Homepage Ericsson Australia newsroom

New Acer netbook offers Aussies the fastest mobile broadband experience available without a separate USB card

Announcement posted by Ericsson Australia 24 Dec 2010


•  First netbook with embedded broadband module supporting 21Mbps peak network downlink on HSPA Evolution now available from Telstra in Australia*
•  Supports the fastest speeds available with an embedded netbook in Australia as well a slow power consumption and improved connection performance
•  The Ericsson broadband module is based on ST-Ericsson’s thin modem platform

Telstra – in a partnership with Acer and Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) – has launched Australia’s first commercial netbook that supports typical download speeds of 550kbps to 8Mbps on the Next GTM network in capital cities and many regional areas, providing the fastest mobile broadband experience available without a separate USB card.

Nigel Gore, General Manager, Product Management at Acer, says: “Ericsson’s 21Mbps HSPA evolution embedded module allows us to offer consumers high-speed connectivity and an outstanding internet experience – all while reducing power consumption by up to 30 percent and thereby extending battery life. It’s a great, user-friendly and affordable package that lets consumers forget about the USB card."

In September, Ericsson unveiled the world’s first commercially available F5521gw mobile broadband module specifically designed for netbooks, notebooks and tablets. It includes technologies that allow users to remain connected while the device is in sleep mode, or to disable it via the network if the device has been stolen.

“Today’s announcement is closing the circle by launching the complete package: a netbook with a built-in 21Mbps rated HSPA Evolution*mobile broadband module – based on ST-Ericsson’s new thin modem platform M570 –ready for consumers to buy off the shelf in Telstra stores throughout Australia,” Mr Gore said.

Richard Fink, Director Mobile Products, Telstra, says: “With so many Australians adopting mobile broadband for their work and personal lives, the Acer Aspire One AOD255 provides a convenient new option that combines computing with fast mobile connectivity.

“Weighing in at just over a kilogram, this light ten-inch netbook features embedded Next G™ network connectivity and removes the hassle of having to carry a separate 3G modem around. We think our customers will love how quickly they will be able to access email, stream YouTube™ clips and update Facebook while on the go."

Mats Norin, Vice President of Ericsson Mobile Broadband Modules, says: “We clearly see a trend of converging HSPA technology and consumer electronics– and it’s driven by consumers’ demand for fast and reliable connectivity. As a result, we have also noticed a great demand for mobile broadband modules in the PC industry, which is realising the great potential of integrating the modules into notebooks and tablets.”

The fact that users expect internet access on a wide range of devices in various locations explains why the portable PC market isn’t cooling down. Rather, it is expected to grow by 90 percent from 2010 to 2014, according to a report published by the International Data Corporation (IDC) in August.
 
Pricing and availability

Eligible Telstra customers can purchase the Aspire One AOD255 on a 24-month BigPond Mobile Broadband plan with a monthly netbook repayment of $26 per month after rebate. The total monthly cost with a 400MB BigPond Mobile Broadband plan starts from $55.95 per month over 24 months (min cost $1342.80).

Telstra customers with existing eligible services can also receive a monthly discount of up to $20 a month on this package.

The Aspire is available from Telstra stores across Australia from 26 December 2010.

For more information visit: http://go.bigpond.com/wireless/
Prices may vary at Telstra Licensed Stores and Partners.

*21Mbps is a peak network downlink speed and actual customer speeds will be less. Typical customer download speeds with the Acer Aspire One AOD255 on the Next GTM network in capital cities and many regional areas are 550kbps to 8Mbps. Speeds vary due to factors such as distance from the base station, local conditions, user numbers, hardware and software configuration.

Notes to editors:

Ericsson broadband module enables embedded 3G in tablets:
http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/releases/2010/09/1444419

Notebook users get higher speeds with world's first 21Mbps embedded broadband module:
http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/releases/2010/09/1444404

Fact sheets and product images:
www.ericsson.com/solutions/mobile_broadband_modules/press.shtml

Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices. 

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all-communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 80,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 206.5 billion (USD 27.1 billion) in 2009. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.