Ericsson awarded GPRS contract with Microcell Connexions in Canada

Ericsson awarded GPRS contract with Microcell Connexions in Canada Ericsson and Microcell Connexions Inc. have entered into a multimillion- dollar contract for the supply of a new high-speed Mobile Internet solution based on General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology. Ericsson has over 50 percent market share of the GPRS market with 47 commercial agreements and 44 test systems. The agreement covers a complete GPRS system; including software and hardware upgrades of the existing Microcell GSM infrastructure and the deployment of newly developed IP-based GSN nodes for the GPRS core network. Ericsson's GPRS system will enable Microcell to offer its customers mobile Internet and other IP-based applications at speeds up to ten times as fast as current mobile networks. "This agreement will enable us to quickly enhance our state-of-the-art digital network to provide Canadians with the tools they need to use the Internet anytime, anywhere," said Mr. Rajiv Pancholy, President and Chief Operating Officer, Microcell Connexions. "We are already testing GPRS in preparation for a rapid rollout- yet another reason why Microcell Connexions is the network of choice for Canadians." Ericsson's GPRS system is an open standard solution, enabling multi- operator and multi-vendor interoperability. The Ericsson GPRS solution is future proofed for third generation (3G) systems and is compatible with the latest GPRS specifications approved at SMG 31 (Special Mobile Group within the ETSI standardization organization). "We are delighted with Microcell's decision to select Ericsson as a GPRS systems supplier," noted Mr. Gilles Lapierre, Vice President, Network Operators at Ericsson Canada. "This very significant order adds Microcell to the growing list of operators from around the world to whom we are providing Ericsson's GPRS solution." GPRS will enable a broad spectrum of communications and information services. It is an ideal bearer for services based on Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). Ericsson also recently unveiled the first GPRS phone with Bluetooth , the triple band R520. The R520 will be tested by operators and service providers during Q3 and Q4 2000. The R520 will be available in limited volumes during Q4 2000 and in commercial volumes during Q1 2001. The R520 supports GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies, allowing communication with one phone throughout 135 countries in five continents. 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 more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Ericsson Corporate Communications Press Office, Division Mobile Systems Phone: +46 70 699 9412 E-mail: isabella.laihorinne-smedh@lme.ericsson.se Bill Gajda, Director, Corporate Communications, Ericsson Canada Inc., Phone +1 905 629 6838, E-mail: bill.gajda@emc.ericsson.se Victoria Ollers, Director, Corporate Communications Microcell Telecommunications Inc. Phone +1 416 822 2288, E-mail: victoria.ollers@microcell.ca For more information on Ericsson GPRS references: http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom/referencematerial/gprs_referencelist.sht ml About Microcell Connexions: Microcell Connexions Inc. is a dynamic wireless access provider in Canada, building a Personal Communications Services (PCS) network based on the GSM protocol and providing innovative business solutions in wireless voice and data communications. Microcell Connexions is the only Canadian wireless network to exclusively offer unbundled and unbranded airtime and wireless services to corporations and entrepreneurs who then brand and market these offerings as their own. Microcell Connexions also partners with third- party developers and manufacturers to enhance their wireless service and product offerings with innovative voice and data applications. A subsidiary of Microcell Telecommunications Inc., Microcell Connexions was awarded a 30 MHz license in December 1995 by Industry Canada to operate a cross-Canada PCS network at 1.9 GHz. Microcell Telecommunications Inc. (TSE: MTI.B; Nasdaq: MICT) has been a public company since October 1997, and is a member of the TSE 300, TSE 200, and S&P/TSE Canadian Mid Cap indices. The Company employs more than 2,000 people across Canada. Please read more at: http://www.microcellcnx.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/08/01/20000801BIT00460/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/08/01/20000801BIT00460/bit0002.pdf