Ericsson to build new GSM system in Morocco

Ericsson to build new GSM system in Morocco Ericsson is chosen as the principal supplier of a turnkey GSM network by Medi Telecom - the second GSM operator in Morocco. The order is initially valued at Euro 135 million (USD 142 million). Medi Telecom recently won a license to operate the second GSM network in the country. The operator is jointly owned by a consortium - whose main shareholders are Morocco-based BMCE Bank, Afriquia Group, Telecom Portugal and Spanish-based Telefónica. "Medi Telecom's new network will have a positive impact on the Moroccan economy. It will also create new opportunities for employment and the technological advancement of young people here," says Patrick Boyeaux, Managing Director of Ericsson Morocco. The GSM system is to be delivered in January 2000. When fully expanded, it will provide nationwide coverage. Current penetration of mobile phone users in Morocco is some 0.5 percent. The introduction of Medi Telecom's new network is expected to increase demand significantly in the next few years, by giving consumers advanced mobile services and a choice of operator. With the global strength of Ericsson, Medi Telecom will bring the latest mobile technologies and services to Morocco, and be in a position to offer some of the latest applications, including datacom and IP-based services. GSM is the world's most widely deployed wireless communications standard. Ericsson is the global market leader in GSM, with close to half of the world's 190 million GSM subscribers connected by Ericsson systems. More than 125 operators in some 70 countries around the world rely on GSM systems from Ericsson. 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 Patrick Boyeaux, Managing Director, Ericsson Maroc S.A.R.L. Tel: +212 7 77 6906; E-mail: patrick.boyeaux@emo.ericsson.se Johan Axelsson, Sales Manager, New Accounts on Direct Markets Ericsson GSM Systems Tel: +46 70 590 5483; E-mail: johan.axelssson@era.ericsson.se