US : Fujitsu Network Communications announced an expansion of existing laboratory facilities at their Richardson headquarters ( above ) to support next-generation wireless technologies, including Long Term Evolution (LTE). The expanded research will focus on emerging wireless technologies that will impact the North American market for mobile services, LTE products and devices, evaluation and prototyping of mobile applications, and establishing and supporting joint development partnerships with third-party mobile solutions vendors. The R&D center will serve as the focal point for LTE trials in the US, in addition to performing interoperability (IOT) and verification activities to fully support North American operator needs.

“Fujitsu has a long history in managing interoperability between various handsets, radio and core networks as a full ecosystem supplier for 3G network equipment,” said Jim Orr, principal network architect at Fujitsu Network Communications. “We see significant opportunities in North America; the expansion of our Richardson lab is one more way we’re furthering the development of the LTE ecosystem and enabling operators to trial and deploy the technology as quickly as possible.”

Fujitsu has developed a 3GPP-compliant LTE system for the global market and has demonstrated 4x4 MIMO technology's 250 Mbps-plus performance at CEATEC Japan 2008 and at CTIA Wireless 2008 in Las Vegas. Fujitsu was chosen by NTT DOCOMO in 2006 to be a supplier for its LTE network.

The Fujitsu LTE solution supports a smooth migration to LTE service from existing mobile networks and safely and cost-effectively coexists with existing mobile networks. For example, existing ancillary facilities including antenna, feeder, and power supplies can be used as-is, with minimal installation work or additional footprint to launch LTE services. LTE technology also provides easy access to mobile broadband services, such as multimedia broadcasting, streaming music, video, e-commerce, mobile banking, and high-speed mobile Internet access, whether indoors or on the move, anytime, anywhere in the world.

Fujitsu is able to leverage its national footprint of optical networks and existing operations and staffing in North America to be prepared for the onslaught of capacity generated by LTE as end users embrace personal data services.

About Fujitsu Network Communications Inc.

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc. is an innovator and strategic partner with over 20 years of experience as a leading provider of wireline and wireless networking solutions that solve critical business issues and enable new services. With the support of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702), a $53B company with approximately 160,000 professionals in 70 countries, Fujitsu enables their customers to build or seamlessly migrate to fully converged networks that improve network performance and profitability.