Hong Kong’s SmarTone-Vodafone has signed a three-year contract with Ericsson for a further HSPA+ network upgrade. The operator continues its investment in its HSPA+ network to enhance capacity and maintain its leadership in network performance. Ericsson continues to be SmarTone-Vodafone’s sole supplier in 2G/3G core and radio networks in Hong Kong. SmarTone-Vodafone has recently activated the first 42 Mbps HSPA+ base stations with Dual Carrier technology from Ericsson: the roll-out will continue across its entire footprint.

As the leading total communications service provider in Hong Kong, SmarTone-Vodafone is committed to innovating and developing new service propositions in voice, broadband and multimedia and applications to meet increasing customer expectation for a better experience.

SmarTone-Vodafone is operating one of the fastest HSPA+ network in the world today. SmarTone-Vodafone will maintain its leadership in network performance by continuing to invest in network upgrade for higher speed and capacity in order to launch more compelling and differentiated communications multimedia services. Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) is selected again as a sole supplier and systems integrator to upgrade SmarTone-Vodafone’s HSPA+ network to enhance its capacity.

Douglas Li, CEO of SmarTone-Vodafone, says: "We are very pleased to continue the partnership with Ericsson. SmarTone-Vodafone has recently activated the first 42 Mbps HSPA+ base stations with the Dual Carrier technology from Ericsson, and the roll-out will continue across our whole network. Our implementation of Ericsson’s new generation of multi-mode multi-standard base stations will smooth the way to providing peak network speed of 84 Mbps, supporting an even greater number of users in the future, as well as accommodating the upgrade to LTE.”

Laurence McDonald, President of Ericsson Hong Kong & Macau, says: "This is an important contract for us as we maintain our position as sole supplier and systems integrator to SmarTone-Vodafone. It is a clear sign that our leading technology and service capability has once again been reaffirmed by a long time partner. Ericsson will fully support SmarTone- Vodafone in meeting the Hong Kong public’s insatiable demands for advanced mobile broadband and multimedia services anywhere at any time.”

Under the three-year contract, Ericsson will also be responsible for a range of professional services such as network design, systems integration, spare parts management service, support services as well as network deployment and integration.

About SmarTone-Vodafone

SmarTone-Vodafone is a leader in total communications in Hong Kong, providing voice, multimedia and broadband services in the mobile and fixed markets through its ubiquitous GSM/3G/HSPA+ network. Its goal is to create and deliver unbeatable experiences to targeted customer segments through relevant, easy-to-use and innovative products and services. SmarTone-Vodafone is a Partner Network of Vodafone Group Plc, the world's leading mobile telecommunications company. Its holding company, SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited, was established in 1992 and has been listed in Hong Kong since 1996. The company is a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, one of the largest developers in Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.smartone-vodafone.com.

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 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises 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 being the "prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 80,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 206.5 billion (USD 27.1 billion) in 2009. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York. For more information, visit www.ericsson.com