Ericsson signs GPRS agreement with Swisscom

Ericsson signs GPRS agreement with Swisscom Swisscom Mobilcom has chosen Ericsson as the sole supplier of their packet-based GPRS solution. The introduction of GPRS will bring high-speed data services and advanced Internet applications over the existing digital GSM mobile network to Swisscom's customers. This agreement is part of a major infrastructure expansion of Swisscom's existing dual band GSM network, solely supplied by Ericsson. Ericsson's GPRS solution will directly integrate the Swisscom dual band mobile network with the datacoms/Internet world, making it possible for the operator to offer packet-switched IP services, wireless access to Internet and intranet, and other multimedia services at speeds up to 115 kbps. The total agreement includes a complete GPRS system, including the IP- based core network infrastructure, packet switching products, and upgrading of existing radio products. "We are delighted of Swisscom's decision to select Ericsson as their sole GPRS systems supplier. We consider this decision as a base for continued long-term agreement for core business, wireless data and value added services," says Surinder Verma, Head of Wireless Core Business, Ericsson Switzerland. 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 has the world leading position in GPRS with more than 50 percent market share, as measured by operators' subscriber base. 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 Isabella Laihorinne Smedh, Ericsson Corporate Communications, Phone: +46 70 551 0369 E-mail: isabella.laihorinne-smedh@lme.ericsson.se Surinder G. Verma, Ericsson AG Switzeland Phone: + 41 31 998 3545; E-Mail: surinder.verma@eas.ericsson.se Josef Huber, Swisscom AG Switzerland Phone: +41 31 342 1300; E-Mail: josef.huber@swisscom.com Company Information Swisscom is Switzerland's leading telecommunications company with revenues of over CHF 11 billion and around 22,000 employees. The innovative, customer-focused and strongly competitive group offers a full range of voice and data communication services on fixed-line and mobile networks. Swisscom's network infrastructure encompasses some of the world's most modern technology. The company has over 2,5 million mobile telephony customers. Soon, one in three residents in Switzerland will be using Swisscom's Natel network. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/25/20000425BIT00310/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/25/20000425BIT00310/bit0002.pdf