2008-02-05
Ericsson to enhance the mobile backbone capacity of M1 of Singapore with microwave and optical transmission technology
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) today announced that it has won a two-phase turnkey contract to implement microwave and optical transmission solutions for M1, one of Singapore's leading mobile communications providers. The project will vastly enhance the capacity of M1's mobile network backbone to meet the current and anticipated traffic increase in their mobile network resulting from an uptake of the operator's mobile broadband services.
Under the agreement, Ericsson is to supply, implement and maintain full turnkey microwave and optical transmission solutions that allow optimization on both network and sites – acting as the backhaul of M1's wireless broadband and cellular traffic – thereby resulting in a more robust and cost-effective network
The transmission portfolio, comprising of Ericsson's MINI-LINK solutions, Optical MultiService Metro-Edge (OMS) platform and the ServiceOn management system, is expected to rollout in early part of 2008 and will involve several hundred sites across Singapore.
The two-phased project will focus on expanding the capacity of these 600 sites and fully utilizing backhaul speeds, thereby improving performance of M1's transmission network.
Ericsson's MINI-LINK portfolio can be optimized for simple installation with a compact, capacity agile outdoor unit. New base stations or interfaces can be added to the backhaul network configuration in a matter of minutes, thus minimizing maintenance and upgrade costs.
Neil Montefiore, M1's Chief Executive Officer says, "This announcement marks a significant milestone for M1 as we are now more self-sufficient in network ownership. We have chosen Ericsson as their microwave transmission solution provides us with a platform for flexible, scalable and cost-effective network expansion and management, in addition to helping us meet the emerging challenges of next-generation networks (NGNs)."
Ann Emilson, President and Country Manager of Ericsson Singapore says: "Today's announcement underlines the trust and confidence M1 has in Ericsson's proven technology and our commitment to deliver quality services. We are honored to help M1 meet its goal of being an innovative mobile communications service provider that is constantly seeking ways to offer superior user experience to its subscribers."
The contract also further cements Ericsson's leading position in converged metro and access transport networks and leadership in the short haul microwave market. About 450 customers all over the world have chosen the MINI-LINK solution and Ericsson has a market share of more than 40 percent of the short haul microwave market.
Information about the company: Telefon AB LM Ericsson
