ZTE and Ericsson signed an alliance agreement Friday to deliver third generation (3G) mobile network solutions for China, ZTE said on its Web site.

ZTE and Ericsson will commence close technical cooperation in Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) under the agreement.

A ZTE spokesman said it would combine its rich experience and world-leading TD-SCDMA expertise with Ericsson's global leadership and market presence in 3G mobile network solutions to provide the best-in-class solutions for customers.

According to the agreement, Ericsson is to integrate ZTE's TD-SCDMA Node B into its radio access network, including hardware and software, on an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) basis. As part of the agreement, the two parties will team up to participate in the TD-SCDMA trials in China.

"As the world's most advanced TD-SCDMA equipment provider, ZTE offers overall TD-SCDMA solution including system equipment, terminal equipment and network planning service, and now ZTE has all the necessary resource in place to promote our TD-SCDMA solutions widely around the world." said Xie Daxiong, senior vice president and general manager of ZTE's mobile division.

"Ericsson has always been dedicated to provide advanced mobile products and solutions that can best address the needs of local markets," said Mats H Olsson, president of Ericsson Greater China.

"I am confident that with our alliance with ZTE, we are very well positioned to capture the huge opportunities presented by China's fast growing mobile market," said Olsson.

Shenzhen-based ZTE is the country's largest listed telecommunications manufacturer and leading wireless solutions provider. It has established business relationships with over 150 customers in more than 60 countries and regions around the world.

Ericsson is a Swedish enterprise with global operations and principle interest in telecommunication infrastructure and mobile Internet.

(Shenzhen Daily May 23, 2005)