10Meters News Service

Oct. 19, 2001 Ericsson has secured two contracts with Guangdong Mobile Communication Corporation to help expand Guangdong's GSM/GPRS network in China.

The pact calls for Ericsson to provide equipment, software and services for the expansion efforts. The contracts, which stem from the key framework agreement signed with Guangdong last year, are valued at nearly $535 million.

Guangdong said its GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network will after expansion accommodate more than 27 million subscribers in China, offering GPRS-based services over its entire coverage area.

Ericsson said it will deploy a number of network features aimed at providing new subscriber services such as integrated pre-paid functions. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) functionality will enable Guangdong to offer their customers a range of advanced mobile Internet services.

Equipment in both contracts is supplied by Ericsson's largest joint venture in China, Nanjing Ericsson Panda Communications Company Ltd. The project is scheduled to be completed next year.