STOCKHOLM, Sweden-L.M. Ericsson and Canadian telecom carrier Rogers Communications Inc. say they are set to begin third-generation HSDPA and IP Multimedia Subsystem platform trials in Canada.
Rogers said HSDPA is the natural progression for its existing national GSM/GPRS/EDGE network, which reaches 93 percent of the Canadian population. The company also said that IMS will enable Rogers to introduce quadruple-play services, including new multimedia voice, data, audio and video services across its fixed and mobile wireless networks, along with its cable and DSL networks.
“Providing the foundation for broadband wireless services and converged services to customers is a solid step in moving toward an all-communicating world,” said Carl-Henric Svanberg, president and chief executive at Ericsson. “Ericsson is excited to be working on this endeavor with Rogers, which has a global reputation for innovation, a high quality network, advanced service offerings, and a unique asset mix of mobile wireless, broadband data, digital cable services, telephony and media properties that provide the basis for continuing leadership.”
“This trial represents a first step in creating a unique opportunity to offer customers complete freedom to use, view, and access the information that matters most to them, when they want and wherever they are, thereby paving the way for the most innovative and valuable new services for Canadian consumers and businesses,” said Ted Rogers, chief executive at Rogers.
In early October, Rogers Wireless revised upward the number of new wireless subscribers it planned to announce for the third quarter. The carrier said the revision was due to significantly higher-than-expected net postpaid retail subscriber additions at Rogers Wireless.
As a result, Rogers adjusted its 2005 full-year guidance for total wireless voice and data net subscriber additions, including postpaid and prepaid retail subscribers, to 600,000 to 650,000, increased from a previous range of 450,000 to 500,000. The carrier said it planned to add 213,000 net additions in the third quarter compared with 173,400 net additions in the same quarter in 2004.
