Switzerland-based mobile and fixed operator Swisscom extended its partnership with Ericsson by signing a five-year contract with Ericsson for mobile-network modernisation and upgrade to LTE.
Under the contract, Ericsson will modernise 6,000 mobile sites with its RBS 6000 multi-standard radio base stations and optimise all of Swisscom’s networks.
In addition, Ericsson will deliver core network, multi-standard radio base stations for 2G, 3G and 4G, as well as related installation services for the swap of the existing infrastructure, includes software, hardware and the introduction of small cells, mostly in traffic-dense areas.
With the deployment of radio base stations, Swisscom will have GSM, WCDMA and LTE access networks and Ericsson’s SGSN-MME node supports all three access technologies.
Swisscom Network & IT head Heinz Herren said by continuing to provide Swisscom’s subscribers with the best network possible while meeting the growing usage of mobile data. Swisscom will invest several hundred million Swiss Francs in mobile-network modernisation over the next five years.
"Thanks to our long-lasting partnership, we are familiar with Ericsson’s expertise in deploying new technologies, and we have already established processes that will allow us to make savings in this project," said Herren.
Ericsson Region Western & Central Europe head Anders Runevad said Ericsson is pleased to help Swisscom introduce LTE and allow its users to enjoy the benefits of LTE on their smartphones, laptops and tablets.
"As Ericsson sees mobility and broadband as pillars of the Networked Society, in which everyone and everything is connected, this extended partnership marks yet another step towards realizing that vision," said Runevad.
