Ericsson pledges support for improved disaster response

Ericsson pledges support for improved disaster response -"Ericsson Response" born from dialogue with experts, concern for the issue and employee involvement in disaster response Ericsson announced today the launch of Ericsson Response, a global initiative aimed at developing a better, faster response to human suffering caused by disasters. The initiative formalizes Ericsson's commitment to the issue based on its previous involvement and experience in various disaster response efforts throughout the world. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, in his Millennium Report states that he is, "pleased to announce the launch of a new disaster response program, which will provide and maintain mobile and satellite telephones as well as microwave links for humanitarian relief workers. This initiative will be led by Ericsson, in partnership with UN entities and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies." "Ericsson Response was created following consultation with international disaster relief agencies, and our own experience in disaster response efforts," explains Kurt Hellström, President of Ericsson. "We recognize that in recent years, disasters have increased in severity and scope and we want to do our part, through communications aid, expertise and our position as a global company, to support faster and coordinated approaches to disaster response efforts." Throughout Ericsson's 125-year history, it has been involved in numerous disaster response efforts. Experiences range from providing mobile base stations for refugee camps during the Kosovo crisis and reinstalling damaged telecom equipment for earthquake victims in Turkey, to providing phones to flood victims in Vietnam. The Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mr. Didier Cherpitel, explains: "The quicker we can obtain and share information in the field on the extent of a disaster and the needs of its victims, the more efficiently and rapidly we can get assistance to them. Speedy and reliable communications systems are an essential element in this. The 'Ericsson Response' initiative can provide us with such a vital connection." Ericsson Response includes the following initiatives: * Ericsson local offices around the world are establishing disaster preparedness programs in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). @ Rapid deployment of communications solutions encompassing Ericsson technologies to support and respond to the unique communications challenges of each disaster. * The development of an Ericsson Response Volunteer program to present opportunities for our employees to become involved in our response efforts. * Initiating a global issue advocacy campaign designed to increase awareness and to rally support for disaster response as a means of driving additional corporate involvement in the issue. * Hosting a virtual Web-based community for knowledge management and expertise on this issue. * Gathering all international expertise on disaster response to share lessons learned and new technologies for communications during disasters. * Sponsoring an ITU (International Telecommunications Union) publication, "Disaster Communications Handbook for Developing Countries. More information on Ericsson Response can be found at: http://www.ericssonresponse.com 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 Lars A. Stålberg, Senior Vice President, Corporate Public Affairs Phone: +46 8 719 31 62, +46 70 555 60 66 E-mail: lars.stalberg@lme.ericsson.se Jennifer Hilborn, Manager, Social Marketing Phone: +46 8 719 22 49, +1 416 826 3091 E-mail: jennifer.hilborn@emc.ericsson.se ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/11/20000411BIT00280/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/11/20000411BIT00280/bit0002.pdf