Ericcson Release
Auckland – New Zealand today became the first country in Australasia to experience third generation (3G) mobile
multimedia technology at work.
Inaugurated by acting Minister of Communications and Commerce, the Honourable Trevor Mallard, Ericsson New Zealand
unveiled its next generation mobile communications system comprising a purpose-built van and stationary demonstration
facility.
Powered by third generation mobile technology, the equipment can receive and transmit data at up to 472 kbps - around 50
times faster than current digital mobile phones. This enables video conferencing, voice calls and high speed internet
sessions while on the move.
With the help of an Ericsson real-time encoder, the new MPEG-4 video standard used in the van could soon make mobile
videophones a commonly used business tool.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ericsson’s Managing Director in New Zealand, Goran Olsson, said that the future of
communications had arrived.
“These are just some examples of how Ericsson 3G technology will change the way we work and play. We're delighted that
New Zealanders, known as early technology adopters, can get to see it in action first,” said Mr Olsson.
Other 3G-powered mobile services likely to become available in the near future include entertainment booking, shopping
and finance services, also weather news and location finders (maps).
During the unveiling Honourable Trevor Mallard also referred to how the technology might be useful to his own job.
The Minister said, "The enormous amounts of written material I receive might be sent to my handheld device for me to
read during spare moments. As Associate Minister of Finance I could check treasury updates on the internet. I could read
reports, media updates or Cabinet papers from anywhere in the world. I could follow events in the House, video
conference with colleagues or my staff and read newspapers from home in my electorate."
Ericsson has already brought new generation mobile services another step closer with the recent launch of
www.E-Zebra.net, an initiative to facilitate the development of mobile internet in New Zealand.
The working 3G system is in Auckland until March 7 before being transported to Greece, then back to Asia for more
demonstrations before returning to Sweden.
Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and
datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson
simplifies communications for its customers – network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers – the
world over. Please visit Ericsson’s Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.co.nz
ends