KARLSKRONA, Sweden - Oct. 30, 2002 - Cisco Systems today announced that Vodafone Sweden has introduced a Cisco-powered nationwide IP backbone network to support the roll out of its third-generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS).

The network, implemented and supported by Cisco's Gold Certified Partner Eterra, will allow Vodafone Sweden to increase the speed and quality of its UMTS-based data services and position the operator to offer its customers a true mobile Internet service, delivering voice, video and data applications to the user across any access medium.

Magnus Forsbrand, CTO, Vodafone Sweden said: "We felt Cisco and Eterra, our local system integrator, were in the best position to support the building of our third-generation mobile data services because of their long-term commitment to Vodafone Sweden."

Vodafone Sweden has chosen to deploy Cisco's 12404 Internet Router, in addition to the Catalyst. 6500 Series switch and Cisco 7606 Internet Routers for metropolitan and wide area routing.

Jon Hindle, Strategic Technology Manager for World Wide Mobility, Cisco Systems said: "This deal is yet another proof of our long-term commitment to supporting the entry of service providers into the mobile data era. Our aim is to help enable operators such as Vodafone Sweden to track users moving between access networks and use IP to understand the type of connection and access device being used, adapting content and applications accordingly. This could free service providers from having to develop propositions defined by a single access technology and instead allow them to create broader offerings that deliver increased value to end users, which will translate into increased revenue and customer loyalty, enhancing overall business viability."