Ericsson to build 3G network for Turkcell
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has signed a contract with Turkcell, leading communication and technology company of Turkey , as the main supplier to build a complete WCDMA/HSPA network and a range of related services. The deal will enable Turkcell to launch high-speed mobile broadband services, such as high-speed mobile internet and other advanced multimedia services, across Turkey.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply an end-to-end network solution, including a WCDMA/HSPA radio access network, and an IP-over-Ethernet-enabled mobile-backhaul solution based on microwave transmission. The transformation of Turkcell's core network and expansion of the mobile-backhaul solution will ensure a high-capacity mobile network with no bottlenecks. 3G network preparations started in February.
Ericsson will also be responsible for a full range of services, including, systems integration, technical support and network build and implementation.
Süreyya Ciliv, CEO of Turkcell, says: "We will continue our 3G investments in order to maintain our leadership in 3G coverage and quality just like today. Apart from our infrastructure studies, we are continuing to work on solutions that will enable us to provide improved services and products so that our customers can use them wherever they prefer, faster and with more appropriate prices. We are continuing to invest in Turkey and Turkey's future.
Anders Lindblad, Head of Ericsson Turkey & Israel, says: "Ericsson is honored to be selected by Turkcell to provide state-of-the-art HSPA technology that will increase network capacity and allow them to offer their customers a personalized and enriched communication experience."
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Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 250 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27 billion (SEK 209 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ
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About Ericsson's HSPA solution
HSPA stands for High Speed Packet Access. An inherent advantage of HSPA is that the technology is a natural extension of existing WCDMA/GSM networks, which comprise about 85 percent of the world's existing wireless networks, and therefore is widely available to a large number of wireless users, creating a mass market for mobile broadband. Ericsson's HSPA mobile broadband solution is part of Ericsson's Full Service Broadband offering. Evolving HSPA technology will offer download speeds over 80Mbps and upload speeds over 20Mbps.
About Turkcell
Turkcell is the leading GSM operator in Turkey with 37.0 million postpaid and prepaid customers as of December 31, 2008 operating in a three player market with a market share of approximately 56% as of December 31, 2008 (Source: operators' announcements). In addition to high-quality wireless telephone services, Turkcell currently offers General Packet Radio Service ("GPRS") countrywide and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution ("EDGE") in dense areas, which provide for both improved data and voice services. Turkcell provides roaming with 607 operators in 202 countries as of February 17, 2009. Serving a large subscriber base in Turkey with its high-quality wireless telephone network, Turkcell reported US$7.0 billion net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 as per IFRS financial statements. Turkcell has interests in international GSM operations in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Northern Cyprus and Ukraine. Turkcell has been listed on the NYSE ("New York Stock Exchange") and the ISE ("Istanbul Stock Exchange") since July 2000 and is the only NYSE listed company in Turkey. 51.00% of Turkcell's share capital is held by Turkcell Holding, 0.05% by Cukurova Group, 13.07% by Sonera Holding, 2.32% by M.V. Group and 0.08% by others while the remaining 33.48% is free float. For further information please e-mail to investor.relations@turkcell.com.tr or contact to Investor and International Media Relations at (+90212 313 18888)