The HSPA technology could make a big impact in India

Last year Ericsson launched the 3G HSPA-based Gramjyoti Rural Broadband
project. In your opinion, what are the prospects for this technology in the
Indian market?

High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) is clearly a dominant technology. It has
established itself as the mobile broadband or broadband wireless technology. It
provides a DSL-like experience wirelessly with real-time mobility. At present
there are more than 200 HSPA networks globally, serving more than 240 mn
subscribers in nearly 100 countries. The technology can act as a major vehicle
for social and economic empowerment and also help to bridge the rural-urban gap.
In India, HSPA is going to become the future. Like the Gramajyoti project, which
we had launched in September 2007, we can roll out similar projects in entire
India in the future.

What are the new technology focus areas?

In terms of new initiatives, we are working in the wireless space, to
provide base stations that consume less power and operate without air
conditioners. Also, there are new projects going on to utilize solar cell power
to help operators to expand their network in rural and remote areas. We recently
implemented the first solar-powered solution in Cambodia. In the multimedia
space we have already launched the Ericsson Multimedia Communication Suite (MCS)
for consumers.

Hakan Eriksson chief technology officer, Ericsson

What differences have you noticed between China and India?

There are not big operational differences between the two, however adoption
of technology and the time frame could be one significant difference. Both
countries have shown tremendous growth in the adoption of GSM technology. The
Time Division Synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA) technology has already evolved in the
Chinese market and LTE is also emerging in a big way.

What lessons have you learnt from India in the technology space?

Well, it's quite an interesting question to answer. Usually, the
effectiveness of technology and its utilization remains more or less the same in
all the regions across countries. I believe the concept of maximum coverage in a
cost-effective manner was essentially started in India.



What is Ericsson's expansion plan in India?

We are conducting various development projects in the country. The
production and R&D focus is also very strong. In both, Delhi and Chennai, we
have our R&D resources and we are leveraging the technical knowledge and talent
base in the country.

Jatinder Singh

jatinders@cybermedia.co.in