Ericsson has launched a new HSPA-enabled mobile broadband module specifically designed for mini laptops, or ‘netbooks.’ The Swedish vendor said in a statement today that the module – known as the Ericsson F3307 – is pre-certified with mobile networks in 75 countries. It is targeted at manufacturers wanting to equip their netbooks with integrated wireless connectivity and is being positioned as an alternative to products such as USB dongles, which are typically used today to access mobile broadband via laptops. Ericsson says it is working closely with Intel to validate the F3307 module with Intel’s next-generation netbook platform, Pine Trail-M. Ericsson already has similar deals in place with laptop-manufacturers Lenovo and Dell. However, the new product is believed to be its first designed specifically for netbooks.

Ericsson estimates that more than 300 million netbooks will be sold between 2009 and 2014 with a majority having mobile broadband capabilities. Many operators are already offering mobile broadband bundled notebooks and, by 2011, it forecasts that more than 30 percent of netbooks will be sold through operator channels. It added that HSPA currently serves more than 1 billion subscribers in over 100 countries worldwide.