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3 Scandinavia First with World's Fastest 3G Network
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3 Scandinavia has selected Ericsson to upgrade its Danish and Swedish networks to allow maximum downlink speeds of up to 84 Mbps, realising the full capabilities of HSPA+ technology. Under the three-year contract, Ericsson is also responsible for deployment of Sweden’s first WCDMA/HSPA radio access network using the 900 MHz frequency band to boost coverage for 3’s customers indoors and in remote areas. The rollout is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2010.

Danish and Swedish consumers can look forward to four times faster mobile broadband as operator 3's network speeds leap from 21Mbps to 84Mbps. This huge increase makes it easy to enjoy internet applications such as social networking, online gaming and videoconferencing while on the move. To greatly improve coverage, the upgrade will be complemented by a new 900MHz 3G network, the first in Sweden, supplied and supported by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).

Peder Ramel, CEO at 3 Scandinavia, says: "We were the first to launch turbo 3G in the Nordic region and now we are first signing up for the world's fastest 3G. Our Scandinavian customers are sophisticated users with high demands in terms of mobile broadband services. Ericsson is evolving our network so we can meet these demands and give our customers true connectivity, wherever they are - from city office to country cottage."

Mikael Bäckström, Head of Market Unit Nordic and Baltics at Ericsson, says: "This is an exciting opportunity to provide 3 and its users in Sweden and Denmark with our high quality technology and services. The confidence 3 is showing in us and our products is a result of our focus on being a long-term partner and contributing to 3's ambitions for high-speed mobile broadband services in Scandinavia."

The three-year contract between Ericsson and 3 includes the HSPA Evolution capacity upgrade of its existing 3G network, via 42Mbps, to 84Mbps plus a new WCDMA/HSPA radio access network on the 900MHz frequency band. In addition, Ericsson is providing IP-based optical and microwave backhaul, and support services. Rollout will start in the first quarter of 2010.

About Ericsson

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of "to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 75,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 209 billion (USD 32.2 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.