VoiceStream to expand nationwide GSM network & supply EDGE infr. by Ericsson

Ericsson named by VoiceStream to expand nationwide GSM network & supply EDGE infrastructure Ericsson today announced an agreement with VoiceStream to expand VoiceStream's national GSM wireless network and to deploy EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution) infrastructure. The agreement, initially valued at USD 150 million, could exceed USD 300 million over a three- year period. Ericsson will immediately begin installation of GSM 1900 network equipment, including core network and radio access infrastructure in New Orleans and Virginia, and will be expanding VoiceStream's existing network in Florida. Under the agreement announced today, Ericsson will also deploy higher speed EDGE infrastructure in certain VoiceStream markets to support next generation voice and data services. In addition, Ericsson will provide advanced features and services for VoiceStream including mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities, location-based services and mobile gaming and entertainment applications. Ericsson equipment will provide Adaptive Multi-Rate vocoder (AMR) functionality for increased voice quality and greater spectrum efficiency. "Throughout VoiceStream's aggressive nationwide expansion efforts, we've remained focused on providing quality service to our customers," said Bob Stapleton, President and COO VoiceStream Wireless. "Ericsson's proven to be a reliable partner, delivering feature-rich networks on- time with innovative technology to support our advanced service offerings." "Ericsson is very proud of our long-standing support of VoiceStream's networks, from the early days of GSM deployment to the build-out of their nationwide digital network and the launch of Mobile Internet services," said Angel Ruiz, President of Ericsson, Inc. "Ericsson looks forward to continuing a successful partnership as VoiceStream and the industry move toward next generation systems and applications." Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Kathy Egan, Vice President, Communications, Ericsson Inc. Phone: +1 212 685 4030, E-mail: pressrelations@ericsson.com