Ericsson today signed additional phase III CDMA2000 infrastructure expansions with China Unicom for approximately USD 93 million at the China Seminar on Prospects for Cooperation in Telecom and IT in Washington, D.C. In addition, Ericsson has been awarded further phase III agreements during December, bringing today's total announced expansion value close to USD 140 million.
Ericsson supplies its total CDMA2000 1X network solution to China Unicom in the Sichuan, Jiangsu, Henan, Anhui, Yunnan, Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces. In addition, Ericsson supplies a multi-access network based on its CDMA2000 1X network and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) solutions for China Unicom in Sichuan province.
"Ericsson is dedicated to supporting China Unicom as they bring advanced wireless services to their customers," said Åke Persson, president of Ericsson Mobile Systems CDMA. "We are honored to continue to expand China Unicom's network and help them successfully grow their networks while generating new revenue streams."
Deployment has already begun and commercial launch is expected during first quarter 2004.
"China offers one of the largest opportunities for wireless telecommunications in Asia," said Jan Malm, president of Ericsson China. "As a committed, local partner in China for more than 100 years, Ericsson is honored to be part of this high-growth market and continues to support China Unicom in bringing advanced wireless services to their customers."
The contract includes Ericsson's total CDMA2000 solution for core and radio network equipment and a full portfolio of services including training, network rollout and technical support. Nanjing Ericsson Panda Communications Company Ltd (ENC), an Ericsson joint venture in China, will deliver all Ericsson equipment and services for the new contracts.
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.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
James Borup, Senior Press Manager,
Ericsson Communications
Phone: +46 8 719 0952;
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
Charlotte Rubin, Sr. Communications Manager
Ericsson Mobile Systems CDMA
Phone: +1 858 332 6589;
E-mail: charlotte.rubin@ericsson.com
Min Tu, Director, Corporate Communications, Ericsson (China) CompanyLtd.
Phone: +86 10 6561 9988;
E-mail: min.tu@ericsson.com
About Ericsson CDMA Systems
Ericsson's total CDMA2000 solution, which includes infrastructure, applications, devices, services and proven market expertise, is optimized for delivering advanced data solutions. Developed by the industry's premier CDMA experts, Ericsson's true 3G CDMA2000 solution offers operators unique performance and cost-saving advantages by leveraging the full strength of Ericsson's expertise in wireless, IP/datacom and Mobile Internet technologies. Ericsson's CDMA2000 solution, based on innovative product design, global platforms and open standards, provides the flexibility operators need to succeed in an always-evolving wireless market.
Read more about CDMA from Ericsson at:
www.ericsson.com/cdmasystems/cdmapress.shtml
About China Unicom
China Unicom was established in July 1994 and listed on the Hong Kong and New York stock markets in June 2000. China Unicom is China's second largest mobile communication operator with over 90 million mobile subscribers for its CDMA and GSM networks. China Unicom is now the country's only fully licensed telecom operator, providing a full range of telecom services such as domestic and international long-distance call service, mobile phone and data/IP network communications.
CDMA2000 is a trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association.
