Ericsson Joins Open Handset Alliance, Voices Support for Android

A Sweden-based provider of technology and services to telecom operators announced today that it’s joined a Web-based group that’s dedicated to building a “better mobile phone.”

 

Officials at Ericsson say they joined the Open Handset Alliance and that they’ll support Android (News - Alert) software stack on their mobile platforms.

 

According to Robert Puskaric, head of Ericsson’s (News - Alert) mobile platforms’ business, by becoming a member of the Open Handset Alliance and supporting Android, Ericsson strengthens its Open OS offering to device manufacturers.

 

“Android is set to become a significant application framework for mobile phones and our goal is to provide our customers with platforms that enable them to be successful,” Puskaric said.

 

Specifically, Ericsson will support the Android software stack on selected platforms, with external application processors and integrated solutions. The company also will contribute software interfaces and drivers to the Android Open Source Project in order to support the platform’s development.

 

Mobile platforms from Ericsson supporting Android will be available by mid-2009, according to the company.

 

This is a big day for the alliance. Ericsson is one of 14 companies that recently joined the group, including: AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM (News - Alert), ASUSTek Computer Inc., Atheros Communications, Borqs, Garmin International Inc., Huawei Technologies, Omron Software Co. Ltd, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba Corporation and Vodafone (News - Alert).

 

“New members will either deploy compatible Android devices, contribute significant code to the Android Open Source Project, or support the ecosystem through products and services that will accelerate the availability of Android-based devices,” officials at the alliance say. “With these commitments, the Open Handset Alliance will continue to drive greater and faster innovation for the benefit of mobile users and everyone in the industry.”

 

Ericsson’s announcement follows news reported this week that the company joined 3 Scandinavia upgrade mobile broadband speeds in Scandinavia, improving quality and capacity with to 21 Mbps speeds.

 

With the new infrastructure, 3’s customers get improved access to mobile broadband services, including Internet and downloading of music and video.

 

Peder Ramel, CEO of 3 Scandinavia, said his company was the first to launch Turbo 3G in the Nordic region and now is proud to be one of the first operators in the world to offer a speed of 21Mbps.

 

“Ericsson’s (News - Alert) leading technology will help us boost competitiveness and reach our goal of bringing high-quality communications to our customers,” Ramel said.