Ericsson said Wednesday that it has clinched contracts in the tune of $1.7 billion with two dominant Chinese telecom operators to deploy 2G and 3G telecom equipments and services for the year 2009.

The telecom equipment maker has signed contracts with two operators, China Mobile and China Unicom, valued at US$1 billion and US$ 700 million respectively.

Within the capacity of the deal, Ericsson will continue to render green solutions to support China Mobile''s network energy optimization and CO2 emission reduction target, in addition to the expansion of GSM/GPRS network coverage and capacity in 18 provinces in China with related services.

Further, Ericsson will also back China Mobile's 3G network build-out by offering a variety of innovative TD-SCDMA products and solutions.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mats H Olsson, President of Ericsson Greater China said, “China’s 3G market is growing rapidly and the world is watching closely. As the world's undisputed leader of mobile communications technology, Ericsson will spare no efforts in supporting the development of China's telecom industry with our global expertise and technology leadership.”