Ericsson supplies WCDMA system to SmarTone

Ericsson supplies WCDMA system to SmarTone Ericsson is supplying a WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system to Hong Kong-based SmarTone Mobile Communications Ltd. With this experimental system and cooperation with SmarTone, Ericsson is taking another important step in China, Ericsson's largest market, leveraging its leadership in wireless Internet accessibility. The two companies will cooperate with the system to further develop and evaluate third generation wireless technologies that will introduce to users the benefits of mobile multimedia communications. Third generation networks will support a wide range of wireless multimedia services, such as Internet/intranet and other IP-based applications, video conferencing and other interactive services. This full-fledged WCDMA system in Hong Kong will support wireless IP and other packet-based wireless datacom and various multimedia services at 470 kbps and faster with wide area coverage, as well as local area services at 2 Mbps. In addition to the 3G experimental system, Ericsson and SmarTone recently announced a contract for the first General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) system in China. Ericsson's packet-based GPRS system is a key precursor to 3G speeds. It will directly integrate SmarTone's 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. Ericsson is today leading the 3G development and has set up WCDMA experimental systems in the UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, Sweden and China. These full-fledged 3G systems are used to experiment with delivery of new services, leveraging Ericsson's more than 10 years of research in 3G technologies. Ericsson is also leading with experimental systems for multiple technologies, like the first systems focusing on EDGE. Ericsson is ideally positioned to support any operator anywhere to migrate to 3G systems - regardless of technology heritage or technology choice. Ericsson will be offering 3G systems based on WCDMA, cdma2000, and Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) - being the only supplier with a complete portfolio for second and third generation systems. 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 Anders Moberg, Director, Business Management South and Central China, Hong Kong and Macau Phone: +46 70 590 9351; E-mail: anders.moberg@era.ericsson.se Christine Lai, Corporate Communications and Relations Officer Ericsson Ltd. Phone: +852 2590 2301; E-mail: christine.lai@ehk.ericsson.se Company Information Listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, SmarTone is a leading provider of digital mobile communications services in Hong Kong. In March 1993, SmarTone became the first operator in Asia to introduce a state-of-the-art GSM network. In April 1998, SmarTone launched its PCS services and, in September, the Group successfully integrated its GSM and PCS networks. This resulted in the introduction of the world's first "Fully Overlaid Dual Band Network," enabling superior dual band access for its customers. Dedicated to technology enhancement, SmarTone is committed to providing customers from all walks of life with comprehensive value-added services and quality network with extensive coverage. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/05/17/19990517BIT00050/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/05/17/19990517BIT00050/bit0002.pdf