Ericsson and SmarTone sign GPRS contract

Ericsson and SmarTone sign GPRS contract Ericsson and Hong Kong-based SmarTone Mobile Communications Ltd. have signed a contract for Ericsson's packet-based GPRS system. As the leader in GPRS and wireless Internet accessibility, Ericsson's packet-switching solutions are now on three continents. The contract is the first for General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) in China, Ericsson's largest market. It represents the fifth GPRS contract for Ericsson this quarter, and gives the company more than half of all GPRS contracts awarded to date. The contract for GPRS is part of a major infrastructure expansion of SmarTone's existing dual band GSM network. Ericsson's GPRS system will directly integrate SmarTone's dual band mobile network with the datacoms/Internet world, making it possible for the operator to offer packet- switched IP services, wireless access to Internet and intranet, and other multimedia services at speeds up to 115 kbps. Commercial GPRS service will be available from SmarTone during the year 2000, giving SmarTone's mobile consumers fast access to datacom and Internet services. With the new packet-based technology, users are always connected, always on-line, and may be charged only for the amount of data transported. Ericsson's GPRS enables a more than ten-fold increase over current mobile network speeds. Bringing packet switching to mobile networks, GPRS is an important step in the evolution to 3G (third-generation) networks. Ericsson's GPRS is an open standard solution, enabling multi-operator/vendor interoperability. GPRS is a common step for both GSM and TDMA networks to handle higher data speeds and offer 3G packet capabilities. 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 Per Nordlöf, General Manager, Packet Switching Systems Ericsson Business Unit GSM Systems Phone: +46 8 764 1011; E-mail: per.nordlof@era.ericsson.se Anders Moberg, Director, Business Management South and Central China, Hong Kong and Macau Phone: +46 70 590 9351; E-mail: anders.moberg@era.ericsson.se Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se Christine Lai, Corporate Communications and Relations Officer Ericsson Ltd. Phone: +852 2590 2301; E-mail: christine.lai@ehk.ericsson.se Company Information: Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, SmarTone is a leading provider of digital mobile communications services in Hong Kong. In March 1993, SmarTone became the first operator in Asia to introduce a state-of-the-art GSM network. In April 1998, SmarTone launched its PCS services and, in September, the Group successfully integrated its GSM and PCS networks. This resulted in the introduction of the world's first "Fully Overlaid Dual Band Network," enabling superior dual band access for its customers. Dedicated to technology enhancement, SmarTone is committed to providing customers from all walks of life with comprehensive value-added services and quality network with extensive coverage.