Ericsson chosen as 3G supplier by Andala Hutchison

Ericsson chosen as 3G supplier by Andala Hutchison Ericsson has announced that it has been selected by Andala Hutchison as one of the suppliers for the UMTS launch network. Ericsson will supply, deliver and implement a 3G system, based on WCDMA, if Andala wins a license, which is to be awarded through an auction starting in October. Ericsson is supporting Andala in the project implementation, including radio network planning and site acquisition, in order to ensure an early launch of the new 3G network in 2002. Based on WCDMA technology, Ericsson's 3G system to be supplied can also be referred to as UMTS, a European denomination for 3G. UMTS stands for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. With 3G, the full potential of the next major trend in communications, the mobile Internet, will be realized. Ericsson has to date been named as supplier in 12 commercial agreements for WCDMA 3G networks, more than any other vendor. The first WCDMA systems will go into commercial operation in Japan in 2001, followed shortly thereafter by commercial launch in certain European countries. Within a year from now, there will be some 90 third generation-licensed operators around the world. Ericsson began research on WCDMA more than ten years ago, and initiated the first WCDMA testbed already in 1995. Ericsson currently has 17 WCDMA trial systems in operation in countries throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America. The company is in a unique position of leadership in mobile systems; larger than its nearest two competitors combined and the only supplier to offer mobile systems in all existing standards, from the first generation through the third generation. 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 Press Office, Division Mobile Systems Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 699 9412; E-mail: press.mobilesystems@lme.ericsson.se Doris Sdogati, Image & Communication director Ericsson Telecomunicazioni (Italy) Phone: +39 06 725 82881; E-mail: doris.sdogati@tei.ericsson.se