Ericsson is offering its business customers an LTE-capable “office in a box” that runs on Verizon Wireless’ next-generation mobile broadband network.
The infrastructure vendor’s Converged Workspace, referred to in shorthand as the ECW, supports multiple Internet connections, LAN, Wi-Fi, routing services, PBX functionality and voice calls over either a cellular or Internet connections.
The ECW is targeted at customers that need to get voice and data services out to work locations that are temporary, hard to reach, need to have a standardized connection or need updated infrastructure.
Angel Ruiz, head of Ericsson’s operations in North America, called the device a “significant technological leap forward” for branch offices and small businesses.
Its LTE connectivity can serve as backup if Ethernet fails, and it can be configured to integrate traditional POTS lines and WAN access by DSL or cable.
The ECW came about through Verizon’s Innovation Program, which Ericsson helped found. The device is “one of many” the two companies have collaborated on at Verizon’s research and development center, Jim Wales, executive director of Verizon’s Innovation Program, said in a statement.
Ericsson is one of the vendors for Verizon’s LTE network. Alcatel-Lucent also supplies equipment for the service.
As of late April, Verizon’s LTE network covered more than two-thirds of the U.S. population.
