Ericsson selected as prime 3G and HSDPA vendor for eMobile in Japan

Monday, March 13 2006, eMobile, a new entrant to the Japanese 3G market, has selected Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERICY) as the prime supplier of its new WCDMA/HSDPA network. The Ericsson-supplied network will enable eMobile to aggressively enter the market with premium quality and high-speed mobile broadband services.

The agreement involves WCDMA 1.7GHz radio networks in the most populated areas of Japan, such as Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, and a complete nationwide core network, including Ericsson’s world leading service-aware packet core and mobile softswitch solution. Fast roll-out will enable eMobile, a subsidiary company of eAccess, to launch commercial services in March 2007.

Sachio Semmoto, Founder, Chairman and CEO of eMobile, says: “We have selected Ericsson as our partner because of its well-regarded track record in the global market, its experience in Japan and its state-of-the-art and flexible support system. eMobile can now start addressing the challenge of drastically innovating the mobile market in Japan. We hope this partnership will be a big help to our business development.”

Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson, says: "We are honored to be the prime partner in the creation of a new, leading operator in Japan, the most advanced and quality-driven market in the world. We will support eMobile’s ambition with both our state-of-the-art technology and our global experience as the
WCDMA/HSPDA leader"

The WCDMA/HSDPA contract with eMobile underlines Ericsson’s position as the world’s leading supplier of 3G mobile systems. Ericsson’s market share for the GSM family, including WCDMA, is 35 percent and the company is the primary supplier to 49 of the 91 commercially launched WCDMA networks made to date.

Broadband is breaking new ground and operators can now offer advanced mobile broadband services for both private consumers and enterprises. Ericsson has a clear lead in this field - most HSDPA networks rolled out today are powered by Ericsson and commercial services have already been launched by Cingular in the US, 3 in Italy and Mobilcom in Austria.

eMobile obtained one of the three 3G licenses that the Japanese government granted in November 2005 to increase the competition on the market.

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.

About eMobile
eMobile was established as a subsidiary company of eAccess, a leading ADSL operator in Japan, in January 2005. In November eMobile was granted a mobile license - the first issued in 12 years - and aims to introduce the latest mobile technologies and innovative business models to the Japanese mobile market. The main shareholders are eAccess Ltd., The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc.


About eAccess
eAccess has grown to be one of the largest broadband operators since its establishment in 1999, and has been a leader in deregulation activities concerning the Japanese telecommunication industry. eAccess has contributed to the rapid growth in broadband services in Japan by expanding ADSL service. Utilizing its established broadband network and partnerships through ADSL and ISP business, eAccess established eMobile to enter Japanese mobile market. The company’s headquarters are in Tokyo, Japan.

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