Monday, 7 April 2008

Ericsson & Taiwan Operator Ink HSPA Expansion Deal

Communication behemoth Ericsson has entered into a new contract with Taiwanese operator Far EasTone Telecommunications (Far EasTone) in a move that aims to expand its HSPA network expansion to the highest penetration in Taiwan – up to 95 percent of the population.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will enhance HSPA coverage and also help Far EasTone to expand its transmission network capacity, and to enhance its mobile positioning service solutions.

Ericsson will also be responsible for spare parts management service as well as support services. Network deployment and integration have started.

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Ericsson in expanding the coverage of our HSPA services. We see a clear market demand from our earlier success,” said Jan Nilsson, Vice Chairman and President of Far EasTone.

Ericsson’s backhaul solution will help Far EasTone to cost-efficiently increase its transmission network capacity, allowing better HSPA service quality and overall network performance. Ericsson’s enhanced positioning solution, Assisted Global Positioning System (AGPS), offers faster and more accurate positioning services – at a lower power-consumption level – from almost anywhere within base station coverage. This is said to be a significant benefit to users in urban areas, especially when indoors or surrounded by tall buildings.

“Following the partnership in launching 3G, HSPA and high-speed mobile broadband services, the expansion contract signals another proof point of customer recognition of Ericsson HSPA technologies. It also emphasizes our commitment to help Far EasTone build a full service broadband network, and meet growing customer demand,” said Stefan Johansson, President of Ericsson Taiwan.

Ericsson has to date supplied 90 out of 185 launched HSPA networks in the world.