Ericsson supports SoftBanks IoT in Japan

• Ericsson selected by SoftBank as Evolved Packet Core vendor of Cat-M1 and NB-IoT solutions
• Ericsson supports SoftBank to deploy Cat-M1 and NB-IoT networks nationwide
• Industries will benefit from the extensive and innovative IoT device ecosystem by using Cat-M1/NB-IoT devices connected to operators' mobile networks.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has been selected by SoftBank Corp., a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO: 9984), ("SoftBank"), as the Evolved Packet Core supplier of its Cat-M1 and NB-IoT solutions. SoftBank will deploy Cat-M1 and NB-IoT networks nationwide, aiming to be first to market with commercial cellular IoT services. Ericsson delivers Cat-M1 support as a software upgrade to SoftBank's existing Evolved Packet Core, and NB-IoT using Ericsson virtual Evolved Packet Core and Cloud Execution Environment.

Cat-M1 and NB-IoT-enabled IoT devices allow SoftBank to cost effectively extend their networks while creating new revenue streams for IoT services.

Ericsson's Massive IoT network solutions for Cat-M1 and NB-IoT -enabled IoT devices have advantages including low cost, low power consumption, deep coverage, massive connections and high reliability of transmission. Combined with existing leading LTE coverage, SoftBank can deploy a range of IoT services in smart cities, logistics, utilities, medicine, transport, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and many more.

Junichi Miyakawa, Executive Vice President & CTO, SoftBank Corp., says: "Ericsson's solutions in Cat-M1 and NB-IoT technology ensure that we will be able to go to market with highly competitive commercial cellular IoT services and play a role in leading the growth of the IoT market in Japan."

Mikael Eriksson, Head of Ericsson Japan, says: "With the expected rapidly increasing IoT devices and the new ecosystem, there will be many opportunities for new services and revenue streams for operators. Ericsson is very pleased to be selected by SoftBank and to deploy Cat-M1/NB-IoT technology and support SoftBank to connect this new ecosystem and deliver on these new opportunities."