Ericsson wins IP contract with new Dutch ISP

Ericsson wins IP contract with new Dutch ISP Ericsson has signed a contract for an Internet solution with WISH, the fastest growing Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the Netherlands. Ericsson will deliver a turnkey solution, based on its robust access routers, ensuring WISH the ability to offer its customers carrier-class Internet services. The contract, making Ericsson the sole supplier for Internet access infrastructure, is initially valued at USD 12 million (SEK 100 million). For WISH, this is the first main contract for Internet Protocol (IP) infrastructure. WISH will build an advanced IP infrastructure to position itself as a Next- Generation Service Provider. The WISH infrastructure will utilize the flexibility of Ericsson's Tigris Multi-Service Access Platform. The first phase of the build-out will be in service by the end of the year, with more than 300,000 users connected. Ericsson's IP-based access router/concentrator solution will ensure WISH quality Internet services and even more competitive market offerings. Included in the contract are also gateways to telecom networks, network management and service solutions, as well as IP services. "We selected Ericsson because of its excellent business approach, flexibility and speed to provide a turnkey solution," says Jakob Pieterman, CEO of WISH holding B.V. "By partnering with Ericsson, we have the ability to be a full- service Internet service supplier with state-of-the-art products, services and e-commerce solutions. Ericsson offers a solution that enables us to handle our explosive growth in the near future." Ericsson's scaleable Multi-Service Access platform is fully based on leveraging Internet technologies, including advanced security features, combined with 'telecom quality' features, like high availability, support for real-time multimedia and flexible charging. Ericsson's broad IP Services portfolio enables operators and ISPs to offer new competitive services and build strong business cases for their IP networks. Ericsson provides complete carrier-class data networking solutions to new and established operators and service providers. The company's expanding data networking portfolio includes a range of products for backbone infrastructure, access, IP services and network management, including MPLS to leverage investments in ATM or IP infrastructures. Ericsson offers a full line of scaleable ATM packet switches and a broad range of routers, already positioning the company as a leading supplier of multi-service networks. 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 Monique Mols, Press Officer, Ericsson Telecommunications B.V. Phone: +31 161 249 873; E-mail: Monique.Mols@etm.ericsson.se Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se Company Information WISH is the first nationwide free Internet Service Provider in the Netherlands and is positioning itself as a value-added content provider. The current customer base of more than 150.000 are acquired in only 5 months time. One of the shareholders of WISH is ICOM, a Dutch Internet investment company. ICOM invest and advises promising Internet companies based on quality, market potential and added value. The power of WISH is a fast growing customer base, combined with content provisioning from businesses and sport clubs. WISH is also partnering with sport federations to broadcast sporting events over the Internet to their customers. WISH has recently signed an agreement with NCRV, a Dutch broadcasting organization, to offer all their 400,000 members a free Internet subscription via the WISH infrastructure. Additional Information Ericsson's 11-Slot Tigris AXC is the broadest single platform for offering differentiated services, such as classed Internet access. These features of the Multi Service Access Platform combined with its dynamic routing capabilities and modular scalability enables service providers to expand their addressable markets and generate new revenues, while lowering operational costs on the edge of their networks. The software of the Tigris AXC family which simplifies management of differentiated services has been further enhanced. New features allow service providers to offer separate classes of Internet access with ranges of 'assured access' at various price levels. Tigris AXC 11-Slot delivers true carrier-class attributes, enabling operators and ISPs to offer a variety of applications, including remote access for dial- in wireless and wireline users and broadband services - all on a single integrated platform. For further information on latest Tigris features, see press release at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom/scomm99-2.html