2008-12-08

Ericsson and 3 Scandinavia to bring first 21 Mbps mobile broadband network to Europe

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and 3 Scandinavia have signed a contract to upgrade the operator's HSPA network to 21 Mbps downlink speeds. This will raise mobile broadband speeds in Scandinavia to a new level by dramatically improving quality and capacity.

The upgrade will give 3's customers improved access to mobile broadband services, including Internet and downloading of music and video.

Peder Ramel, CEO of 3 Scandinavia says: "We were the first to launch Turbo 3G in the Nordic region and now we are proud to be one of the first operators in the world to offer a speed of 21Mbps. Ericsson's leading technology will help us boost competitiveness and reach our goal of bringing high-quality communications to our customers."

Mikael Bäckström, President of Ericsson Nordic and Baltic region, says: "With the upgrade to 21Mbps, 3 is one of the first operators to offer customers new and richer services at this speed. We are proud to contribute to 3's great ambition to launch high-speed mobile broadband services in Scandinavia."

Ericsson will provide the enhanced speed in selected parts of the network in Sweden and Denmark. Ericsson and 3 will continue to extend network coverage and upgrade to higher mobile broadband speeds throughout 2009. The commercial launch is planned for the first half of 2009.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver radio base stations, RBS6000, enhanced core network features and a mobile backhaul including Redback SmartEdge 1200, Marconi OMS 1400 and MINI-LINK TN.

Information about the company: Telefon AB LM Ericsson