Ericsson and 3 Scandinavia to bring first 21Mbps mobile broadband network to Europe

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and 3 Scandinavia have signed a contract to upgrade the operator’s HSPA network to 21 Mbps downlink speeds. This will raise mobile broadband speeds in Scandinavia to a new level by dramatically improving quality and capacity.

The upgrade will give 3’s customers improved access to mobile broadband services, including Internet and downloading of music and video.

Peder Ramel, CEO of 3 Scandinavia says: “We were the first to launch Turbo 3G in the Nordic region and now we are proud to be one of the first operators in the world to offer a speed of 21Mbps. Ericsson’s leading technology will help us boost competitiveness and reach our goal of bringing high-quality communications to our customers.”

Mikael Bäckström, President of Ericsson Nordic and Baltic region, says: “With the upgrade to 21Mbps, 3 is one of the first operators to offer customers new and richer services at this speed. We are proud to contribute to 3’s great ambition to launch high-speed mobile broadband services in Scandinavia.”

Ericsson will provide the enhanced speed in selected parts of the network in Sweden and Denmark. Ericsson and 3 will continue to extend network coverage and upgrade to higher mobile broadband speeds throughout 2009. The commercial launch is planned for the first half of 2009.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver radio base stations, RBS6000, enhanced core network features and a mobile backhaul including Redback SmartEdge 1200, Marconi OMS 1400 and MINI-LINK TN.

Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of ’communication for all’ through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ.

For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi.