Airtel and Ericon extend partnership with LTE deployment in Gabon

Airtel Gabon partners with Ericsson for the deployment of next generation LTE technology and mobile network transformation

Ericsson technology to power Airtels new LTE network, delivering the highest speeds of mobile data and the best user experience for Gabonese customers

Improvements to the existing WCDMA/HSPA network better positions Airtel for future mobile data growth and enables optimized smartphone performance

Airtel Gabon has selected Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) as its sole supplier for the deployment of a new LTE network. The agreement also includes transformation of the existing mobile radio access and core network infrastructure. LTE 4G technology offers the capacity and the speed to handle a rapid increase in data traffic. The new network will enable Airtel to deliver a superior mobile broadband experience to their customers.

Christian de Faria, Chief Executive Officer at Bharti Airtel Africa, says: Mobile broadband data is a key driver for economic growth in Gabon. The LTE launch will ensure our customers have the highest speeds and best experience available.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will install its multi-standard radio base station the RBS 6000, which supports GSM/ EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA, and LTE in a single cabinet. Ericssons RBS 6000 ensures Airtels customers can continue to enjoy the best possible network throughout the country. Upgrade of capacities and packet functionalities, to support LTE requirements, will be done for the installed base of MINI-LINK TN microwave equipment. The contract covers equipment, software and a range of professional services, including project management, systems integration and support.

Fredrik Jejdling, Ericsson President for sub-Saharan Africa says: With this agreement, we further strengthen our long term strategic business relationship with Airtel by supporting them in meeting their commitment to excellent services to their subscribers in Gabon. As a global LTE leader, Ericsson will bring to bear our extensive capabilities in delivering high-performance LTE services to customers.

Ericsson continues as a preferred partner to Airtel Gabon, and is the existing supplier of their circuit switched and packet core networks, along with existing 2G and 3G radio networks. The end-to-end LTE network that Ericsson is deploying includes an upgrade of the packet core network to a multi-access Evolved Packet Core, supporting 2G, 3G and LTE.

Ericsson is present today in all high-traffic LTE markets, including the US, Japan, and South Korea, and is ranked first for handling the most global LTE traffic. Forty percent of the worlds mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks, which is twice as much mobile traffic as the closest competitor. Ericsson is #1 in LTE market share within the worlds top 100 cities. More than 220 LTE RAN and Evolved Packet Core networks have been delivered worldwide, of which 170 are live commercially.

According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, by the end of 2020, most mobile subscriptions worldwide will be HSPA/GSM with LTE available in all regions, in addition it is projected that there will be about 7.7 billion mobile subscriptions also by 2020.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Media Kit: Long Term Evolution - LTE

Ericsson Mobility Report

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society - a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Our services, software and infrastructure - especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud - are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the worlds mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions - and our customers - stay in front.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2014 were SEK 228.0 billion (USD 33.1 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

www.ericsson.com

www.ericsson.com/news

www.twitter.com/ericssonpress

www.facebook.com/ericsson

www.youtube.com/ericsson

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Ericsson Corporate Communications

Phone: +46 10 719 69 92

E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com

Ericsson Investor Relations

Phone: +46 10 719 00 00

E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

LINK:	http://www.ericsson.com/uk/thecompany/press/releases/2015/07/1941294...
	See more stories from ericsson

Most recent headlines