Ericsson signs sole supplier agreement for 3G with SmarTone, Hong Kong

Ericsson signs sole supplier agreement for 3G with SmarTone, Hong Kong Ericsson and SmarTone announced today in Hong Kong that Ericsson will provide a total, end-to-end WCDMA solution including handsets, core network, radio access network, network management solutions and related support services. "Our migration to the new era of 3G is a natural extension of our joint efforts with Ericsson in the field of telecommunications," said Douglas Li, Chief Executive Officer of SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited. SmarTone is one of four companies provisionally awarded a 3G licence by the Hong Kong SAR Government September 19. Ericssson has worked with SmarTone on both their GSM and GPRS systems, and will now as SmarTone's sole supplier for their 3G network ensure that SmarTone meets new market needs and the expected huge demands on network capacity. "Our close relationship over the years has produced several industry initiatives," said Douglas Li. "The launch of the first GSM network and the first dual band network in the region, the successful development of the radio capacity enhancement technology known as Multiple Reuse Pattern (MRP) and the first 3G trial in Greater China are just some examples. 3G services mean that once again we are developing innovative and personalized services for our customers and adding substantial value to the evolution of telecommunications." "Ericsson is committed to using its global experience and its unrivalled resources as SmarTone's sole network infrastructure supplier," said Stephen Yeung, Managing Director of Ericsson Limited in Hong Kong. "We are delighted by SmarTone's decision to select Ericsson and we are fully committed to support the roll out of 3G services in Hong Kong." 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 James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 9261; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Rebecca Tong, Communications Officer, Ericsson Limited Phone: +852 2590 2556, E-mail: rebecca.tong@ehk.ericsson.se Mickey Shiu, Manager, Corporate Communications SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited Phone: +852 2594 3770, E-mail: mickey_shiu@hksmartone.com About SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited Founded in Hong Kong in 1992, SmarTone is a major communications service provider in Hong Kong and offers a wide range of telecommunications services. The Company was the first operator to launch a GSM service in Asia in 1993. Since then it has established itself as a leading operator with a superior network quality and premium customer service. The Company introduced the world first fully overlaid Dual Band network in 1998. SmarTone (SEHK : 0315) is a public listed company in Hong Kong. The Company's major shareholders include Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (28.41%) and British Telecommunications plc (20.52%). For more information, please visit the group's website: http://www.smartone.com.hk