Ericsson expects to double sales

Ericsson expects to double sales

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson expects to double
its sales in Indonesia as the country's telecommunications market
continues to grow.

"Ericsson Indonesia doubled its revenue last year. We expect
this year to improve our position. Historically, we have doubled
(our revenue annually)," PT Ericsson Indonesia's president Ulf
Mansson told The Jakarta Post last week.

He did not provide figures.

He said Ericsson was the largest mobile telecommunications
provider in the country.

Aside from handsets, Ericsson also provides equipment and
systems for mobile networks for privately and state-owned firms,
including PT Telkom and its joint operating partners; cellular
phone operators PT Telkomsel, PT Excelcomindo, PT Indosat, and
Lippo Telecom.

Mansson said Ericcson would launch one of its new mobile
phones this year, which is manufactured by Sony Ericsson Mobile
Communications, a joint venture between Ericcson and Japanese
electronic giant Sony.

The joint venture was established last year amid the growing
competition in the cellular phone manufacturing industry.

"Sony has a strong brand name and excellent distribution
channel and Ericsson has advanced technology and a good
reputation. We believe we can offer very competitive products and
applications in Indonesia," Mansson said.

The company refused to provide details about the Sony-Ericsson
cellphone.

Telkom's data says there were about 5.3 million cellular phone
subscribers last year with the number expected to increase to 11
million this year.