Sunrise: Modernization of entire network infrastructure with new technology partner in 2012

For the further expansion, operation, and maintenance of its mobile and fixed networks, Sunrise has selected a new technology partner. By cooperating with Huawei, Sunrise will benefit from the competence of a global technology leader. Therefore a contract has been signed between the two companies. Having established a long-term foundation through the successful purchase of all the necessary mobile phone frequency licenses until 2028 in the mobile network auction, and having selected a new technology partner, Sunrise is now launching a network quality program under the name and label TQ Net (Top Quality Net).

Partnership with global technology leader Huawei

With its new partner Huawei, Sunrise will substantially modernize and expand the entire mobile and fixed network infrastructure. Huawei, one of the world’s leading ICT solution provider, supplies 45 of the world’s 50 largest telecommunications operators and is specialized in fixed networks, mobile networks, and IP technologies. Huawei has over 140,000 employees in more than 140 countries and guarantees state-of the- art products of an excellent quality. Sunrise will continue to take care of key responsibilities such as strategic network planning and customer care. The Business Customer division will further gain importance and Sunrise is increasing its headcount in order to expand the service of its business customers.The network infrastructure including all telecommunications systems will remain the sole property of Sunrise.

From 1 September 2012, Huawei will assume the entire operational responsibility under a five-year contract. In this organization, employees will also be transferred between the two companies. Sunrise and Huawei have agreed to provide a number of guarantees such as equivalent salary and employment conditions as well as a job guarantee for one year. In the future, Huawei will expand its activities in Switzerland by establishing an office in Zurich and will employ several hundred of local experts by the end of 2012.

Network quality program TQ Net for highest quality standards

With immediate effect, Sunrise has launched a new network program under the name and label TQ Net. The TQ Net label gives customers the assurance that the mobile network and fixed network will be expanded, operated, and maintained according to the highest quality standards. With the immediate start of an extensive upgrade of the mobile network to the UMTS900 standard throughout Switzerland for fast data connections at a rate of up to 42 Mbit/s, Sunrise creates the best network experience for its customers. To enable surfing at the speed of light, Sunrise will commence with a pilot phase for the upgrade of the mobile network to LTE, the fourth mobile network generation, starting in the fall of 2012. The large-scale upgrade to LTE for hassle-free surfing and streaming will take place in 2013. With the new network investment program TQ Net, the Sunrise high-speed network will become faster, even in rural areas.

For landlines, the network program TQ Net comprises the upgrade to state-of-the-art fiber optic technology in selected cities. Triple-play services, such as the new Sunrise TV product will enable even faster Internet connections and superb-quality TV over fiber optic networks.

Oliver Steil, CEO Sunrise: "We are looking forward to rolling out our new network program TQ Net with the global technology leader Huawei. We opted for this partner after successfully cooperating for over two years, during which we saw ample evidence of its high innovative drive. With a solid license basis, our new technology partner, qualified employees and an ambitious network modernization program, we will create the best network experience for the customers."

Kevin Tao, President Huawei Western Europe: "The decision of Sunrise to select Huawei as the future technology partner for an extensive modernization of the infrastructure motivates us to give the partnership maximum priority in our European operations. With the global technology expertise of Huawei, the future Sunrise infrastructure will meet the highest quality standards throughout Europe and will become a reference case for us. We are looking forward to the partnership of two strong, innovative enterprises."

Sunrise

Sunrise is the largest private telecommunications provider in Switzerland, with offices in Zurich, Kloten, Lucerne, Basel, Berne, Biel/Bienne, Renens, Geneva and Lugano. More than 3 million customers use Sunrise products an selection of HD broadcasters in the basic package, Come Back TV and Live Pause functions and a unique variety of TV and radio channels. The Business Sunrise business customer division offers individual communications solutions for business customers. The Sunrise mobile network, which is based on GSM, EDGE, UMTS und HSPA+ technologies, makes modern mobile network services available to 99% of the population with transfer speeds of up to 21 Mbit/sec. A high-performance 10,000 km-long fiber-optic network can provide high-quality voice and data services throughout the country. Thanks to unbundling, Sunrise can reach approximately 85 % of all households with their broadband services. Sunrise operates more than 100 Sunrise centers throughout Switzerland. Sunrise is a brand of Sunrise Communications AG.