Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has signed a sole-supplier agreement with Digicel Group for the nationwide deployment of a GSM/EDGE network in Panama. The strategic partnership will allow Digicel to offer innovative mobile services to its subscribers in Panama and reinforces Ericsson’s role as preferred supplier for Digicel’s operations in the region.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will be sole supplier of a GSM/EDGE network including radio access network, Mobile Softswitch Solution, mobile backhaul solution with optical and microwave products and Convergent Charging and Billing solution. Ericsson will also be responsible for network deployment, systems integration, and learning services. Deployment has already started.
The introduction of EDGE capability means that operators can cost-effectively increase data capacity in the network and offer high-speed mobile data services over the GSM network. EDGE provides a cost-efficient way to introduce new services and boost the uptake of mobile data services.
Mario Assaad, Group Chief Technology Officer for Digicel, says: "Through our long-term partnership with Ericsson, we are already bringing innovative services and best-quality network coverage to our customers across the Caribbean and Central America. We now look forward to delighting mobile users in Panama in the same way"
Niklas Heuveldop, Head of Market Unit Ericsson Central America & Caribbean says: "This contract reaffirms Ericsson’s role as preferred supplier and strategic partner for Digicel’s operations in the region. We are proud to provide Digicel with a world-class, reliable and robust network to help bring a richer mobile communications experience to its customers in this rapidly growing market"
Ericsson is now supplying mobile systems to Digicel in 24 countries across the Caribbean and Central America, including: Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Bermudas, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, French West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, El Salvador, Honduras - and now Panama.
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of ’communication for all’ through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm and NASDAQ stock exchanges.
DIGICEL GROUP
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the largest wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean with more than six million customers. After seven years, Digicel is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting-edge of wireless communications.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and has operations in 23 markets, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curacao, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos. With new launches planned for the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Honduras and Panama, Digicel expects to be in 26 markets in the next 12 months. The Caribbean company also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean sports teams including the West Indies Cricket Team and Special Olympics teams and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup and the Copa De Naciones, the Caribbean and Central American qualifiers to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Source: Ericsson
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