According to the agreement, 3IC will distribute Ericssons CDMA data products including the cdmaOne Interworking Function (IWF) and the cdma2000 Packet Core Network (PCN) to the Korean market. In addition, 3IC will also handle certain system integration and technical support of Ericssons data equipment sales.

"Ericssons leading data products are very attractive for the advanced Korean CDMA operators," said Bubba Rhee, President and CEO of 3IC. "Through minimal investment, mobile operators can now offer carrier class data services in existing networks, that will generate additional revenue and help ensure subscriber loyalty."
"We are excited to be strengthening Ericssons position with Korean operators through our relationship with 3IC," added �ke Persson, President of Ericsson CDMA Systems. "The strategic alliance between Ericsson and 3IC provides both companies with expanded business opportunities as we are able to support the Korean operators need for enhanced data services."

Ericssons IWF is a wireless data access solution that offers operators the most resilient, scalable and cost-effective platform for delivering end-to-end mobile data solutions over CDMA networks. The IWF is based on the industry standard interoperability specification (IOS) and can be integrated into any operators network.

As the CDMA radio network evolves toward 3G, the IWF has a smooth migration path with an easy software upgrade. Through this upgrade, the IWF becomes a key component of the cdma2000 Packet Core Network. This provides mobile operators maximum use of their capital investment and further cost savings. The PCN enables end-to-end IP services in cdma2000 networks, delivering "always online, always connected" functionality and direct access to IP-service networks. The PCN is a part of Ericssons total cdma2000 solution.
By enabling the mobile Internet with an industry leading cdma2000 solution Ericsson opens up new markets and revenue opportunities for operators. cdmaOne is one of the fastest growing wireless technologies in the world, currently serving more than 71 million subscribers. Developed by the industrys premier CDMA experts, Ericssons CDMA solutions offer operators unique performance advantages and smooth evolution to 3G by leveraging the full strength of Ericssons expertise in wireless, IP/datacom and mobile Internet technologies.
Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
James Borup, Press Relations Manager
Ericsson Corporate Communications, Division Mobile Systems
Phone: +46 70 699 9412; E-mail: [email protected]

Charlotte Rubin, Public Relations Manager
Ericsson Business Unit CDMA Systems
Phone: +1 858 332 6589; E-mail: [email protected]

Janos Fugedi, President
Ericsson Market Unit in Korea
Phone: +822 397 2710; E-mail: [email protected]

At 3IC:
Mr.SungJoong Shin, 3IC
Phone: +82 31 709 3331; E-mail: [email protected]

About 3IC
Korean-based 3IC is the world leader for Network Management and O&M
systems for CDMA networks. In addition, 3IC also specializes in the
integration and interoperability testing of CDMA wireless data products
within live CDMA operator networks and participates in the network
consulting. Over the years, 3IC has provided many major international
telecommunication manufacturers as well as the world leading CDMA
operators with its systems. 3IC was founded in 1992 by the current
president of the company, President Bubba Rhee. Read more at:
http://www.3ic.co.kr/
About Ericssons CDMA IWF
Ericssons IWF is the industrys first Telco-grade IWF and provides more
than three times the density of other CDMA IWFs. Ericsson developed its
CDMA IWF based upon its carrier-proven technology platform, the Tigris
Multiservice Access platform. The IWF enables CDMA operators to offer
wireless data services to their subscribers, including access to the
Internet, WAP portals and corporate Intranets, along with circuit switched
data and fax services.

About Ericssons cdma2000 Packet Core Network
Ericssons cdma2000 Packet Core Network (PCN) is a key component in the
evolution from todays circuit-switched environment to third generation
(3G), packet-switched networks. The PCN allows direct access to IP-service
networks, such as the Internet, corporate Intranets and multimedia
networks. This new network architecture allows operators to assume a
variety of revenue-generating roles defined by todays market dynamics:
wireless ISP, content provider or application service provider. As with
all Ericsson CDMA products, the PCN nodes have been built with a full
commitment to open standards. The open R-P (radio to packet) interface
allows operators the flexibility to choose radio access and packet data
components that best meet their needs from the various vendors supporting
open interfaces. Ericssons cdma2000 PCN offers other significant
advantages to operators, including a cost-saving IP/ATM core network, a
common and standardized service creation environment for rapid feature
introduction, seamless intra- and inter-network roaming via the Mobile IP
standard, and scaleable configurations to accommodate networks of any
size.