Ericsson announced it has been chosen by Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) to supply equipment for the rollout of a 3G/WCDMA/HSPA network. As part of the agreement, Ericsson will be the sole supplier of CTM's 3G network, delivering and deploying the packet core, mobile softswitch and radio access network, as well as related network rollout services.

"We are committed to providing the best telecommunications service to our customers. With this 3G service, we are thrilled to lead Macau into the next era of communications," said Phil Green, CEO of CTM. "The new service will not only enable us to further develop innovative and personalized services for local customers, but also provide more convenience for international travelers in Macau with 3G roaming services to stay in touch with people all around the world."

CTM was recently granted a 3G license by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and is expected to roll out its 3G services in the second quarter 2007. The new network will provide CTM users with up to 14.4 Mbps data transfer rates and multimedia services.

"We're proud to work with CTM as part of Macau's very first 3G network development. The provision of CTM's 3G network further demonstrates Ericsson's position as a world technology leader and the key driver of third-generation mobile multimedia services," said Johan Adler, President of Ericsson Hong Kong and Macau.

The implementation of CTM's 3G/WCDMA network continues the 25-year partnership between Ericsson and CTM, which started when Ericsson became the sole supplier of CTM's local and international exchange, and later TACS mobile network and GSM mobile networks.