Ericsson to lead core network modernization for T-Mobile UK

December 4, 2006, T-Mobile UK has selected Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) as its sole partner for a dual 2G/3G core network modernization programme. As T-Mobile UK’s prime integrator, Ericsson will take full turn-key responsibility for the supply of equipment, deployment, integration and live migration.

Under the scope of a new unlimited term frame agreement, Ericsson will provide a new combined 2G and 3G core network. The introduction of the new core architecture based on the Ericsson Mobile Softswitch is an important step towards an all-IP network which will ultimately allow network operating costs to be driven down.

The new all-IP infrastructure will also allow T-Mobile UK to deliver new multimedia services to UK customers. A new transmission network is also part of the modernization project which will further upgrade the network.

Emin Gurdenli, Technical Director, T-Mobile UK says: “The decision to invest with Ericsson confirms our intent to offer best in class service to our customers”. The turnkey nature of this agreement is significant in that it allows us at T-Mobile UK to concentrate on our customers and their needs whilst Ericsson focuses on a complete swap out of our core switching infrastructure"

Jacqueline Hey, Managing Director, Ericsson UK, says: “We are delighted to have been chosen as T-Mobile’s partner in transforming and expanding its network - it’s especially pleasing as it creates the opportunity to renew and reinvigorate our strong long-term relationship.”

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

Read more at http://www.ericsson.com

About T-Mobile UK
T-Mobile is one of the world’s largest mobile operators with around 87 million customers worldwide. In the UK it is the network of choice for over 16 million customers, making it one of the most popular networks. T-Mobile’s range of services includes innovations such as Flext, a unique tariff with flexible pricing; U-Fix, which combines pay-as-you-go spending control with pay monthly value; web’n’walkTM, enabling customers to access the internet and office applications on the move. T-Mobile’s 2G and GPRS data network covers over 99% of the population. Its 2G network has also been chosen by Virgin Mobile and Carphone Warehouse’s ’Fresh’ mobile service for their customers. T-Mobile’s 3G network currently provides 65% population coverage. T-Mobile’s Hotspot service is the world’s largest public WiFi network operator with approximately 17,000 locations, over 1,000 of them in the UK.

About Ericsson Softswitch solutions
Ericsson Softswitch solutions are commercially proven systems that maintain and extend operator revenues. They provide a low-risk evolution of existing circuit-switched networks to a telecom-quality, all-IP network. They offer operators the opportunity to utilize network resources for next-generation services in the most cost efficient way, while continuing to profit from classic voice services. More than 100 fixed and mobile operators worldwide have commercially launched services based on Ericsson’s true Softswitch solutions.

About Ericsson Global Services offering
www.ericsson.com/ericsson/press/facts_figures/doc/global_services.pdf

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