Ericsson and J-Phone Group sign agreement for 3G commercial start in 2001

date: 18 September 2000

Ericsson and J-PHONE Communications Company Ltd. have signed an agreement covering the commercial launch of J-PHONE Group's WCDMA network. J-PHONE Group is owned by Japan Telecom Co., Ltd., Vodafone/AirTouch Plc. and British Telecommunications Plc. An order placed under this agreement covers the WCDMA network for the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya regions, where J-Phone Group is planning to start their third generation mobile services. Ericsson will supply systems to support the three regions as a sole supplier for the first phase of commercial launch.

Since 1994 Ericsson has been one of the main suppliers of mobile network solutions to J-PHONE Group, Ericsson's biggest customer in Japan. J-PHONE Group currently serves nine million subscribers in their PDC networks, with over 2.7 million connected to mobile Internet services, an area with very high growth.

Third generation networks will support a wide range of wireless multimedia services, such as Internet/intranet and other IP-based applications, video conferencing and other interactive services. Using Ericsson's WCDMA technology, Japanese subscribers will enjoy such advanced services and international roaming.

"J-PHONE Group's selection of Ericsson as main supplier is based on our evaluation of them as the leading supplier of WCDMA and thereby the leader in mobile Internet," says Koichi Sakata, Chairman of Japan Telecom Co. Ltd. "Of course, our long term relation and their continuous support of our current business also contributed to our decision."

The agreement underscores the competitiveness and strength of Ericsson's 3G offering. Ericsson has to date won nine WCDMA agreements worldwide, which is more than any other supplier.

Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world.

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