Japan's eAccess to launch LTE network and expand partnership with Ericsson - Ericsson

Japan's eAccess to launch LTE network and expand partnership with Ericsson

eAccess mobile broadband subscribers to enjoy real-time web, online gaming and social media on the go thanks to LTE speeds and decreased latency

By implementing Ericsson's Mixed Mode solution, LTE can be offered on the same frequency band as 3G/WCDMA services

LTE allows the operator to transport an ever-increasing volume of data traffic in an efficient and cost-effective way, without requiring any additional hardware

With the help of Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), eAccess - one of Japan's leading mobile broadband operators - will become the first operator in the world to launch a Mixed Mode solution for WCDMA and LTE. Thanks to Ericsson's Mixed Mode solution, eAccess can use the same radio frequency band for both LTE and WCDMA services.

LTE enables the fast transfer of huge amounts of data in an efficient and cost-effective way. By switching to this new technology, eAccess customers will enjoy an enhanced user experience. It will also simplify the process of adjusting frequency allocation in the future as traffic demand shifts from WCDMA to LTE, allowing the operator to optimize its use of spectrum. Commercial launch of the Mixed Mode solution will begin in major cities across the country from March 2012.

Eric Gan, Representative Director, President of eAccess Ltd, says: "Ericsson's global leadership, experience and vision for LTE were the key factors behind our decision to select the company as our LTE network partner."

Jan Signell, President of Ericsson Japan, says: "As mobile broadband is enabling the Networked Society, this is yet another important step toward realizing Ericsson's vision. Ericsson's LTE technology and experience will allow us to take a smarter approach to addressing the complexity that comes with the exponential growth in data exchange. With LTE access, the operator can meet users' demands for new and enhanced mobile internet applications of the future."

With more than 5.6 million mobile broadband and wired internet subscribers, eAccess is a leader in mobile broadband in Japan, and has been working closely with Ericsson since 2006 as its main supplier. Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply LTE functionality to Japan's metropolitan areas, such as Tokyo, Tokai and Osaka.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will provide eAccess with full turnkey Network Rollout, Network Optimization & Consulting, and upgrade the Packet Core network to an Evolved Packet Core architecture.

DOCOMO Unveils Japan’s First Two Devices for V-High Multimedia Broadcasting Services | Press Center | NTT DOCOMO Global

DOCOMO Unveils Japan’s First Two Devices for V-High Multimedia Broadcasting Services

TOKYO, JAPAN, February 16, 2012 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today two Android™-compatible mobile devices, the “docomo NEXT series AQUOS PHONE™ SH-06D” smartphone and the “docomo Tablet MEDIAS TAB N-06D,” Japan’s first devices compatible with V-High multimedia broadcasting service. The smartphone and tablet will be sold in Japan only from March and April respectively.

Users of the two devices will be able to watch mmbi, Inc.’s “NOTTV,” a mobile multimedia broadcasting station that will begin operating on April 1.*

The waterproof SH-06D smartphone features a 4.5-inch high-definition glass-less 3D display with a 1.2 GHz dual core CPU. It comes with a tabletop holder equipped with a built-in antenna that enables viewing of multimedia broadcasts while the smartphone is charging in the holder. The SH-06D smartphone is compatible with DOCOMO’s Osaifu-Keitai™ mobile-wallet services and can receive existing “one-seg” mobile TV.

The N-06D tablet, the world’s thinnest** (9.9 mm) waterproof tablet, is compatible with DOCOMO’s “Xi” LTE service. It boasts a large 7-inch WXGA high-definition display, weighs just 350 grams and is equipped with high-quality audio speakers. It also runs on a 1.2 GHz dual core CPU and is compatible with both Osaifu-Keitai™ and one-seg services.

Telstra delivers revenue, profit and customer growth; guidance confirmed - Media Announcement – About Telstra

Telstra delivers revenue, profit and customer growth; guidance confirmed

Telstra today announced that its strategy continues to deliver financial benefits. Results for the six months to 31 December 2011 show growth in revenue, EBITDA and net profit and strong growth in the number of customers. The company also confirmed guidance for fiscal 2012 and announced a 14 cent interim dividend.

“Last year we recorded one of our best years for customer growth. This momentum has continued into the first half of fiscal 2012,” Chief Executive Officer David Thodey said today.

“Our superior networks and competitive offers are being recognised and valued by new and existing customers. We are also seeing improvement in Telstra’s customer service with TIO complaints down 24% over the year, though we still have more work to do,” he said.

The reported results for the six months to December 2011 were:

Total revenue increased by 1.1% or $136 million to $12,419 million

EBITDA increased by 3.7% or $170 million to $4,750 million

Net Profit After Tax increased by 22.9% or $274 million to $1,468 million

Capex to sales ratio of 13.8%, with accrued capital expenditure of $1,715 million

Free cash flow of $1,795 million