Mobile Broadband to Become a Standard Feature in Notebook Computers
16 October 2006
GSMA-led initiative delivers guidelines for integrating high-speed 3G in laptops
16th October 2006 - Singapore: High-speed mobile broadband connectivity - powered by HSDPA - will soon become a standard feature of notebook PCs following the publication of guidelines, developed by a GSM Association-led initiative, that prescribe a common approach for PC manufacturers to fully integrate 3G functionality in their product ranges.
HSDPA is a software upgrade for 3G that delivers up to four times the speed of standard 3G or W-CDMA, and in some markets as much as eight to ten times, with faster speeds expected as the technology evolves. Of the 123 commercial 3G W-CDMA mobile networks live in 55 countries; more than half are HSDPA-enabled across 40 countries. In total, 121 networks have committed to deploying HSDPA.
At the 3GSM World Congress earlier this year, the GSM Association and Intel Corporation announced an initiative to facilitate and drive the adoption of the GSM family of technologies in notebooks. This programme has since become an industry-wide initiative.
Participants in the initiative include leading mobile operators: Cingular Wireless, O2, Orange, TeliaSonera, TIM, T-Mobile and Vodafone as well as major manufacturers and suppliers of mobile, software and PC equipment; Check Point, Dell, Fujitsu, Gemalto, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, Option Wireless, Novatel Wireless, Qualcomm, Sierra Wireless and Sony Ericsson.
"Through the combined efforts of operators and vendors, the unique advantages and pervasiveness of the mobile platform can now be enjoyed by notebook users," said Rob Conway, CEO of the GSM Association. "As the roll-out of HSDPA accelerates rapidly across the world, 3G broadband enabled notebooks with embedded, seamless connectivity will give customers the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of a multi-communications device with global mobility and secure authentication."
The comprehensive guidelines - unveiled at the 3GSM World Congress Asia in Singapore today - cover the essential elements of 3G integration from the functionality and features to security aspects, compliance and testing. These detailed guidelines also address the issue of the physical location of the 3G modem and the SIM that will enable automatic connection to global mobile networks.
The implementation of the guidelines will bring the full power of the GSM family of technologies to notebook users, including GSM, GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA and HSDPA. HSDPA delivers a host of unique benefits to users such as rich multimedia and web browsing anytime, anywhere with global roaming and seamless billing functionality.
By addressing the needs of all of the key stakeholders (e.g. operators, vendors and end users), the guidelines are key to ensuring that PC manufacturers can quickly and easily incorporate these unique capabilities in their offerings to customers around the world, with a single, common approach.
Supporting quotes from the mobile & IT industries:
Cingular Wireless:
"As we continue to extend our HSDPA service across the United States, these laptops will provide a consistent and simple way to extend our customers' wireless broadband connections globally," said Jeff Bradley, vice president for Cingular's Business Markets Group. "The guidelines will enable PC manufacturers to more easily ingrate 3G capability into their laptops and deliver a high quality experience to our customers."
Intel Corporation:
"Intel engaged with the GSMA to further promote the industry's support of "anytime, anywhere" connectivity for mobile computers, in an attempt to replicate the phenomenal success of WiFi connectivity on notebook computers", explained Scott Richardson, Vice President of Intel Mobility Group and GM of Service Provider Business Group. "Thanks to excellent work within the framework of the GSMA, the 3G SIM is now a viable vehicle to provide seamless access to both HSDPA and WiFi."
Lenovo:
"Deployment of HSDPA technology in Lenovo notebooks demonstrates our leadership in 3G wireless communications. Our customers around the world are mobile and count on high-speed broadband connections to do their business every day. The GSMA's guidelines will further streamline the 3G wireless integration process for the industry that will ultimately benefit consumers," said Daryl Cromer, director for Lenovo's Advanced Technology Centre.
Microsoft:
"More frequently than ever, customers are using 3G technology to enable the flexibility to be connected with their PCs from anywhere. Microsoft is participating in this initiative in order to accelerate the variety of 3G PC's available to our mobile customers," said Mika Krammer, Director for Windows Client Mobility.
O2:
"O2 fully supports this exciting initiative that will give our customers a simple-to-use facility to connect their notebook computers to our high speed radio access technologies. This will be especially useful for our business customers and will help to increase their productivity. It will also be good for the mobile industry by boosting the take up of new access technologies," said Dave Williams, CTO, O2.
Orange:
"Customers want seamless access to business information and our Business Everywhere offer provides this with simple one click access, an out of the box solution and excellent customer support," said Philippe Bernard, Executive Vice President, Orange Business Solutions. "With embedded laptop connectivity we will ensure the same first class experience. Today, we are building the right product, channel and service components to deliver the seamless experience that customers expect from Orange. "
Qualcomm:
"HSDPA-enabled notebooks offer users a new ubiquitous mobile broadband experience, and Qualcomm is pleased to be part of the GSMA's initiative to drive next-generation embedded 3G products," said Jeff Jacobs, president of Global Development for Qualcomm. "In 2005, enterprises started seeing the benefits of high-speed wireless connectivity, and as 3G networks rapidly evolve, embedded HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA+ notebooks will become as commonplace as USB support in a notebook computer - an integral part of the device that users cannot live without."
TeliaSonera:
"The integration of 3G services and SIM card authentication into notebook PCs provides new opportunities for mobile data usage. For the user, ease-of-use is maximised when notebooks support all available mobile data networks. We want our customers to be always best connected," said GSMA Board Member Håkan Dahlström, Group Vice President, TeliaSonera AB.
TIM:
"This initiative is an important stepping stone for operators to increase their service offerings in the packet domain. An integrated module with an embedded SIM in laptops, allows users to communicate easily even when on the move, transparently using the most suitable high-speed wireless access available. Finally, GSMA operators can offer Internet, e-mail and multimedia content everywhere, with a single click," said Massimo Castelli, CMO, Telecom Italia.
T-Mobile International:
"By facilitating the quick market adoption of HSDPA wireless broadband technology into users' workhorse data devices, both the Mobile and IT industries are demonstrating their power of innovation and flexibility to adjust to customers' real life requirements. Conveniently built-in, simple-to-use mobile data access everywhere will soon be the norm," said André Stark, EVP Business Marketing T-Mobile International.
Vodafone:
"Having pioneered built-in HSDPA technology, Vodafone believes today's announcement is good news for customers everywhere, as built-in 3G broadband in laptops will make a real difference to the way our customers do business," said Oliver Mauss, Global Director of Business Marketing, Vodafone. "Working while away from the office, either at home or abroad, will be much faster and easier as will the interactions businesses can have with their customers, suppliers and business partners."
For further information contact:
Mark Smith/David Pringle
GSM Association
/ +44 795 755 6069
Email:press@gsm.org
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