Ericsson chosen as sole supplier for GPRS by FTML in Lebanon

Ericsson chosen as sole supplier for GPRS by FTML in Lebanon Ericsson has been chosen by France Telecom Mobile Lebanon (FTML) as sole supplier of their packet-based GPRS solution. The introduction of GPRS will bring advanced mobile Internet applications over the GSM network to FTML's customers. The agreement is part of an infrastructure expansion of FTML's existing GSM network, solely supplied by Ericsson. The total agreement includes a complete GPRS system, packet switching products and upgrading of existing radio products. "We are delighted with FTML's decision to select Ericsson as their sole GPRS system supplier," says Jan Embro, President of Ericsson Lebanon. "We consider this decision as a basis for continued long-term cooperation, including wireless data and value added services." Ericsson's GPRS solution will integrate FTML's GSM mobile network with the datacoms/Internet world, making it possible for the operator to offer packet-switched IP services with wireless access to Internet and intranet and other multimedia services. GPRS is an important step in the evolution to 3G networks. 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 James Borup, Press Relations, Division Mobile Systems Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 699 9412; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Maya A. Loughman, Marketing Communications Phone: +961 3 810558; +961 1 488000 E-Mail: maya.azouri-loughman@ericsson.com About GSM/GPRS from Ericsson GSM is the world's most widely deployed wireless communications standard. Ericsson is the global market leader in GSM, with 40 percent of the world's more than 400 million GSM subscribers connected by Ericsson systems. More than 146 operators in some 80 countries around the world rely on GSM systems from Ericsson. Ericsson's GPRS solution enables up to ten-fold increase in wireless data speed. Bringing packet switching functionality to mobile networks, GPRS is an important step in the evolution to 3G (third-generation) networks. Ericsson's GPRS system is an open standard solution, enabling multi- operator and vendor interoperability. GPRS is ideal for carrying Internet data, for example, e-mail and a host of news, information and entertainment services designed for GPRS-enabled mobile handsets. Ericsson is the world leader in GPRS, with more commercial agreements than any other supplier. It supports operators around the world with infrastructure, GPRS phones with Bluetooth, and ready-to-go Mobile Internet applications, enabling early commercial launch of GPRS systems. Customers that have launched live GPRS systems so far include Vodafone in the UK, Telstra in Australia, SmarTone in Hong Kong and GMCC in China. The Ericsson GPRS solution is future-proofed for third generation (3G) systems and is fully compatible with the GPRS specifications approved at SMG 31(Special Mobile Group within ETSI standardization organization).