Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson has won a contract for a high-speed third-generation (3G) mobile network from Malaysia's second-biggest cell phone operator Maxis, the companies said in a statement.

Ericsson will upgrade Maxis' present 2G network as well as prepare networks in high growth areas for future 3G deployment, the statement said, without giving financial details.

"We wanted a partner that was not only leading in new technologies, but also provided the best commercial proposition," said Maxis's chief executive officer Jamaludin Ibrahim.

In addition to infrastructure supply, Ericsson said it will supply professional services including network design and systems integration.

Interactive TV

Ericsson will also set up a joint working group with Maxis to jump-start the development of multimedia products and services, in particular those involving streaming capabilities such as interactive TV.

Maxis Communicationshas some four million subscribers, but has been overtaken by rival Celcom as the two giants are in a neck-and-neck battle for Malaysia's growing cellular market, with the third licence-holder, DiGi, trailing behind.

Maxis and Telekom are the only two companies that have been awarded licences for third generation mobile phone networks in Malaysia, expected to be rolled out commercially next year. - AFP