Ericsson brings the first commercial IMS network in China...

Ericsson brings the first commercial IMS network in China to Beijing Netcom

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has announced an agreement with China Netcom's Beijing Branch (Beijing Netcom) to build an IMS-based multimedia network in Beijing, including Ericsson's IP-Centrex solution. This will be the first commercial IMS network in China.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will be the sole supplier of the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) system for Beijing Netcom. Ericsson will also supply system integration services to ensure successful implementation in Beijing Netcom's network. Delivery has started and the network is expected to be completed during April 2007.

The Ericsson IMS multimedia telephony system will provide new value-added services to Beijing Netcom's network, with the main focus on IP-Centrex targeting enterprise customers.

Beijing Netcom says the agreement emphasizes its commitment to take advantage of new technology to stay ahead of competition by providing telecom-quality IP multimedia services in the most cost-efficient way, and addressing the needs of high-end enterprise users in Beijing area now and in the future.

Beijing Netcom also says the solution will allow the company to more effectively introduce a host of new multimedia services that combine voice, data, audio and video, bringing an enhanced experience to users in the Beijing area, and the visitors and participants in the Olympic Games in 2008.

"Ericsson is proud to be chosen once again by Beijing Netcom, and this time for building an advanced multimedia network," says Mats H Olsson, President, Ericsson Greater China. "This agreement is yet another demonstration of our commitment and capabilities in helping our customer achieve sustained business growth and stay competitive into the future."

Ericsson is the leader in the IMS area with 36 IMS system contracts for commercial launch and an additional 70 trials, distributed around the world.