8th November - Ericsson and Finnish operator Elisa today activated the operator's WCDMA/HSPA network addition in the 900MHz frequency band. The new part of the network is seamlessly integrated in Elisa's existing WCDMA/HSPA network in the 2.1GHz band. Ericsson's WCDMA/HSPA portfolio for the 900MHz band offers Elisa a cost-efficient way to further expand the coverage of its WCDMA/HSPA network in sparsely inhabited areas of Finland.

As announced earlier this year, Elisa chose Ericsson to deliver network equipment and related services for a substantial expansion of its WCDMA/HSPA network. Today's activation of Ericsson's WCDMA/HSPA 900MHz technology improves the cost-efficient and fast way the operator can cover large geographical areas without compromising HSPA performance, which offers high bit rates, low latency and full mobility.

Ericsson's WCDMA/HSPA solution for the 900MHz band provides more coverage because of the improved radio wave propagation at lower frequencies, making it easier to provide low-cost mobile broadband services in rural areas as well as improved indoor coverage in urban areas. Ericsson's solution is built on its existing portfolio of radio base stations, which provides commercial mobile broadband services with up to 14.4Mbps download speeds in more than 70 commercial networks.

Veli-Matti Mattila, President and CEO at Elisa, says: "Our objective in adding radio base stations for the 900MHz band to our WCDMA/HSPA network is, as always, an improved customer experience. We are now able to cover substantially larger geographical areas; eventually making our fast and attractive mobile services available for every Finn."

Janne Laitala, President, Ericsson Finland, says: "As the technology leader in mobile broadband, Ericsson is proud to support Elisa on its journey to build nationwide WCDMA/HSPA coverage. Access to innovative mobile broadband services, anywhere and anytime, opens new and exciting opportunities for consumers and business users."

Ericsson's WCDMA/HSPA technology is now commercially deployed in the 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2100MHz frequency bands and, as announced previously, deployment in the 2.6GHz frequency band will start shortly