Ericsson (ERIC) has signed a deal with Far EasTone Telecommunications for HSPA network expansion to up to 95% of the population in the region.

Stefan Johansson, president of Ericsson Taiwan, said in a prepared statement, "Following the partnership in launching 3G, HSPA and high-speed mobile broadband services, the expansion contract signals another proof point of customer recognition of Ericsson HSPA technologies. It also emphasizes our commitment to help Far EasTone build a full service broadband network, and meet growing customer demand."

Under the agreement, Ericsson will enhance HSPA coverage and also help Far EasTone to expand its transmission network capacity, and to enhance its mobile positioning service solutions. Ericsson will also be responsible for spare parts management service as well as support services. Network deployment and integration have started.

Ericsson's backhaul solution will help Far EasTone to cost-efficiently increase its transmission network capacity, allowing better HSPA service quality and overall network performance. Ericsson says it has supplied 90 out of 185 launched HSPA networks in the world.