The contract includes deployment of Ericsson's end-to-end CDMA2000 1X network solution in the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka circles. In addition, Ericsson will provide core network equipment in other TTSL circles.

 

"India offers one of the largest wireless opportunities in the world. The country has experienced immense growth in mobile subscriptions within the last year, and currently has approximately a two percent cellular penetration rate," said Åke Persson, president of Ericsson Mobile Systems CDMA. "The growth potential in India is tremendous. Ericsson is very pleased to be a key supplier in this growth market and is honored to partner with TATA Teleservices in bringing advanced wireless services to their customers."

Deployment will begin immediately and the network is expected to be put into service in Q1 2004.

"As we bring advanced voice and data services to our customers throughout India, it is crucial that we partner with a trusted vendor of repute like Ericsson. We believe that their CDMA2000 solution will allow us to effectively provide advanced wireless services and meet the demand for capacity growth," said Firdose Vandrevala, chairman of TTSL.

This contract further strengthens Ericsson's momentum in the CDMA industry. Within the last year Ericsson has signed CDMA2000 contracts with 15 CDMA operators worldwide.

 

James Borup, Media Relations, Ericsson Communications

Phone: +46 70 590 9261; E-mail: james.borup@ericsson.com

Charlotte Rubin, Sr. Manager, Communications

Ericsson Mobile Systems CDMA

Phone: +1 858 332 6589; E-mail: charlotte.rubin@ericsson.com

 

TATA group is one of India's biggest business conglomerates. TATA group with 85 operating companies and a turnover of more than USD 10 billion accounts for more than six percent of India's exports and is trusted by more than two million shareholders. Promoted by TATA Sons, TATA Power, & TATA Industries, TTSL is a licensed private operator that offers mobile and fixed telephony services including voice and data products. TTSL and its subsidiary operations now embrace six 'category A' telecom circles: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi and Maharashtra (including Mumbai). These circles currently comprise 56 percent of India's subscriber base and 65 percent of the country's telecom revenues.

 

Ericsson's total CDMA2000 solution, which includes infrastructure, applications, devices, services and proven market expertise, is optimized for delivering advanced data solutions. Developed by the industry's premier CDMA experts, Ericsson's CDMA2000 solution offers operators unique performance and cost-saving advantages by leveraging the full strength of Ericsson's expertise in wireless, IP/datacom and Mobile Internet technologies. Ericsson's CDMA2000 solution, based on innovative product design, global platforms and open standards, provides the flexibility operators need to succeed in an always-evolving wireless market.