STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN--(Marketwired - Apr 17, 2013) - Ericsson (NASDAQ: [ ERIC ]) has been selected by Cellular One to upgrade its entire network to 3G and expand its existing number of base stations by 50 percent. Ericsson will also deploy its MINI-LINK microwave products to provide increased backhaul capacity. The upgrade will result in increased coverage within previously underserved areas across northeast Arizona and New Mexico, with some areas receiving a 4G upgrade.

Having secured the critical spectrum required to roll out 3G and 4G services through a recent landmark trade deal, Cellular One is now pushing ahead with an aggressive expansion plan. The upgraded network will offer superior 21 Mbps service to customers who today only have access to 2G speeds.

"Cellular One is already the biggest network in our coverage area. This expansion plan will consolidate that position and ensure our customers are receiving the world-class service that they deserve," said Louise Finnegan, Cellular One CEO.

"This is the most aggressive build out plan that the company has ever undertaken and in evaluating the best partner to undertake this project with, we looked for a company that is a technology world-leader, has immaculate credentials worldwide and provides the best service and security for Cellular One and its customers," Finnegan added. "Ericsson was the obvious choice."

Ericsson will overlay 3G WCDMA and replace Cellular One's existing 2G network. Ericsson will install base station controllers, radio network controllers and multi-standard base stations based on Ericsson's RBS6000 family. The 4G capable backhaul solution includes MINI-LINK TN for flexible and scalable network expansion and MINI-LINK LH for high capacity trunk radio.

"Increased data speed and coverage has become an essential part of the networked society where we live," said Craig Stein, Head of Broadband & Media Accounts for Ericsson. "Ericsson takes pride in leading the way into this new generation of connectivity and is excited to work with Cellular One as it extends its network, speed and the benefits of mobile broadband to its customers."

The first 3G sites are scheduled to come online within the next six months.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Cellular One
Cellular One [ www.cellularoneonline.com ] is a leading provider of wireless communications service committed to providing the most reliable service to its customers in rural Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Headquartered in Show Low, Ariz., Cellular One operates a network of more than 160 cell sites, with additional sites in the works, and a total of 22 stores within its coverage area--providing nearly 200 jobs in the region.

Cellular One remains committed to supporting the communities its network serves, many of which are rural and/or situated on Native American reservations. The company's "Live Connected" brand message reflects its mission to help customers live connected to one another and their communities by offering the most reliable cellular service at the best value with unrivaled customer service. For more information, visit [ www.cellularoneonline.com ] and [ www.facebook.com/CellularOneOnline ]

About Ericsson
Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at [ www.ericsson.com/press ]

Ericsson is a world-leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscriptions.

We are more than 110,000 people working with customers in more than 180 countries. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2012 the company's net sales were SEK 227.8 billion (USD 33.8 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

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