SOFTBANK MOBILE, Japan''s leading operator has entered an agreement with Ericsson to deploy an Evolved HSPA radio access network for recently allocated spectrum in the 900MHz band.

The network will feature Ericsson's latest RBS 6000 multi-standard radio base stations deployed in the Tomeihan area, which includes Japan's biggest cities: Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. As a result, SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp. will be able to offer its users broader network coverage and a more enhanced mobile broadband experience.

 "We always aim to give our customers our full attention and stay one step ahead by continuously improving our network. Our customers are advanced users of mobile broadband and it is important that we deploy the latest technology to support them and make the best use of our allocated 900MHz band", said Junichi Miyakawa, Executive Vice President, Director & CTO of SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp.

"Together with SOFTBANK MOBILE we will build a state-of-the-art, high-performance Evolved HSPA network and further strengthen our leadership in mobile broadband. Ericsson's network will enable SOFTBANK MOBILE to deliver improved user experiences in speed and connectivity, thereby shaping the Networked Society", said Jan Signell, President of Ericsson Japan.

With Ericsson's global experience and technology, SOFTBANK MOBILE will be able to quickly make optimal use of the 900MHz band. Ericsson will also help SOFTBANK MOBILE address the complexity that comes with exponential growth in data.

Under the terms of the contract, Ericsson will also be responsible for a range of professional services such as network design, consulting systems integration and network deployment.