Ericsson unveiled the industry's first open laboratory for mobile multimedia research and development in Beijing on November 16.

The move highlights the company's involvement in China's future third-generation (3G) telecom market.

The new laboratory provides the facilities for small and medium-sized software companies and academic institutions to develop China-specialized wireless multimedia services and applications made possible by 3G technologies.

Development of 3G-based services and applications was vital to the successful deployment of 3G systems in China, said Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer of Ericsson Jan Uddenfeldt.

Given China's current large market demand for mobile telecom services, 3G systems will also find a ready market, experts say.

"By making use of the lab, we hope to strengthen our co-operation with local partners," President and CEO of Ericsson China Michael Ricks said.

The new lab, co-sponsored by China Mobile Telecom and two universities, is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including GPRS (general packet radio service), WCDMA (wide-band code division multiple access) channel simulators and experimental systems, as well as WAP (wireless application protocol).