Europe : The mobile communication group at Siemens AG grew its market share in mobile communication infrastructure in 2003 to 13 percent. This was announced in a study just published by Gartner Inc.(a), the first of its kind in this sector. Siemens was thus able to grow its share in a contracting market. According to the Gartner study, mobile operators invested 12 percent less than in 2002, or a total of US$ 40 billion.

The seven top mobile infrastructure manufacturers had announced a total of 267 contracts. 64 percent of these contracts awarded last year were for GSM technology, 14 percent for CDMA networks and 14 percent for 3G/UMTS infrastructure. With a 13-percent share (based on contract volume) of the world market for mobile communication networks, Siemens thus ranks third, and has now advanced to within one percentage point of the number two position. Siemens holds a market share of 19 percent in GSM mobile communication technology.

The Gartner study confirms Siemens mobile's success in 3G/UMTS network technology. With a market share of 23 percent, Siemens numbers among the world's leading equipment suppliers. In Western Europe, Siemens received more 3G/UMTS contracts than any other supplier, and the first 3G/UMTS contract to come from Eastern Europe also went to Siemens. In fact, Siemens is the number one worldwide in terms of network launches: Of the 22 3G/UMTS networks already in operation, 12 are from Siemens and its partner NEC.

"Since the year 2000, we've nearly doubled our market share in mobile communication networks. Our objective is to continue to grow faster than the market and expand our position of leadership in 3G/UMTS," said Lothar Pauly, a member of the Siemens mobile Group Board.