3’s Scandinavian operations are set to launch Europe’s first HSPA Evolution services next year, providing theoretical peak speeds of up to 21Mb/s. In a statement from network equipment supplier Ericsson, it was revealed that commercial launch in Denmark and Sweden is planned for the first half of 2009. “We were the first to launch Turbo 3G [HSPA] in the Nordic region and now we are proud to be one of the first operators in the world to offer a speed of 21Mb/s,” said Peder Ramel, CEO of 3 Scandinavia.

Ericsson is also the supplier to Telstra’s high-profile HSPA Evolution network. Last week the Australian operator announced it had become the first operator in the world to activate a HSPA Evolution network (sometimes referred to as HSPA+ or eHSPA). Trials of the mobile broadband service on Telstra’s Next G network will begin this month with a full commercial launch “early next year.” Separately, Cellular News reports today that Huawei has announced completion of a HSPA Evolution demonstration with Hong Kong operator PCCW, using the Chinese vendor’s equipment.