Ericsson Press Releases

Ericsson further expands WCDMA network and services for Far EasTone and Yuan-Ze in Taiwan

Date: Thursday, December 11 2003
 

Taiwan operator Far EasTone Telecommunications and its subsidiary
Yuen-Ze have selected Ericsson to continue as sole supplier for its
3G network. In this 3G expansion contract, Ericsson is delivering a
fully integrated GSM-GPRS-WCDMA solution that ensures all Far
EasTone's customers a seamless evolution from 2G to 3G.
 
The 3G agreement with Far EasTone comprises a complete 3G system
including WCDMA radio access network, core network and a wide
portfolio of comprehensive professional services for Yuan-Ze
Telecommunications, subsidiary of Far EasTone. Multi-vendor terminal
verification services for 3G handsets are also included.
 
The expansion of the WCDMA system will start immediately and will be
managed by Ericsson on a turnkey basis. Ericsson's super compact RBS
3104 and RBS 3203 base stations will be deployed. The small footprint
and the minimal volume significantly reduce site costs for the
 operator.
 
"The partnership between Far EasTone and Ericsson was proven
successful in the initial network rollout. Far EasTone was the first
WCDMA operator to demonstrate a video call and the first to receive
the 'Qualification Certificate' from the Director General Telecom,"
says Jan Nilsson, president of Far EasTone. "Therefore, it is a
natural step to continue the partnership to ensure a cost efficient
and smooth expansion. It is definitely a strength for Far EasTone
only having to deal with one network vendor when integrating GSM,
GPRS and WCDMA."
 
"After performance proven from earlier implementation, we are
selected again as sole supplier for WCDMA," said Jan Signell,
president of Ericsson Taiwan. "We are delighted to continue this
partnership with Far EasTone and the chance to also extend our
services to KGT subscribers after KGT's merger with Far EasTone. I am
sure that Far EasTone with its strong focus on innovation and
Ericsson with its technology leadership will be a winning combination
in the advanced Taiwanese mobile multi-media market."
 
The WCDMA expansion contract with Far EasTone and Yuan-Ze
Telecommunications further confirms Ericsson's position as the
world's leading supplier of 3G mobile systems. Ericsson has been
named as vendor in 45 out of 85 publicly announced WCDMA agreements
to date and has a global market share of 40 per cent.
 
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet
communications through its continuous technology leadership.
Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson
is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the
 world.
 
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 70 590 9261; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se
 
Emily Wang, Director, Corporate Communications, Ericsson Taiwan
Phone: +886 930 789 859; Email: emily.wang@ert.ericsson.se
 
About Far EasTone Telecommunications
Far EasTone is a leading mobile communication service provider in
Taiwan. For the year 2002, its audited revenue has reached NT$ 34,478
million and its net income totaled NT$ 7,808 million. For up to third
quarter of 2003, its audited total and service revenue were NT$
27,150 million and NT$ 25,557 million. Far EasTone is devoted to
providing services that enable customers to enjoy convenience using
mobile services to get diversified and personalized information. We
look forward to realizing our vision for the 21st century: "Anywhere,
anytime, communications to enrich the lives of people."
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
 
Yvonne Lan, Director, Public Relations & Spokesperson
Mobile: +886 936 10 5662
 
Thomas Chang, Project Assistant Manager, Public Relations
Mobile: +886 955 21 7311
 
 www.fetnet.net
 www.fareastone.com.tw