Ericsson's WLAN solution selected by leading Irish operator eircom.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- The Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERICY) WLAN solution is powering eircom's recently launched Wireless Broadband service. This will enhance the operator's suite of broadband services, offering wireless access at high bit rates in strategically located hotspots. Users of laptops and handheld computers will have secure wireless access to company mail and files at broadband speeds.

The Ericsson public WLAN or Wi-Fi solution, chosen by eircom, is allowing the operator to offer advanced broadband wireless services across Ireland.

Ericsson's public WLAN system gives eircom new business opportunities with WLAN, using local content tailored to partners with properties such as airports, hotels and cafes, and including systems for revenue sharing and specific access rights for preferred customers. The service profile can be tailored to the individual user, to the property, or to a group such as employees of a large corporation. Corporate users can seamlessly connect to their office data securely and protect their data through a Virtual Private Network connection and a personal firewall. These advanced features are already helping hotels with the service to attract new corporate business and strengthen their brand.

Commenting on eircom's public Wi-Fi service, Peter O'Shaughnessy, Wi-Fi Programme Manager, eircom, said, "Wireless broadband allows business people to interact in real-time with their corporate environment from remote locations. Without a doubt Wi-Fi represents the ultimate in flexibility for business users."

The system allows eircom to offer its customers prepaid and subscription WLAN service as well as the ability for users to sign-up for service in the hotspot online. Many other features such as roaming with other WLAN networks, differentiated service offerings and location-based services are also possible with the system to help eircom exploit the Wi-Fi opportunity going forward.

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press

About Ericsson's WLAN solution

Ericsson's public WLAN system has been developed in cooperation with Swedish company ServiceFactory AB. The system can be adapted and configured in various ways to meet the needs of different kinds of operators. For mobile operators, Ericsson has recently added SIM card authentication that greatly simplifies the login and security of WLAN equipped laptops.

About eircom:

eircom is Ireland's leading telecommunications company providing a comprehensive range of voice, data and internet services. The company is committed to providing customers with a first class end user experience through top quality service using the most technologically advanced networks. eircom is currently rolling out public wireless hotspots to a number of venues nation-wide. Currently the company hosts over 40 hotspots in a number of hotels and conferences centres around the country including Croke Park, Citywest Hotels, Mount Juliet and Great Southern Hotels. This figure will grow to a further 250 hotspots.