Sep 11, 2012 - In a densely built-up city such as Hong Kong, an advanced mobile broadband network is required to deliver high-speed data services and an optimal user experience for subscribers. With this in mind, SmarTone, Hong Kong's leading mobile operator, has just announced the activation of its 4G LTE service. Thanks to Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERIC) efforts as sole end-to-end network supplier, SmarTone's users will enjoy even faster downloads and uploads when using mobile internet applications.

SmarTone's 4G LTE services is generally available to end users from September 11, 2012. The transition to 4G LTE will be smooth since Ericsson's multi-standard radio base stations support 2G/3G/LTE. Users will enjoy a superior mobile broadband experience thanks to high-performing networks, as well as advanced solutions and services.

Douglas Li, CEO of SmarTone, says: "At SmarTone, we value innovation and creativity and we have made huge efforts in delivering an unbeatable customer experience on 4G. Together with Ericsson, we will be able to provide our customers with superior mobile broadband services and performance, based on a complete end-to-end LTE solution."

Mats H Olsson, Head of Region North East Asia, says: "I'm delighted with SmarTone's continued trust in us, as demonstrated by us becoming their sole supplier for 2G, 3G and LTE networks. We're happy to facilitate them do this by extending partnership and supporting SmarTone's launch of its territory-wide LTE network, including refarming of their 1800 MHz network. Users will benefit from an optimal LTE user experience."

Ericsson will be sole supplier of SmarTone's LTE network, including a multi-standard radio access network underpinned by RBS 6000 base stations, and Evolved Packet Core (EPC) using SSR 8000 Smart Services Routers as an Evolved Packet Gateway (EPG). The scope of the plan also includes network rollout, integration and support, deployment services, re-farming of the 1800MHz band and network management with Ericsson's Operation Support System for Radio & Core (OSS-RC).

Ericsson has now signed 87 LTE/EPC contracts in 37 countries on five continents. With this contract, Ericsson maintains its leading position in LTE and mobile broadband, currently providing coverage for 305 million of the 455 million global LTE populations.