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Ericsson and Nigeria's RelTel Sign CDMA2000 1X Ericsson and Reliance

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Apr 2, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Deployment is scheduled to begin immediately with an expected commercial launch in the first half of year 2003.

The contract for Ericsson's (NASDAQ:ERICY) total CDMA2000 solution includes the following equipment and services: 1900 MHz compact Radio Base Stations; Base Station Controllers; Packet Core Network; Mobile Switching Centers; Home Location Registers; a suite of applications such as Pre-paid, Short Message Service and Voice Mail Service; and a full portfolio of services including training and network rollout.

"We are honored to be selected by RelTel to assist them in rolling out their nationwide CDMA2000 1X network," said Ake Persson, president of Ericsson Mobile CDMA Systems. "We look forward to working with RelTel to bring advanced wireless services to their customers throughout Nigeria."

Ericsson's total CDMA2000 1X portfolio is built upon Ericsson's global 3G platform for switching, radio access, IP, services and applications. Focused on providing sustainable value into the future, Ericsson's CDMA2000 1X total solution has been designed to provide operators like RelTel with an easy, cost-effective migration path to future evolutions of CDMA2000.

"As we continue to expand our network and bring advanced voice and data services to customers throughout Nigeria, it is important for us to partner with leading vendors like Ericsson," said Sir A. Okonkwo, chairman of Reliance Telecommunications Limited. "We believe their CDMA2000 solution and professional services will provide us with state-of-the-art technology and expertise that will allow us to quickly and cost-effectively deploy 3G services to our customers and meet on-demand capacity growth."

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.


Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press

About Ericsson CDMA Systems
Ericsson's total CDMA2000 solution, which includes infrastructure, applications, devices, services and proven market expertise, is optimized for delivering advanced data solutions. Developed by the industry's premier CDMA experts, Ericsson's true 3G CDMA2000 solution offers operators unique performance and cost-saving advantages by leveraging the full strength of Ericsson's expertise in wireless, IP/datacom and Mobile Internet technologies. Ericsson's CDMA2000 solution, based on innovative product design, global platforms and open standards, provides the flexibility operators need to succeed in an always-evolving wireless market.

Read more about CDMA from Ericsson at: http://www.ericsson.com/cdmasystems/

About RelTel

Reliance Telecom was incorporated under the companies and Allied matters Act 1990, of Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the 25th of August 1998. It is a Nigeria Company with a capital structure composed of local and international financing. Reliance Telecommunications Ltd. is licensed by National Communication Commission to provide Digital Telephone service in Nigeria, using the CDMA technology. Reliance Telecom operates under the brand name of RELTEL. RELTEL offers state of the art telecom network with services that will spearhead the telecom revolution in Nigeria.

CDMA2000 is a trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association.


CONTACT: Ericsson
Communications:
Kathy Egan, 212/685-4030
[e-mail]
or
Investor Relations:
Glenn Sapadin, 212/685-4030
[e-mail]

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KEYWORD: SWEDEN INTERNATIONAL AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST EUROPE
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORKING
COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS
MARKETING
AGREEMENTS
SOURCE:
Ericsson