Sierra Wireless developing world’s fastest mobile broadband device

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) is working with mobile broadband industry leaders to almost triple the speed of mobile broadband devices. In collaboration with Telstra, Qualcomm, and Ericsson, Sierra Wireless is developing the first wireless data devices for the HSPA+ standard, which offer peak download speeds of 21 megabits per second (Mbps) over Telstra’s super-fast Next G™ network – three times faster than currently available HSPA modems. Shipments for customer trials are expected to begin in coming months, with a commercial launch to follow.

HSPA+ is also known

as HSPA Evolution or Evolved HSPA (eHSPA). In addition to significantly increasing data speeds, the standard reduces latency, boosts network capacity, and provides an enhanced user experience. The larger bandwidth supports more data-intensive applications people commonly use on the internet today, including video downloads. Telstra recently confirmed it is on track to begin rolling out the new technology to the Next G™ wireless network by the end of this year. Mr Ross Fielding, Executive Director, Telstra Product Management said Telstra announced in February that the Next G™ network would start being upgraded to peak network downlink speeds of 21Mbps by the end of the year.

“We are on track to deliver on this promise and start providing peak network speeds of 21Mbps downlink across the network’s expansive footprint from the end of the year,” Mr Fielding said. “Working with our partners, Sierra Wireless, Qualcomm and Ericsson, we are developing the world’s first 21Mbps capable mobile broadband device, which will take advantage of the speed, coverage and capabilities of the Next G™ network, giving our customers an unrivalled broadband experience when on the move, across a network that covers over two million square kilometers and 99 per cent of the Australian population.”