Ericsson to expand and enhance SingTel's GSM/WCDMA/HSPA mobile network in Singapore

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has been selected by Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) to expand and enhance its GSM/WCDMA/HSPA networks, providing the operator's mobile customers with greater coverage and higher data speeds. The contract is worth US$160million.

Ericsson will provide a complete IP-based radio access and common core network. The system is designed to carry large volumes of traffic, providing SingTel's 2.6 million mobile customers with improved services and better coverage island-wide, both indoors and outdoors.

With Ericsson's network improvements, SingTel's existing High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network will be upgraded to offer download speeds of up to 14.4Mbps (from the current 3.6Mbps) and upload speeds of 5.76Mbps (currently 384kbps).

The enhancements will also put SingTel in good stead for HSPA Evolution, enabling even faster download and upload speeds of up to 42Mbps and 12Mbps respectively within the next 18 months.

The operator's network will expand to more than 2800 base stations by April 2009.

Mark Chong Chin Kok, SingTel's Executive Vice President of Networks, says: "This mobile network enhancement program is part of SingTel's ongoing efforts to deliver unparalleled, reliable mobile service and coverage to our customers. It also provides SingTel with the flexibility to meet future growth in both usage and demands, especially for mobile data. More and more customers are accessing data and the internet on the move, and they need higher data speeds.

"SingTel, as the market leader, will continue to invest in its network and future-proof it to provide the most compelling service experience to our customers. We are pleased to partner with Ericsson and we are committed to delivering the best technology and services to our customers."

Ann Emilson, President, Ericsson Singapore, says: "This contract marks another significant step in affirming Ericsson's strong partnership with and commitment to SingTel. We are proud to be the core provider of SingTel's network enhancement and to be a key contributor to its continual growth and leadership in Singapore's telecommunications market."

The network enhancements are to be completed by March 2009.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm and NASDAQ stock exchanges.

For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Ericsson Media Relations
Phone: +46 8 719 69 92
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com


About SingTel
SingTel is Asia's leading communications group with operations and investments around the world. Serving both the corporate and consumer markets, it is committed to bringing the best of global communications to customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond. With significant operations in Singapore and Australia (through wholly-owned subsidiary SingTel Optus), the Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms. To serve the needs of multi-national corporations, SingTel has a network of 37 offices in 19 countries and territories throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. These offices enable SingTel to deliver reliable and quality network solutions to its customers, either on its own or jointly with local partners. The Group also has major investments in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. Together with its regional partners, SingTel is Asia's largest multi-market mobile operator, serving about 185 million customers in eight markets. SingTel employs more than 20,000 people worldwide and had a turnover of S$14.84 billion (US$10.05 billion) and net profit after tax of S$3.96 billion (US$2.68 billion) for the year ended 31 March 2008. More information can be found at www.singtel.com and www.optus.com.au