Ericsson to expand GSM network in Inner Mongolia

Ericsson to expand GSM network in Inner Mongolia Ericsson has signed a GSM expansion contract with Inner Mongolia Post and Telecommunications Administration in China valued at USD 44.3 million (SEK 345 million). The contract is for the third expansion of the digital network in this autonomous region. Upon completion, the Ericsson GSM network will cover the entire eastern part of the region and its capacity will increase to 300,000 subscribers. "We have established a very good relationship with Ericsson during the construction of Inner Mongolia mobile networks," said Mr. Sun Xuebo, Deputy Director of the PTA. "The third GSM expansion is important to the trans- century development of our region's digital network and will contribute to the region's overall economic development." The equipment will be supplied from Ericsson's joint venture in China, Beijing Ericsson Mobile Communications Company Ltd. Delivery of equipment will begin at the end of March 1999 and the expansion is scheduled for completion at the end of July 1999. Ericsson began its cooperation with the Inner Mongolia PTA in 1991 when Ericsson won the region's first TACS contract and it has remained the sole TACS supplier since then. GSM equipment was first introduced to the region in 1996. Ericsson China has more than 3,600 employees, 23 offices in different parts of the country and nine joint ventures that provide a full range of communications solutions and services. 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 Mr. Zhang Xingsheng, Executive Vice President, General Manager Region North, Ericsson (China) Company Ltd. Phone: +86 10 6561 9988; Fax: +86 10 6561 5588 Ms. Tu Min, Manager, Business Development & Communications Region North, Ericsson (China) Company Ltd. Phone: +86 10 6561 9988; Fax: +86 10 6561 5588 Isabella Laihorinne Smedh, Press Officer Ericsson Mobile Systems Phone: +46 70 551 0369, +46 8 4045654 E-mail: isabella.laihorinne-smedh@era.ericsson.se ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/01/11/19990111BIT00050/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/01/11/19990111BIT00050/bit0002.pdf