Ericsson expands 3G in China

By Staff Writer for Ericsson
Johannesburg, 23 Mar 2009

Ericsson has signed a contract with China Unicom to build Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) networks in 15 provinces in China.

According to Ericsson, the network roll-out has begun and tens of millions of subscribers will have access to high-speed 3G mobile communications.

Mats Olsson, president of Ericsson Greater China, says: "We are extremely honoured to be chosen by China Unicom for the first phase of their WCDMA network deployment in China.

“The contract further strengthens Ericsson's position as the leading mobile communications supplier in the Chinese market and demonstrates yet again our long-term strategic partnership with China Unicom. We are confident that our undisputed technology leadership and global experience in WCDMA will contribute to the rapid expansion of China's 3G market."

Ericsson says that up until now, first 3G calls have been successfully made in all the 14 cities supplied by Ericsson for China Unicom's initial pre-commercial launch last week at the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

The cellular giant has also been awarded contracts to upgrade China Unicom's GSM networks to support 2G/3G interoperability functions in 10 provinces, including Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan and Hainan.