Broadband Network - TelstraClear Appoints Ericsson

MEDIA RELEASE 27 September 2006

TelstraClear Appoints Ericsson to Build Tauranga High-speed Wireless Broadband Network

TelstraClear today announced a multi-million dollar partnership with Ericsson to build its innovative new wireless network in Tauranga.

Announced in July and operating under the project name 'Unplugged', TelstraClear's new service will make voice, broadband and mobile simple and accessible for homes and businesses.

TelstraClear Chief Executive Dr Allan Freeth says appointing a vendor is a critical milestone for the development of the service.

"Ericsson's appointment ensures we have a world leading provider of proven mobile technology and we can leverage off their comprehensive work with our shareholder Telstra in Australia."

"We are progressing towards a July 2007 launch date and have been working with the Tauranga City Council and local community to deliver a service that is simple and easy to use for homes and businesses in the area."

"Signal strength testing is now completed and we're proceeding to secure sites for the equipment," he says.

The contract will see Ericsson design, integrate and build the network, including service layer, core and radio access.

It includes HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) meaning audio, video and large files or attachments can be downloaded significantly faster.

In December 2004, Ericsson was selected by Telstra in Australia as the exclusive 3G/WCDMA partner for up to the next five years.

Ericsson's General Manager of Broadband and Marketing Steve Inglis says Ericsson is delighted to be extending an already long standing relationship with Telstra and TelstraClear to drive industry growth.

"Ericsson has been the prime integrator and business partner for TelstraClear's world class IP network for some years, this new exclusive contract and the work we are doing with Telstra in Australia are a reflection of the strength of Ericsson's capabilities and global leadership in mobile technology, broadband offerings and services."

With a total project cost of $50m, the service includes the development of a high-speed wireless network that lets you talk and use broadband wherever you are, whenever you want to - and keep your local phone number. The Unplugged project will use 3G technology, which is capable of delivering high quality triple play voice, broadband and mobile services. The wireless network will link directly to TelstraClear's national fibre backbone and complement the company's existing fibre network in the Tauranga CBD.

ENDS

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