ASIA : Taiwan operator Far EasTone Telecommunications and its subsidiary Yuan-Ze have selected Ericsson as the supplier for its WCDMA network expansion in Taiwan. Ericsson will deliver a turnkey 3G system to expand Far EasTone/Yuan-Ze's coverage in Northern Taiwan to support its 3G commercial launch.

The agreement comprises a turnkey system, including WCDMA radio access network, operation and maintenance system and a portfolio of telecommunication services for Yuan-Ze Telecommunications, subsidiary of Far EasTone, in northern Taiwan region.

"Ericsson has worked with FarEasTone as a network infrastructure supplier since we first launched our GSM mobile network in January 1998. We are delighted to continuously work with Ericsson as our major infrastructure supplier to bring quality experience to our customers for 3G services", said Jan Nilsson ( inset above ), President of Far EasTone. "Furthermore, the ability to migrate from GSM services to high speed 3G services will give our customers a marked advantage in the seamless 2G to 3G services".

"As FarEasTone's main supplier, Ericsson is confident that we will be able to build strength with the operator, through a shared vision that is to provide the most advanced mobile multi-media services to the Taiwanese market", said Mats Bosrup, President Ericsson Taiwan

The WCDMA contract with Yuan-Ze Telecommunications, subsidiary of FarEasTone, confirms Ericsson's position as the world's leading supplier of 3G mobile systems. Up to date, Ericsson supplies more commercial WCDMA services than any other system infrastructure provider.