Under the terms of the contract, Ericsson will provide the GSM core infrastructure and radio network components.  Ericsson will be responsible for network installation, commissioning and project management, continuing with network optimization, support and systems integration.

The network will be rolled out in two phases.  The first phase is currently underway and shipments for the second phase commencing imminently. This expansion is designed to significantly increase Meteor's network coverage and network capacity to better meet rapid subscriber growth and facilitate the easy introduction of new products and services to Meteor customers.

"Meteor has enjoyed significant growth in the past year and continued investment in our network and the launch of innovative new tariffs and products are designed to further improve our competitive performance and build our market share", said Meteor Chief Executive, Stewart Sherriff. "This new partnership with Ericsson is an ideal fit for us and we continue to develop our network and services to meet expected customer demand for both voice calls and high speed mobile data", he continued.

"Ericsson is proud to have been selected by Meteor. Ericsson has a long history of working with customers in Ireland. Meteor's decision to work exclusively with Ericsson until 2008 represents a huge vote of confidence in Ericsson," said John Hennessy, Managing Director in Ireland, Ericsson.