Ericsson expands mobile broadband HSPA with Softbank in Japan

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has signed a frame agreement with a leading Japanese operator, Softbank Mobile, to expand and upgrade its HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) network to increase capacity and enable even faster mobile broadband. With this contract, Ericsson will expand its business with Softbank by providing enhanced HSPA on new and existing base stations in the high traffic areas of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

The deal also includes an extension of the Ericsson circuit and packet switched networks, a field maintenance service and a full turnkey service for the rollout of new base stations.

Fredrik Alatalo, President, Ericsson Japan says: "We are extremely happy to expand our business with Softbank and to support them in providing high speed mobile broadband in the Japanese market."

HSPA is the world's most widely deployed mobile broadband technology, with 198 commercially deployed networks available in 86 countries worldwide.