Wireless gear supplier L.M. Ericsson announced a series of contracts around the world, assuring its place as the world’s premier infrastructure player.
In the context of the CommunicAsia conference in Singapore, Ericsson Chief Executive Officer Carl-Henric Svanberg emphasized the increasing importance of hosting services among operators and named four that have signed hosting contracts with his company.
“Managed services are a means to more efficient network operations and for more effective hosting of platforms, applications and content management,” he said.
The contracts cover the United States, Chile and Hungary, although the Hungarian deals are wireline related.
The vendor signed contracts with two U.S. wireless operators-Midwest Wireless and Rural Cellular Corp.-to integrate, host and manage multimedia messaging services throughout their networks. Ericsson also will operate and manage the MMS service offerings around the clock.
“For both Midwest Wireless and Rural Cellular Corp., this approach was the most practical way to bring MMS to market quickly while controlling capital and operational costs,” said Angel Ruiz, president and CEO of Ericsson Inc. in North America.
“Turnkey project management, systems integration, competence development services and solution support services are included in the MMS agreement,” said Ericsson.
In Chile, Ericsson signed a contract with Telefonica Movil to integrate, implement and host the carrier’s mobile portal as well as source and distribute content.
“These agreements make it possible for Telefonica Movil to offer attractive content, applications and games to our mobile customers in a fast, cost-effective and easy way .” said Gustavo Marambio, director of technology and services of Telefonica Movil.
Ericsson also announced it has been selected by Advanced Info Service in Thailand to expand its EDGE network in its second phase. The contract is valued at $22.7 million.
Guangxi Mobile also signed a $109 million GSM contract with Ericsson, which will include radio base stations and its advanced AXE810 platform.
