Ericsson and Telemig Celular bring first HSPA network to Brazil
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) is bringing the first HSPA-enabled 3G/WCDMA commercial network in Brazil to the operator Telemig Celular (NASDAQ:TMB). Ericsson will also expand and modernize Telemig Celular's existing network across Brazil's Minas Gerais state.
Under the sole-supplier agreement, Ericsson will provide new 3G/WCDMA core and radio networks, including HSPA. Ericsson will take end-to-end turn-key responsibility and provide network deployment, systems integration and business consulting services.
Ericsson's HSPA solution will enable Telemig Celular to break through with a new generation of mobile broadband services, delivering true broadband speed of up to 14.4Mbps. Telemig Celular's subscribers will also enjoy a richer communication experience.
André Mastrobuono, Telemig Celular's CEO, says Telemig Celular's aim is to enhance digital opportunities in Minas Gerais. "HSPA is the perfect technology for us to offer voice calls of superior quality, and exciting and multimedia-enriched mobile broadband. We will also be able to offer digital inclusion via PC cards that will bring internet to remote areas in a cost-efficient way, creating new ways for all users to connect to others and find information wherever they are.
"In addition to that, our customers will experience a low-cost and high-performance data service, offering a competitive alternative to wireline broadband services. Telemig Celular is perceived by our customers as a premium company, and this perception motivates us to track innovation and quality as permanent goals. To ensure our success, we believe that Ericsson is best suited for this job."
Johan Wibergh, President of Ericsson Brazil, says: "Building the first HSPA network in Brazil is an important milestone. Ericsson believes in an all-communicating world, and acts as the company that truly merges the internet with wide-area coverage and full mobility. We are pleased to provide Telemig Celular with our advanced solutions for WCDMA/HSPA, which will provide them with a solid platform for next-generation services and underline their innovative profile in the market."
Ericsson's HSPA solution will enable download speeds of up to 14.4Mbps. The advanced technology lets operators more than double their system capacity and cuts response times for interactive services. On average, users will be able to download 20 times faster than with a GSM/GPRS connection.
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
Read more at http://www.ericsson.com
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About Telemig Celular
Telemig Celular is the leading provider of mobile phone service in the state of Minas Gerais. The company has both prepaid and contract customers among its 3.4 million users, and it also offers wireless Internet access. Telemig Celular S.A. is known for its innovative services and expansive coverage area. The company provides service to more than 550 cities. According to reports from third quarter 2006, Telemig Celular holds 32,7% of market share in its operation area. More information at www.telemigcelular.com.br.