Ericsson and Batelco sign contracts to expand GSM, add GPRS in Bahrain

Ericsson and Batelco sign contracts to expand GSM, add GPRS in Bahrain Ericsson and Bahrain Telecommunication Company (Batelco) have signed contracts for the further expansion of Batelco's existing GSM network and its upgrade to GPRS. An agreement is also in place to begin EDGE trials in the second half of 2002. Under the contracts, Ericsson will provide the equipment, software and services for the expansion and upgrade. The contracts are together valued at more than USD 26 million. Upon completion of the expansion project, Batelco's network will accommodate more than 400,000 subscribers. GPRS capability will enable Batelco to offer their customers a range of advanced Mobile Internet services. "With these projects, Batelco will be able to further expand the high level of service they offer their customers," said Kjell Engelbrektsson, General Manager of Ericsson in Bahrain. "With GPRS, they will be empowering their customers with the latest services." Ericsson is the sole supplier of GSM/GPRS mobile system infrastructure to Batelco, as well as primary supplier of the island nation's fixed- line network. 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. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 9261; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Kjell Engelbrektsson, General Manager, Ericsson (Bahrain) Phone: +973 296 262; E-mail: kjell.engelbrektsson@tkr.ericsson.se