Ericsson and Rogers Cantel renew strategic partnership
Ericsson and Rogers Cantel renew strategic partnership - Exclusive, three-year agreement enables Rogers Cantel to build Canada's first third generation cellular network. Ericsson and Rogers Cantel Inc. today announced an exclusive, three- year agreement, valued at more than USD 340 million (SEK 2,800 million), ensuring that Rogers Cantel will build Canada's first third generation cellular network. This partnership for evolving TDMA networks will accelerate the roll out of Cantel® AT&T wireless data services. "Ericsson and Rogers Cantel have shared a strategic partnership for almost 15 years," said Brian Barry, President and CEO, Ericsson Canada Inc. "I am extremely pleased to announce this new agreement for wireless datacom that will see the partnership continue and expand into the next millennium." "Rogers Cantel is committed to leading Canada in the development of next generation wireless services for our customers," said Charles Hoffman, President and CEO, Rogers Cantel Inc. "We have renewed our partnership with Ericsson and strengthened our commitment to work with them to maximize the value of the funds we've allocated to our 2000-2002 network build." Ericsson's main TDMA Research and Development facility and Technical Assistance Center in Montreal will provide support for the third generation system. "This renewed agreement with Rogers Cantel brings our two companies together as true partners in developing their third generation network," said Vu Nguyen, General Manager, Ericsson Canada Inc. "I look forward to working with Rogers Cantel in planning and delivering a world-class platform for new products and services and a wide range of emerging wireless technologies such as TDMA Pro, GPRS, and EDGE." "Together, Ericsson and Rogers Cantel have built Canada's largest digital wireless network," said Bob Berner, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Rogers Cantel Inc. "Our new agreement will strengthen that partnership, and allow us to improve and expand the level and types of services we can offer to Canadians." Ericsson is leading the development of 3G mobile communications. The company is ideally positioned to support any operator anywhere to migrate into 3G systems. Ericsson offers a smooth migration path from all 2G systems to all 3G systems - based on WCDMA, cdma2000 or EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution). For more information on Ericsson's EDGE offerings for TDMA and GSM operators, see press release on: http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom/Archive/1999Q1/19990318-0004.html Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Eric Österberg, Communications Director Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 05 99; E-mail: eric.osterberg@lme.ericsson.se Bill Gajda, Director, Corporate Communications, Ericsson Canada Inc. Phone: +1 905 629 6838; E-mail: bill.gadja@ericsson.com Heather Armstrong, Assistant Vice President, Communications Rogers Cantel Inc. Phone: +1 416 935 6379 About Rogers Cantel Rogers Cantel Inc. is Canada's largest wireless provider serving over two million customers from coast to coast. Marketed under the co-brand Cantel® AT&T , Rogers Cantel provides a complete range of wireless solutions including cellular, paging and Interactive Messaging, Digital PCS and wireless data services. Rogers Cantel Inc. is wholly owned and operated by Rogers Cantel Mobile Communications Inc., (TSE: RCM.B; NYSE: RCN). Rogers Cantel Mobile Communications Inc. is 51% owned by Rogers Communications Inc. and 33.3% owned jointly by AT&T Corp. and British Telecommunications plc. ® Rogers Cantel Inc. TMAT&T CORP. Used under License. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/29/19990929BIT00600/bit0001.pdf http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/29/19990929BIT00600/bit0002.doc