Ericsson has launched its network integrated WiFi offering, which enables seamless connection of smartphones to operator-controlled WiFi access – without requiring a specific software client in the device and without any user interaction.
The new offering which is part of the company’s HetNet concept increases the overall network capacity, especially in congested areas and also supports the growing ecosystem of WiFi enabled devices.
The company said that with the new offering operators can benefit from new revenue models from wholesale of WiFi access as it provides the basis for upcoming business agreements between mobile operators and hot-spot providers.
Ericsson VP, head of IP and broadband networks Jan Haglund said this new offering will increase mobile operators’ capacity and footprint, primarily when it comes to indoor coverage.
"In the end, WiFi will become just another radio access technology in the mobile operator’s network ecosystem," Haglund said.
The new offering confirms SIM based devices in the home location register (HLR) and connects traffic from the WiFi access network, through the mobile packet network and up to the mobile operator’s service environment.
The company said that the first release, which is being launched now in 2011, includes local off-load of the traffic from the SmartEdge Border Network Gateway (BNG).
