dtac users in Thailand to enjoy improved data services

Contract signed with dtac Network for 3G network rollout to meet growing data-traffic demand
Users to enjoy improved smartphone performance, faster web browsing and downloads, and better network performance in dense areas
Improved network capacity for dtac Network, delivering enhanced WCDMA/HSPA services and preparing for LTE
With a population of 67 million, Thailand has a mobile uptake rate of more than 120 percent and one of the world's youngest internet users on average: almost half of these are between age 15 and 24 and three-quarters are under 35. Broadband is booming and the country's annual growth rate in data traffic has been around 30 percent in recent years. To meet the needs of this avid and data-hungry generation of users, dtac Network, a subsidiary of Thailand's second-largest mobile operator dtac, has signed a contract with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) for 3G network rollout.

The contract reinforces the ongoing partnership between the two, which began in 2011 when dtac selected Ericsson to transform its GSM network to WCDMA/HSPA. The 3G rollout has already started, and once completed consumers can expect a superior user experience when browsing the internet on their smartphones or downloading movies at much faster speeds. By deploying its WCDMA/HSPA network, dtac Network will ensure improved network capacity and enhanced performance in Bangkok and the central and eastern regions.. The operator will also have a cost-effective network ready for continued data-traffic growth, offering enhanced mobile broadband services based on WCDMA/HSPA, while preparing for LTE.

Jon Eddy Abdullah, CEO of dtac, says: "We are pleased to roll out 3G services and we're convinced it will lead to many advantages not only for our users, who will enjoy better and faster access to information through our high-speed network, but will also foster entrepreneurship and active development among mobile operators, vendors, application developers and content producers. It will also contribute to national economic and social development because our 3G network will reach people in all regions of the country."

Joacim Damgard, President of Ericsson Thailand says: "This contract is important, not only for Ericsson because we are expanding our footprint in the country, but also in terms of realizing the Networked Society. Through this network rollout, we are enabling Thai citizens to access 3G services that can enrich their everyday lives."

By deploying the latest core and radio access technology from Ericsson, dtac will be ready to offer mobile broadband services based on HSPA and LTE technologies. The contract includes Ericsson's RBS 6000 multi-standard radio base stations, MSC Server Blade Cluster and User Data Management, as well as Evolved Packet Core and circuit core solutions.

During Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Ericsson showcases its combined technology and services leadership for the ICT industry. Our solutions deliver superior network performance in the field, enable complete customer experience management, and simplify and automate operations workflows - thereby leading to operational excellence. We show how the Networked Society comes to life - what it will mean for the industry and how it will enable our customers to capture growth opportunities.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About dtac Network

A wholly owned subsidiary of Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (dtac), dtac Network received the spectrum license for International Mobile Telecommunications in the 2.1GHz frequency band in December 2012.

With about 24 million customers, dtac is the second-largest mobile operator in Thailand.