"Japan has already started and in Europe we will see the first roll-outs of 3G networks and introductions of services next year. And, naturally, the strong growth of GPRS will continue. When - some time in the future - we look back, I think that we will say that 2002 was really the year when things changed for the better."

When asked when will Ericsson plan to release the first dual-band 3G phones, he replied, "During the latter part of the third quarter and during the fourth quarter next year."

Below is a list of Q&As we extracted from the company newsletter that was directed to Ericcson's CEO:

To what extent is the industry dependent on a rapid start for 3G?

"It's difficult to say. Next year, 3G will account for 10 percent of our system sales. We will be building out 2G networks at the same time, and if we can introduce 3G rapidly, perhaps we will be able to build somewhat less 2G and 2.5G in certain areas than we have planned for."

What risks do you see that 3G will not get under way as planned?

"I prefer to look at opportunities. We have already made a start in Japan. It is an academic question whether the start came three months later than planned. We prefer to see it as a success that we are under way so close to the target date that we originally set. We are already in touch with 100,000 persons worldwide who are working on applications. We are already starting to utilize the Sony cooperation in our dealings with Cingular (mobile operator in the US), with the aim of combining an Ericsson mobile phone with a Sony Playstation. Many more such projects will be under way in the near future."

How large a part of Ericsson will this become?

"The Japanese-European concept that I refer to as UMTS - in other words, 3G - is the logical continuation for a GSM operator. Some TDMA operators (mobile standard in the US) are also switching over to GSM, which will be the main trend in the future, expected to account for at least 80 percent of the market. That leaves 15-20 percent for CDMA 2000, which is the logical continuation for all the operators who have IS95. And that is in fact a substantial and profitable market."

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last updated: January 12, 2004

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