In support of J-PHONE's strategy to aggressively build-out nationwide 3G coverage, Ericsson will deploy its 3G macro base stations as well as its newly developed 3G micro base stations which are especially efficient for urban areas, hotspots and for example subways and in-building coverage. Ericsson's 3G system has been in operation since June 30 this year, when J-PHONE began its 3G trial service.

"It was a natural for us to choose Ericsson, a long-term partner, as one of the vendors to smoothly facilitate our rapid and cost-efficient roll-out of 3G," said John Thompson, CTO of J-PHONE. "J-PHONE is part of the Vodafone Group, and with Ericsson as a strategic supplier to the Vodafone Group, we already have agreements, product plans and processes in place to run operations in a cost efficient way," added Thompson.

"We are delighted to participate in J-PHONE's 3G rollout and look forward to help make the network a successful high-quality service network," said Morgan Bengtsson, President, Ericsson Japan.