Ericsson Looks Ahead to Telecommunications' Role in Society in 2050

Speaking at Ericsson's Capital Markets Day in the USA, President and CEO, Carl-Henric Svanberg spoke about Ericsson's position, opportunities during and after current economic crises and about telecommunications going forward. He said that telecoms will play a role in transforming society until 2050, with broadband being society's new highways and telecom contributing to sustainable society.

"Today broadband is at the turning point with infrastructure already widely available worldwide. However, we have not realized the full impact and potential that it will bring to society. Over the next 20 to 30 years, it will stimulate innovation across society and will lead to the deployment of completely new solutions," Svanberg said.

Svanberg also addressed how well the company is prepared for current market challenges and opportunities by focusing on business growth and advancing solution in strategic markets, including the US, India, China and Japan. He reminded those present about Ericsson's early introduction of cost-reduction programs to safeguard its leading position. Svanberg reaffirmed Ericsson's support for its two joint ventures, which are undergoing substantial cost adjustments to meet a weaker handset market and which are sharpening their portfolios.

Sony Ericsson's President, Dick Komiyama, and ST-Ericsson's CEO, Alain Dutheil, also participated as speakers.

Komiyama said: "Despite the challenging economic environment, I am certain that Sony Ericsson will turn its business around and once again be an industry leader. In the past 12 months, we have taken many actions to streamline the organization and adapt to the new business reality. We are looking forward to exciting the market with new products and services in the months ahead."

Dutheil added: "We created a new, exciting industry leader in wireless platforms and semiconductors only two months ago, being the first to consolidate in our industry in a challenging economic climate. We acted quickly to further strengthen our positioning with customers and our solutions portfolio, while putting in place short-term plans to create a sustainable base for our operations and our long term success."

Posted to the site on 8th May 2009