Ericsson Expands Chinese GSMEricsson Expands Chinese GSM

STOCKHOLM -- Ericsson has signed a USD 29 million contract with Heilongjiang Mobile Communications Company for its GSM/GPRS network expansion.

Ericsson will supply GSM and GPRS network equipment and services to Heilongjiang Mobile. Nanjing Ericsson Panda Communication Company Ltd., Ericsson's largest joint venture in China, will provide the contracted hardware and software. And Ericsson (China) Technology Service Co. Ltd. will provide professional services.

Heilongjiang Mobile's GSM network is the largest in Heilongjiang province. With the expansion, the GSM radio network capacity will be increased to 6.65 million subscribers, which extends its population coverage up to 91.6%. And Heilongjiang Mobile's GPRS network capacity will be increased from 60,000 to 200,000 subscribers, which will not only enhance the high quality data services, but also build a solid platform for Heilongjiang Mobile's fast development and smooth evolution to 3G networks in the future.

"Heilongjiang Mobile is committed to providing the highest quality services to our customers with the support of high performance network," said Ms. Xin Fanfei, General Manager of Heilongjiang Mobile Communications Company, "The cooperation with Ericsson allows us to meet this goal by launching more attractive services to customers."

"As a strategic partner to Heilongjiang Mobile, Ericsson is always dedicated to providing world-leading products and services," said Carl-Henric Svanberg, CEO and President of Ericsson. "With the successful implementation of Heilongjiang Mobile's network expansion and evolution to more advanced technology, Ericsson's equipment will ensure that Heilongjiang Mobile can win an advantage in the 3G era of the near future."

Ericsson began its cooperation with Heilongjiang Mobile in 1993 for its TACS analogue cellular network deployment. In 1995, Ericsson became the primary supplier of Heilongjiang Mobile's GSM network. Since then Ericsson has been involved in every network expansion of Heilongjiang Mobile. Ericsson's cooperation with Heilongjiang Mobile also covers contracts for Prepaid, IP backbone and Mini-Link.

LM Ericsson

China Mobile Communications Corp.