Europe : Ericsson and Finnish 2G have signed a contract to extend their frame agreement on mobile network infrastructure deliveries.

This agreement enables the operator to build a 3G network to launch new mobile services.

Ericsson is currently the main supplier of Finnish 2G and the extended frame agreement reinforces the existing relationship between the two companies.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide Finnish 2G with mobile network solutions for GSM, GPRS, EDGE and WCDMA as well as Intelligent Network services like mobile positioning, and related services.
"This agreement allows us to build up our nationwide mobile phone network by integrating the latest technologies, and to deploy a 3G mobile network supplied by the industry leader," says Seppo Hanninen, Managing Director of Finnish 2G.

"The extended agreement is a token of Ericsson's and Finnish 2G's strategic co-operation, and it constitutes a firm foundation for the operator to grow and further increase their market share," says Kjell Forsen, President, Ericsson Finland.

The history of Ericsson's and Finnish 2G's co-operation goes back to the year 2000 when the operator began constructing a nationwide mobile network. At present, the mobile network covers over 99 % of the population in Finland.

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.

About Finnish 2G Ltd

Finnish 2G Ltd is a Finnish mobile phone network operator. 2G developed and built a countrywide next-generation network based on GSM/GPRS technologies and equipped with advanced platforms for cutting edge mobile services. DNA Finland Ltd, PG Free Ltd and Fujitsu Invia, are among the service providers and operator customers of Finnish 2G. Finnish 2G is a member of Finnet Group, a Finnish telecommunications group offering a wide range of local and national voice, data, cable TV and digital TV services. The group's turnover was approximately 770 million euros in 2002, and it employs a staff of 4000.

About EDGE

Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) is a 3G-compliant wireless technology that enables high-speed (384 kilobits per second) transmission of large amounts of data. EDGE can be deployed in existing GSM 800, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands and complements UMTS (WCDMA) technology. EDGE uses the same TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) frame structure, logic channel and 200kHz carrier bandwidth as today's GSM networks, which allows existing cellplans to remain intact. This means that operators can offer high-speed multi-media services with total protection of their initial network investment.