This expansion will improve overall scalability in China Mobile's network and facilitate more efficient use of bandwidth through Multiple Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) traffic engineering.  Ericsson is providing best-in-class IP/MPLS routing platforms through its long-term strategic relationship with Juniper Networks. Implementation of the expansion will start immediately and is expected to be completed by the end of October this year.

"We are very honored and proud to be entrusted yet again by China Mobile for their IP backbone network expansion in partnership with Juniper Networks," said Mats H Olsson, President of Ericsson China. "Our cutting-edge technology and products and strong local support have brought together our fulfilling performance in China Mobile's first IP backbone network construction. We are now fully prepared to support China Mobile in catering for the market's growing eagerness for high speed data services."

Under the new contract, Ericsson will be providing industry-leading AXI 580-3 and AXI 520-8 IP backbone routers, while expanding the existing AXI 520-4 routers. The latest model AXI 580-3 router, which was introduced this year with an MPLS enabler, will be deployed for the first time in China during the new expansion. Ericsson was also the sole equipment supplier of China Mobile's Phase One IP backbone networks in 2000.  

"As one of the world's largest and fastest-growing telecom carriers, China Mobile selected the M-series platform because it meets the company's future requirements for performance, reliability and scale, while also providing a catalyst for new mobile services," said Eric Yu, vice president, Greater China for Juniper Networks. "The M-series will exponentially increase China Mobile's network bandwidth capacity to better accommodate mobile traffic such as MMS, MPS, and VoIP.  We're very proud to have once again been selected for a ground-breaking project in one of the world's most dynamic mobile markets."