Ericsson has become partner of choice for the integration of HSPA mobile broadband modules into Toshiba's business laptop range in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
The company said as the use of wireless LAN (WLAN) technology becomes increasingly widespread, the demand for real mobile broadband access to the internet and company networks anytime/anywhere has significantly increased.
Market analysts predict that laptops will remain the key mobile productivity tool for business and that HSPA technology will play a key role in this.
Through the partnership, Toshiba and Ericsson will bring together extensive expertise in their respective fields.
'With the integration of our Mobile Broadband Module into Toshiba's business laptops we are supporting Toshiba's vision of offering real mobile broadband connectivity to business users' Mats Norin, VP for mobile broadband modules, Ericsson, said
Users of Toshiba business laptops will soon benefit from Ericsson's latest wireless broadband technologies (HSPA) with modules allowing data rates of up to 7.2 Mbps in the downlink and up to 2.0 Mbps in the uplink.
The module also has a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, to be used together with positioning applications. Toshiba plans to release first laptops equipped with Ericsson's Mobile Broadband Modules in second half of 2008.