March 5, 2010 - Ever since the introduction of HSPA, the number of mobile Internet users is increasing dynamically, while usage also grows significantly. More than 90% of the data usage, generated by the more than 430 thousand T-Mobile mobile Internet subscribers goes through the HSDPA network. The popularity and success of mobile Internet therefore is clearly contributed to the higher bandwidth offered by the network. Bearing in mind the expected penetration of even better quality multimedia content, with HD videos and later 3D imaging, as well as the drastic growth of mobile terminals generating data traffic, substantially more bandwidth will be required. The answer for serving future needs will be the next generation of the current 3G/HSPA networks, the NGMN technology - which is capable of providing even higher data throughput to even more subscribers. The commercial launch and higher coverage of the most sophisticated, next generation mobile networks is expected in a few years, however even in the meantime the comprehensive testing of NGMN through the first recommended technology - LTE or Long Term Evolution - network and terminals can proceed.

On the token of preparation, within the framework of joint LTE testing T-Mobile and Ericsson carry out tests of operating the LTE network under real life circumstances.

In October, 2009 experts of the two companies started the implementation of a data and voice capable LTE test system in the Szerémi Street switch station. Initially the core network elements were installed, they were put to use in December, 2009. As the first step of the multi-phase data speed increase, the 48 Mbps download speed was made available in mid-January, using the lab base station, operating from the launch onwards. Experiences of
T-Mobile and Ericsson are positive, as the first test results also confirm that the future introduction of LTE will be a significant milestone for both operators and users.

The main objective of the LTE test - carried out in several phases and under real life conditions - is to map up possibilities inherent in significantly increasing data speeds, as well as the first generation and commercial LTE devices, available in the testing. In later phases of the test up to 100 Mbps download speeds are also envisaged within the LTE test network, operating on the 20 MHz radio bandwidth- which is 4 times higher than the current 3G systems' one.

T-Mobile - the mobile services brand of Magyar Telekom - in cooperation with Ericsson was the first company to introduce 3G and HSDPA in Hungary. The market leader mobile Internet service provider also plans to play a leading role in rapidly rolling out NGMN in Hungary. Ericsson is a key player in the global roll-out of the LTE technology, having signed commercial LTE agreements with five major global mobile operators - which serve altogether 240 million customers.