Ericsson signs contracts with China Unicom to build WCDMA networks in 15 provinces in China

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has been selected by China Unicom to supply WCDMA networks and services for 15 Chinese provinces. The networks will enable tens of millions of subscribers to enjoy rich, high-speed 3G mobile communications.

Ericsson, along with its partners, was awarded contracts to supply WCDMA core and/or radio access network systems in 15 provinces, including Beijing, Jilin, Jiangsu, Hubei, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Anhui, Henan, Hainan, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Shandong, Guangdong and Hunan.

Mats H Olsson, President of Ericsson Greater China, says: “We are extremely honored to be chosen by China Unicom for the first phase of their WCDMA network deployment in China. The contract further strengthens Ericsson’s position as the leading mobile communications supplier in the Chinese market and demonstrates yet again our long-term strategic partnership with China Unicom. We are confident that our undisputed technology leadership and global experience in WCDMA will contribute to the rapid expansion of China’s 3G market.”

Ericsson will supply the 2G/3G common core platform, WCDMA RAN system, network rollout services, tuning, spare parts and training services over the coming months. Deliveries and deployment have already begun. Up to now, first 3G calls have been successfully made in all the 14 cities supplied by Ericsson for China Unicom’s initial pre-commercial launch scheduled on May 17, the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Ericsson has also been awarded contracts to upgrade China Unicom’s GSM networks to support 2G/3G interoperability functions in 10 provinces, including Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan and Hainan.

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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 250 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 billion (SEK 209 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ

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