DiGi signs major network infrastructure contract with Ericsson

DiGi signs major network infrastructure contract with Ericsson DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (DiGi), Malaysia's largest GSM1800 mobile network service provider today signed an USD 210 million contract with Ericsson Sdn Bhd (Ericsson) for the expansion of DiGi's existing GSM 1800 network which will boost both coverage and quality of service. The contract also includes the supply and implementation of GPRS. YB Datuk Amar Leo Moggie, the Minister of Energy, Communications and Multimedia, witnessed the signing ceremony. In his keynote address, Datuk Amar Leo Moggie said that he was pleased to see DiGi's commitment to the development of the telecommunications industry and this, he added would spur the growth of the communications industry to greater heights. All this and more will in turn support Malaysia on its journey towards the rd 3 Generation Mobile System (3G). Signing on behalf of DiGi, Managing Director YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Rahim bin Haji Din, remarked in his speech that DiGi continuously strives towards meeting the increasing demands of its customers. 'We are committed to providing coverage and quality of service to our customers. Our GPRS network will further help pave the way for an exciting array of mobile services never before experienced in Malaysia that will also transform the way we live, work and play. We expect our GPRS service to be up and running early next year.' 'Data traffic is increasing enormously every day. This growth in demand for Internet access and services has paralleled the explosion in demand for mobile communications. Existing and potential DiGi subscribers will benefit greatly from the introduction of GPRS which will be key to enhancing current GSM data services. Customers want to access the Internet or other data services available in their office while they are away from their offices and homes, and GPRS can deliver this functionality and so much more in a more user-friendly way. In this, DiGi will make mobile data services more meaningful for customers as GPRS will provide easier and quicker access. DiGi is always conscious of customer needs and our services are tailor-made to suit these needs.' he added. President and Country Manager of Ericsson Companies in Malaysia, Mr. Peter Källberg said in his speech that DiGi and Ericsson have had a long and strong business relationship and with this new contract, Ericsson continues to support DiGi in their evolution towards offering 3G enabled services in the future. "Ericsson is the market leader for supplying GSM to network service providers in Malaysia and in the World is also in the lead for GPRS solutions. Our mission - to meet and exceed our customers expectations. This is indeed a very big milestone, for DiGi; for Ericsson and for Malaysia." Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Press Office, Division Mobile Systems Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 699 9412; E-mail: press.mobilesystems@lme.ericsson.se Peter Kallberg, President, Ericsson Sdn Bhd Phone: +603 708 7513, Fax: +603 708 7525 E-mail: Peter.Kallberg@emy.ericsson.se Göran Eriksson, Vice-President, Customer Account DiGi, Ericsson Sdn Bhd Phone: +603 708 7513, Fax: +603 708 7525 E-mail: Goran.Eriksson@emy.ericsson.se Jennifer Nelson, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd Phone: +603 721 3189, Fax: +603 721 2525 E-mail: jennifer.nelson@digi.com.my Paramjit Kaur, Senior Executive, Corporate Communications DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd Phone: +603 721 2529, Fax: +603 721 2525 E-mail: paramjitk@digi.com.my About General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) Industry experts often refer to GPRS as a high-speed wireless data- handling technology and the first step towards 3G mobile system. GPRS enables users to access the Internet at speeds up to 115 kbps while on the move. This is more than three times the speed of the fixed line analogue modems of today and 10 times faster than a normal wireless GSM modem connection. With GPRS subscribers can be 'always connected, always online'. About DiGi DiGi, with its core philosophy of "Connecting You to Your World", is a telco that listens to its customers and tailors its services to suit their lifestyles - services that are meaningful and relevant. DiGi is the first telco to launch the prepaid concept for mobile services in Malaysia and till today, DiGi remains the market leader, averaging a 60 per cent share of the market it created. With its creativity and innovation, DiGi offers the most comprehensive range of products and services, including many industry-leading offerings, all this delivered with a standard of exceptional service that best exemplifies professionalism and commitment to their customers. To date, DiGi has a total subscriber base of over 900,000 customers nationwide. DiGi is owned by Berjaya Group of Companies with a 30% equity stake held by Telenor of Norway.