NETGEAR Announces 3G Mobile Technology Collaboration With Ericsson On NETGEAR MBRN3300E 3G Wireless Router

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, today announced a technology collaboration with 3G infrastructure leader Ericsson® (Nasdaq: ERIC) resulting in the launch of the new NETGEAR MBRN3300E 3G Mobile Broadband Router with internal 3G radio, available now. Ericsson contributes its leadership in 3G mobile networks, while NETGEAR contributes world-class expertise in routing, firewalls, wireless and IP networks. NETGEAR will showcase the MBRN3300E in the Ericsson pavilion, Hall 6, during the GSMA Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona February 15-18.

"We are thrilled to cooperate with Ericsson, the global leader in 3G mobile broadband network technology," said Michael Clegg, vice president and general manager of the NETGEAR Service Provider Business Unit. "This collaboration furthers our position with mobile operators, and the resulting mobile platform can be migrated to higher speeds and enabled with added features going forward. It is a clear win-win partnership."

Mats Norin, vice president of Mobile Broadband Modules at Ericsson, added, "Mobile broadband connectivity over HSPA in routers opens up new opportunities in yet-untapped home, SOHO and semi-nomadic user scenarios. We are excited to deliver mobile broadband connectivity to a new segment, home network routers for NETGEAR."

Now available, the MBRN3300E Mobile Broadband Router combines a 3G WAN with 802.11n wireless and Ethernet LAN. As evidence of its industry-leading features, this Mobile Router sports 270 Mbps on the wireless LAN side and a full-featured firewall. Utilizing the Ericsson 3G mobile broadband technology, the MBRN3300E offers cost-efficient Internet access for home and business users and is ideal for:

• locations that lack wired infrastructure;
• as an alternative to DOCSIS®, DSL or Fiber to the Home (FTTH); and
• Internet access from trains, buses, automobiles, RVs or boats.

Proven Compatibility

Mobile network connections for routers are becoming increasing popular in many countries as a backup for or alternative to wired broadband. 3G mobile networks already offer speeds close to, or even exceeding, wired options. Mobile networks also offer service in locations where there are no high-speed wired Internet connections available or alternatives are far too expensive. Ericsson and NETGEAR together are expanding the market for mobile networks into untapped applications and are helping mobile operators generate higher revenues as their customers realize more reasons to use 3G networks for data and downloadable mobile entertainment.