instant connectivity that tablet computers require to be truly portable,” Erik Reid, Intel’s director of marketing for its Mobile Platforms Group, said. “In working closely with Ericsson, we are helping manufacturers get their new products to market faster, with the most capabilities, with optimisation for our upcoming tablet platform, Oak Trail.'”

The F3307 uses 50 percent less power compared with previous generations, Norin said. The reduced power consumption allows the device to maintain always-on connectivity and extend its battery life. It uses first-generation HSPA, while the F5521gw notebook module also supports HSPA+.

In addition, the F3307’s QuickConnect feature allows a device to reconnect to the Internet seconds after leaving sleep mode.

Although he couldn’t share the names, Norin said the module will likely work with tablets from all the major suppliers in Asia, as well as all of the major mobile operating systems. “Theoretically, it would work with an iPad,” Norin added.