Today Ericsson signed GSM expansion framework agreements with China's two largest mobile operators, China Mobile and China Unicom, valued at about USD 1.3 billion and USD 140 million respectively. The ceremony in Beijing was attended by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, who is in China on an official visit.
China Mobile and China Unicom together provide mobile services to about 550 million subscribers in China. The expansion projects will allow both operators to boost their network capacity and performance, creating new revenue streams from enriched data services and offering an enhanced user experience.
Under the framework agreement with China Mobile, Ericsson will be one of the main suppliers of core and radio network equipment, along with related technical support and services, to expand GSM/GPRS coverage and capacity in 19 regions across China. Ericsson will also provide power-saving features that significantly reduce energy consumption in mobile networks and contribute to reducing carbon-dioxide emissions. This follows the "Green Action Program", a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum previously signed between the two parties.
Under the agreement with China Unicom, Ericsson will be the main supplier and help expand GSM networks in 10 regions across China, including Beijing where Ericsson has previously not been a supplier. Ericsson will also supply multimedia solutions for WAP services to help provide attractive new multimedia services and applications.
The expansion projects are set to be completed in 2008. Deliveries to both operators have already started.
Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson says: "Ericsson is continuously committed to supporting China's rapidly expanding telecom industry with our global expertise and proven competence. The new framework agreements announced today further strengthen Ericsson's position as the leading mobile communications supplier in the Chinese market. It reflects our vision of providing communications for all, and we are proud to be an integral part of China's economic and social development."
Mats H Olsson, President of Ericsson Greater China, says: "We are very excited to be carrying out these expansion projects for both China Mobile and China Unicom. It is a privilege for Ericsson to be able to work with our long-term strategic partners to provide advanced, innovative services to hundreds of millions of consumers in China."
The ceremony was also attended by Wang Jianzhou, President of China Mobile, Shang Bing, President of China Unicom, Michael Treschow, Chairman of Ericsson, Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson and Mats H Olsson, President of Ericsson Greater China.
