Japan's fastest mobile broadband HSPA launched by Ericsson and EMOBILE

Japan's first HSPA Evolution network has been launched in the country's largest metropolitan cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama and Nagoya, enabling peak data rates of 21Mbps. The deployment is part of a major expansion and upgrade agreement between Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and leading mobile broadband operator, EMOBILE.

EMOBILE's new mobile broadband services, launched on July 24, are powered by HSPA Evolution, Ericsson's latest high-speed broadband access technology. The 21Mbps peak rate adds a new dimension to the broadband experience, providing significantly faster internet browsing and file downloads. It increases network capacity and allows more customers to enjoy higher mobile broadband speeds.

Eric Gan, Representative Director, President & COO of EMOBILE, says: "Deploying the first HSPA Evolution network in Japan is an important milestone for EMOBILE. Ericsson's HSPA Evolution technology provides us with the fastest level, most advanced mobile broadband network in the country and gives our customers a true mobile broadband experience."

Fredrik Alatalo, President of Ericsson Japan, says: "EMOBILE's successful launch of 21Mbps significantly improves the mobile broadband user experience and also provides new business opportunities. We are proud to be part of this exciting launch and will continue to use our leading technology and services to support EMOBILE in the future."

Under the agreement, Ericsson is the sole supplier of the core network and core systems integration services. Ericsson is also the main supplier for upgrading the existing WCDMA/HSPA radio access network with HSPA Evolution, including network deployment services.

EMOBILE is a leader in mobile broadband in Japan and has been working closely with Ericsson since 2006. As of July 31, 2009, EMOBILE's subscribers numbered more than 1.74 million.