SmarTone Uses Ericsson

HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong-wide HSDPA network was first launched in June. This upgrade from 1.8Mbps to 3.6Mbps enables SmarTone-Vodafone to deliver its mobile broadband services at the highest speed and with true mobility.

Douglas Li, CEO of SmarTone-Vodafone, says: "In June this year, we were the first in the world to launch a full commercial HSDPA-enabled mobile broadband service delivering true broadband speed of up to 1.8Mbps. The upgrade of our HSDPA full-coverage network to 3.6Mbps today clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuous progress. This technology leadership empowers us to bring better services to customers."

Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson, says: "Our enhancement of SmarTone-Vodafone's network further demonstrates Ericsson's position as the world technology leader and the key driver of evolved 3G network development, as well as one of the main forces behind mobile technology innovation. It is also an important step for Ericsson to be able to offer its customers high-quality mobile broadband services."

Ericsson's HSDPA solution enables peak download speeds of up to 14.4Mbps. The advanced technology offers operators more than double the system capacity and shortens the response times for interactive services.

The successful implementation of SmarTone-Vodafone's HSDPA network, delivering up to 3.6 Mbps, marks another important milestone in the successful partnership between SmarTone-Vodafone and Ericsson, following the launch of 3G in Hong Kong in 2004.

SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong: 0315)

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)