Japan's eAccess to launch LTE network and expand partnership with Ericsson

eAccess mobile broadband subscribers to enjoy real-time web, online gaming and social media on the go thanks to LTE speeds and decreased latency
By implementing Ericsson's Mixed Mode solution, LTE can be offered on the same frequency band as 3G/WCDMA services
LTE allows the operator to transport an ever-increasing volume of data traffic in an efficient and cost-effective way, without requiring any additional hardware
With the help of Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), eAccess - one of Japan's leading mobile broadband operators - will become the first operator in the world to launch a Mixed Mode solution for WCDMA and LTE. Thanks to Ericsson's Mixed Mode solution, eAccess can use the same radio frequency band for both LTE and WCDMA services.

LTE enables the fast transfer of huge amounts of data in an efficient and cost-effective way. By switching to this new technology, eAccess customers will enjoy an enhanced user experience. It will also simplify the process of adjusting frequency allocation in the future as traffic demand shifts from WCDMA to LTE, allowing the operator to optimize its use of spectrum. Commercial launch of the Mixed Mode solution will begin in major cities across the country from March 2012.

Eric Gan, Representative Director, President of eAccess Ltd, says: "Ericsson's global leadership, experience and vision for LTE were the key factors behind our decision to select the company as our LTE network partner."

Jan Signell, President of Ericsson Japan, says: "As mobile broadband is enabling the Networked Society, this is yet another important step toward realizing Ericsson's vision. Ericsson's LTE technology and experience will allow us to take a smarter approach to addressing the complexity that comes with the exponential growth in data exchange. With LTE access, the operator can meet users' demands for new and enhanced mobile internet applications of the future."

With more than 5.6 million mobile broadband and wired internet subscribers, eAccess is a leader in mobile broadband in Japan, and has been working closely with Ericsson since 2006 as its main supplier. Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply LTE functionality to Japan's metropolitan areas, such as Tokyo, Tokai and Osaka.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will provide eAccess with full turnkey Network Rollout, Network Optimization & Consulting, and upgrade the Packet Core network to an Evolved Packet Core architecture.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About eAccess

eAccess entered the mobile phone market in March 2007. Since then, eAccess has provided mobile broadband services based on leading-edge technologies, becoming a leader in the high-speed data communications domain. In March 2008, eAccess started its mobile phone voice service and has steadily expanded its service areas since, achieving a nationwide offering. eAccess is preparing for the future by offering convergent high-speed data communication and voice services.

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