Ericsson enters new infrastructure market
Ericsson enters new infrastructure market - creating new mobile network with GPRS Cesky Mobil in the Czech Republic have awarded Ericsson a turnkey mobile infrastructure project, valued at more than USD 200 (SEK 1,630 million). Deliveries include Ericsson's GPRS system, putting the Mobile Internet closer to the hands of users in the Czech Republic. Ericsson and the operator Cesky Mobil have signed an agreement for delivering a GSM system to the Czech Republic. With this agreement Cesky Mobil will introduce Ericsson's GPRS system, AXE mobile switching and IN (Intelligent Networks) solutions as well as Ericsson's latest range of base stations. The agreement represents a breakthrough for Ericsson infrastructure in the Czech republic. Ericsson is offering its broad portfolio of communications solutions in the country. Up to now, main sales have been MINI-LINK wireless transport solutions, and a smaller TDMA fixed wireless system, enterprise voice and data systems alongside mobile phones. Cesky Mobil is the third Czech GSM operator that recently won a license to operate a dual band (900/1800 MHz) network in the country. When fully implemented, Cesky Mobil's network will reach full coverage of the Czech Republic by mid 2001. Canadian-based Telesystem International Wireless (TIW) is the managing shareholder of Cesky Mobil. The other shareholders in TIW are IPB (Investicní a Postovní Banka), the largest private bank in the Czech Republic, and Priority Telecom, a subsidiary of UPC (United Pan-Europe Communications). UPC is a broadband communications company and one of the largest cable TV operators in Europe. General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) introduces packet data to mobile networks and is a first vital step in the evolution to third generation (3G) mobile networks, fully enabling Mobile Internet applications and a range of other advanced datacom services. By combining its strength in datacom and mobility, Ericsson's objective is to provide users with anywhere, anytime access to the Internet. GSM is the world's most widely deployed wireless communications standard. Ericsson is the global market leader in GSM, with close to half of the world's 200 million GSM subscribers connected by Ericsson systems. More than 125 operators in 70 countries around the world rely on GSM systems from Ericsson. 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 Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134, E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se Kjell Nilsson, President, Ericsson spol s .ro. Phone: +420 602 207 204; E-mail: kjell.nilsson@ecz.ericsson.se