Ericsson signs $1.7B contracts with Chinese operators

Telecom equipment maker Ericsson said it signed deals worth $1.7B to provide operators with 2nd & 3rd generation telecoms equipment & services. The world's top mobile network maker inked contracts with China Mobile & China Unicom worth $1B & $700M, respectively. Under the deal with China Mobile, Ericsson will expand GSM/GPRS network coverage & capacity in 18 provinces in China. It will also support China Mobile's 3G network by providing a wider range of TD-SCDMA products & solutions. Ericsson would also become the main supplier to upgrade China Unicom's GSM networks in 10 provinces. It will provide a GSM/ WCDMA core network or a wireless access system in 15 provinces.