Ericsson selected by Hi3G Access as principal UMTS-supplier

Ericsson selected by Hi3G Access as principal UMTS-supplier Swedish 3G operator Hi3G Access has signed a letter of intent with Ericsson for the supply of UMTS network infrastructure and services. Ericsson also enters a wider cooperation with Hi3G and companies within the Hutchison 3G group, concerning the development of strategic applications and services. "We are pleased to have entered into the letter of intent for Ericsson to supply UMTS infrastructure to Hi3G after an evaluation that has been detailed and covered extensively all technical and commercial aspects to make sure that we get the best future proof solutions for our customers. Ericsson will be a long-term strategic partner of Hi3G and I am confident that we together can create the leading 3G service in Sweden," said Chris Bannister, CEO of Hi3G. The letter of intent deals with the supply of Hi3G's complete Core Network and a major part of the Radio Access Network, including Base Stations and Base Station Controllers. Hi3G is in the finale stages of selecting suppliers for the remaining part of the Radio Access Network. "In order to stimulate a fast 3G roll out it is of crucial importance that the network technology is complemented with attractive applications and user friendly services," said Mats Dahlin, President of Ericsson Radio Systems and head of Ericsson Mobile Systems Division. "In this respect we are very proud to be chosen by Hi3G, not only for supplying equipment, but also for applications development. We are also very honoured to enter this wider cooperation with other Hutchison companies." The UMTS network for HI3G will be built according to WCDMA, which is the globally dominating standard for 3G. Ericsson is the leading 3G-supplier, to this day named by 33 of around 50 WCDMA-operators worldwide. Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Mats Thorén, Press Officer, Division Mobile Systems, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 346 54 36, E-mail: mats.thoren@lme.ericsson.se Joséphine Edwall-B, Communications Manager, Ericsson Sverige AB Phone: +46 70 519 16 98, E-mail: josephine.edwall@ese.ericsson.se Niclas Lilja, Director Communications, Hi3G Phone: +46 708 45 70 90, E-mail: niclas.lilja@hi3gaccess.se About Hi3G Hi3G is the holder of a Swedish national UMTS licence and is aiming to become Sweden's leading 3G operator with innovative services and a high quality network. The company's strength lies in the fact that it is a pure 3G company, with no baggage from old technologies such as GSM. Hi3G is expanding its operations in Sweden rapidly with the support of its owners, Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. (60%) and Investor AB (40%), who have a strong commitment to Hi3G and the development of 3G in Sweden and a solid network and industry track record worldwide. Hi3G is cooperating with other Hutchison Whampoa group companies that hold 3G licences in other countries, including Australia, Austria, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Hi3G will provide services with a full population coverage in Sweden by the end of 2003. Please stay in touch and visit our site at www.hi3gaccess.se. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/06/25/20010625BIT00640/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/06/25/20010625BIT00640/bit0001.pdf