Ericsson and Globe expand GSM network in the Philippines

Ericsson and Globe expand GSM network in the Philippines Ericsson and Globe Telecommunications have signed an agreement valued at USD 110 million to upgrade and develop the Philippine operators' GSM mobile network infrastructure for year 2001. "Ericsson delivers the quality network vital to continuously improving the service level our customers have grown to respect and expect," said Gerardo Albaza, Globe President and CEO. "Ericsson and Globe share the same vision toward providing cutting-edge technology and innovative services to the Filipino consumer." Globe, a leading mobile communications service provider in the Philippines, is driving the growth of mobile applications and services. The new contract is key to Globe's plans to more rapidly expanding its network and to provide more sophisticated voice, data and other value- added offerings to its customers. Ericsson has long supplied Globe's network in the southern islands and will now for the first time also develop the operator's network on Luzon island. This major expansion, which spans the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, is geared towards meeting the demands of Globe's fast- growing subscriber base and will further expand the operator's geographical reach. The agreement involves the supply and implementation of new cell sites all over the country, as well as the change-out of sites equipped by a competing vendor. "The mobile industry has been a major driver in the growth of the Philippine economy," said Robert Etteborn, President of Ericsson Philippines. "We are very pleased that Globe and Ericsson have successfully managed the challenges of accelerated growth. Ericsson looks forward to the continuing of our alliance with Globe, as the industry moves towards third generation systems and applications." 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 presence in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Mats Thorén, Press Relations, Division Mobile Systems Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 3465436; E-mail: mats.thoren@lme.ericsson.se Mona Magno-Veluz, Director, Market Development and Communications Ericsson Telecommunications, Inc (Philippines) Phone: +63 2 6351821; E-mail: mona.magno-veluz@enp.ericsson.se Jones T. Campos, Assistant Vice-President, Public Relations Globe Telecommunications, Inc. Phone: +63 2 7393074; E-mail: jtcampos@globetel.com.ph About Globe Globe Telecommunications is a joint venture between Ayala Corporation and Singapore Telecom International with 2.65 million customers in the Philippines. Globe provides cellular mobile telephone services, fixed telephone and international communications services, International Private Leased (IPL) lines, Internet access, VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) service, Inter-Exchange Carrier service, Frame Relay, Value- added Network Services (VANS) and other domestic data communications services.