Singapore , 16 May 2008 -- Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) today announced that it is investing S$220 million in its 2G and 3G mobile network expansion and enhancement programme and has awarded the contract to Ericsson Telecommunications Pte Ltd.

 

Singtel’s 2.57 million mobile customers today already enjoy superior 2G and 3G mobile network service and coverage island-wide, both indoors and outdoors. 

 

Ericsson will deliver to Singtel a complete, future-proof IP-based radio and core mobile network, designed to carry large volumes of traffic efficiently and effectively. 

 

Mr Mark Chong Chin Kok, Singtel’s Executive Vice President of Networks, said: “This mobile network enhancement programme is part of Singtel’s ongoing efforts to deliver unparalleled, reliable mobile service and coverage to our customers.   It also provides Singtel with the flexibility to meet future growth in both usage and demands especially for mobile data.  More and more customers are accessing data and the Internet on the move and they need higher data speeds.” 

 

With this network enhancement programme, customers can expect even better user experience, such as faster data speeds.   Singtel’s current High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network will be upgraded to offer download speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps (from the current 3.6 Mbps) and upload speeds of 5.76 Mbps (from the current 384 kbps).  Its network of base stations will exceed 2,800 by end of March 2009.    The enhancements will also put Singtel in good stead for the next phase of technology, HSPA Evolution, enabling even faster download and upload speeds of up to 42 Mbps and 12 Mbps respectively within the next 18 months.

 

Mr Chong added:   “Singtel, as the market leader, will continue to invest in its network and future proof it to provide the most compelling service experience to customers.  We are pleased to partner Ericsson and we are committed to delivering the best technology and services to our customers.”

    

Ms Ann Emilson, President and Country Manager, Ericsson, said:   “This contract marks another significant step at affirming Ericsson's strong partnership and commitment towards Singtel.   We are proud to be able to be the core provider of Singtel’s 2G and 3G expansion and be a key contributor to their continual growth and leadership in Singapore's telecommunications market.”

 

Mr Quek Peck Leng, Singtel’s Executive Vice President of Consumer, said: “The network enhancement programme will elevate our mobile service and coverage to an even higher level, putting us far ahead of all other operators.

 

“In the last quarter ended 31 March 2008, we attracted a record 244,000 mobile customers, enlarging our customer base to over 2.5 million users – the largest in Singapore.   This clearly shows that Singaporeans see the value of Singtel’s reliable and extensive mobile coverage as well as our services.   

 

“To ensure that we stay ahead and anticipate customers’ needs, we will continue to review our service levels and constantly find new ways to delight customers – with simple and innovative services that will give them a richer mobile experience.”

 

The network enhancements are to be completed by March 2009.

 

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About Singtel
Singtel is Asia's leading communications group with operations and investments around the world.   Serving both the corporate and consumer markets, it is committed to bringing the best of global communications to customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond. 

 

With significant operations in Singapore and Australia (through wholly-owned subsidiary Singtel Optus), the Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms.

 

To serve the needs of multi-national corporations, Singtel has a network of 37 offices in 19 countries and territories throughout Asia Pacific,  Europe and the United States. These offices enable Singtel to deliver reliable and quality network solutions to its customers, either on its own or jointly with local partners.

 

The Group also has major investments in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippinesand Thailand. Together with its regional partners, Singtel is Asia’s largest multi-market mobile operator, serving more than 185 million customers in eight markets.

 

Singtel employs more than 20,000 people worldwide and had a turnover of S$14.84 billion (US$10.05 billion) and net profit after tax of S$3.96 billion (US$2.68 billion) for the year ended 31 March 2008.   More information can be found @ www.singtel.com and www.optus.com.au. 

 

About Ericsson

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

 

Ericsson is advancing its vision of ‘communication for all’ through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm and NASDAQ stock exchanges.

 

For more information, visit  www.ericsson.com or  www.ericsson.mobi.