Eastlink chooses Ericsson as VoLTE supplier in Canada
Eastlink announced it has selected Ericsson as its core network supplier for voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) services in Canada. According to Eastlink, the collaboration will enable it to offer resilient services, and provide a basis for Wi-Fi calling and future 5G services.
Eastlink is a Canadian cable television and telecommunications company, while VoLTE enables voice calls and data over LTE networks. Among the benefits of a LTE network include the ability to provide mobile broadband with more data capacity and lower latency.
As part of the agreement, Eastlink will launch Ericsson’s Fast VoLTE solution, which supports high-definition voice (HD voice) and other communication services over LTE and Wi-Fi access networks. Ericsson’s VoLTE offering enables operators to provide communication services leveraging IP-technology across LTE based mobile broadband.
“We operate with an overarching philosophy of continuous improvement through investment in our people, our networks, our services, and in advanced technologies,” said Lee Bragg, chief executive officer, Eastlink, in a statement. “Partnerships like the longstanding one we have with Ericsson, makes it possible for us to leverage the very best expertise and technology to help bring our customers an exceptional and continuously improved experience.”
Ericsson’s Fast VoLTE features solutions like virtual Mobile Telephony Application Server (vMTAS), virtual Session Border Controller (vSBC), virtual Call Session Control Function (vCSCF), virtual Media Resource Function (vMRF) and virtual IPWorks. The company said Fast VoLTE is built on Ericsson BSP 8100 telecom grade hardware and the OpenStack-based virtual infrastructure manager Ericsson Cloud Execution Environment.
“Telecom operators are looking for cost-effective solutions to manage the ever-increasing volume of mobile traffic and demand for enhanced services,” said Graham Osborne, head of Ericsson Canada. “Eastlink is dedicated to delivering the best experience possible to all their customers and this network upgrade will bring immediate improvements and position them well to add future services.”
Eastlink added it will collaborate with Ericsson to launch a geo-redundant and 5G-ready core network. The company’s project team, alongside Ericsson’s onsite expertise and global resources, will also work to modernize customer and front-end databases, including the Home Location Register and Home Subscriber Service. The network upgrade is anticipated to be finished during the second half of this year.
