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Lenovo, Vodafone and Ericsson Bring A Seamless Mobile Broadband Experience to the UK
Basingstoke, UK – July 15, 2008 – Lenovo, Vodafone UK and Ericsson today announce a new programme to make high speed mobile broadband more affordable and accessible to UK businesses and consumers. The initiative significantly lowers the cost of built-in mobile broadband technology across the entire range of upcoming Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks. Typically, notebooks with built-in technology, that includes antennas and a SIM card, cost anything up to one hundred pounds more than notebooks without a mobile broadband built-in module. From the 4th August, this new range lowers the cost, making the notebooks approximately the same price as those without. The result is an affordable, more reliable solution for customers who are looking for always-on connectivity no matter where they are - at the airport or visiting customers.
Using Ericsson’s built-in modules for mobile broadband, customers will be able to purchase new ThinkPad notebooks in the performance T and ultraportable X Series and on all of Lenovo’s new ThinkPad SL Series notebooks. Lenovo designed the three ThinkPad SL notebooks specifically for the small-to-medium business user who increasingly relies on 24/7 connectivity. Users can easily connect to the Internet by accessing Vodafone’s mobile broadband service. Users will also receive a “30-day free” trial from Vodafone, and after the trial, they can easily opt to continue with the service.
Mobile Broadband has come of age with its inclusion by default into Lenovo’s entire range of ThinkPad notebooks. This move clearly demonstrates Lenovo’s commitment to delivering real benefit to business customers. Vodafone brings the fastest and most reliable network, as proven by recent independent tests, predictable pricing and a service that is simple to use - a winning combination for any business customer,” said Mark Bond, Director of Enterprise, Vodafone UK. “With this kind of technology seamlessly integrated into Lenovo’s latest portfolio as standard, and Ericsson’s module taking advantage of the recent upgrade to our network, Lenovo customers can enjoy simple, fast, and reliable connectivity with no more than click of the mouse.”
Lenovo has designed multiple antennas and maximised their placement in the new ThinkPad notebooks to achieve excellent wireless performance with increased download and upload speeds compared to previous notebooks.
“We’ve engineered our ThinkPad notebooks to provide an exceptional wireless experience,” said Alan Munro, vice president Lenovo UK & Ireland. “By partnering with industry leaders, Ericsson and Vodafone UK, we’ve found a way to package the best wireless performance into a business model that gives business users an affordable connectivity solution.”
Embedded modems used for mobile broadband connectivity are projected to grow at an increasing rate in the next few years as the number of mobile workers increases. Gartner forecasts embedded modem sales to have a compound annual growth rate of 94.3%from 2008 to 20122.
“As users continue to demand high performance connectivity solutions, Ericsson mobile broadband modules are an essential building block in providing a simple, secure and superior experience, said Mats Norin, Vice President Ericsson Mobile Broadband Modules. ”Beyond providing excellent engineering, we are committed to working with industry leaders to shape a complete, end-to-end solution to drive increased mobile broadband adoption.”
Availability1
The new ThinkPad range will be available from the 4th August 2008 and this will expand to include other notebooks later in 2008.
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About Vodafone
Vodafone UK has 18.4 million customers and is part of the world’s leading international mobile telecommunications Group, offering a wide range of voice and data communications. The company is committed to providing mobile solutions that allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. In addition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreements worldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 29 countries and offers great roaming value with Vodafone Connect Abroad, which is £8.50 for 24 hours of Mobile Broadband access anywhere in Europe. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk.
About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices. Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building the world’s most innovative personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centres in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
1All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice. |