International broadband development is accelerating. In a recent report from the analysis firm IDC, the market in Europe alone is expected to be worth in excess of 250 billion euros in 2006. In May, the EU Commission adopted a broad action plan in order to further stimulate the expansion of the infrastructure and the production of broadband-based services.

Against this background, among other factors, the world's first broadband centre was opened in Stockholm at the beginning of June. This investment was inaugurated by, among others, Intel's Nancy Pantone, Managing Director of Product Marketing, and Microsoft and Real Life Production representatives. The inauguration speaker was Per Westerberg, former Swedish government minister and current chairman of the Swedish Parliament's trade and industry committee.

Parallel to the opening, the Broadbandbox was launched, the first PC/convergence computer of its kind, which with a single device replaces TV, radio, video, and DVD units, as well as the traditional home computer and other home electronics.

"Through increased knowledge among the general public, the media, and decision-makers, we want to accelerate broadband development, which is extremely important to us all. With the Centre and our Broadbandbox, we want to show that it is not the technology that is the limiting factor when broadband and the Internet become the foundation of our future communication society." This statement was made by Claes Wellton Persson, famous Swedish computer entrepreneur and the man behind the new broadband centre and the launch of the Broadbandbox.

Swedish and international industry members have gathered in this first broadband centre with the ambition of in a practical, neutral, and pedagogic manner showing and in different ways stimulating the many aspects and possibilities offered by broadband technology. In addition to the initiators, the Swedish company Broadbandbox AB, there are 30 or so widely-known companies, Microsoft, Philips, NEC, Intel, Tiscali, and Flextronics, for example. All are interested in the very large market that broadband development is expected to generate.

Contact:
Claes Wellton Persson, tel +46 70 562 39 80, e-mail: claes@broadbandbox.net

Website: www.broadbandbox.net


THIS IS THE BROADBANDBOXÔ

The Broadbandbox, from the company of the same name, will be able to act as a transmitter/receiver for all current multimedia function needs in the home. From a remote control or a wireless keyboard, the user controls independent or Internet-based functions and applications reflecting the traditional PC, TV, radio, home cinema, video-on-demand, videoconference, e-mail, personal music and photo archives, PC games, home security, and a number of other existing or anticipated broadband functions. The patent-pending user interface has been developed with the aim that even a person with no technical knowledge shall easily be able to use the device. In her living room, with a few presses of the remote control, even the developers' virtual guiding light, "old Aunt Agnes, aged 87", shall be able to use all the functions. As a result, a number of software applications are pre-installed.
At the launch in August, two alternative systems will be marketed. A separate Broadbandbox to which one connects desired system units and a complete system with a wall-mounted or free-standing wide-screen monitor in the size of your choice.
Technical specifications and further information can be found on the website www.broadbandbox.se.

Press release images