This is the second Ericsson Telephony Softswitch contract that Ericsson has won in Central America and Caribbean.  Previously, in 2004, Ericsson was selected by AMX to provide the same solution in Guatemala. Actually, Ericsson is the only supplier who has sold Next Generation Networks (NGN) in this region.

According to the contract, Ericsson will upgrade AMX's core network from circuit-switched technology, based on AXE-10 exchanges, to a future proof IP-based Softswitch solution. Ericsson will also provide the related implementation and support services. The commercial launch will be in Q3, 2005.

Ericsson's Telephony Softswitch solution will cover the complete fixed line telephony network including local, transit and international network layers. The overall solution will benefit both AMX networks in El Salvador and Guatemala.

"We are consolidating our position as technological strategic partner with America Movil Central America in the wireline arena. During 2004 we installed the installation of the first Engine node with AMX Guatemala" said Moisés Márquez, America Movil Account Manager, Ericsson Central America & Caribbean. "This is the second step of the strategy planned originally with AMX in Central America. We expect to have more businesses in the near future, taken these projects as a platform."

Ericsson Telephony Softswitch solution gives AMX a secure migration path to evolve their circuit-switched network to a multi-service network. It is capable of carrying large and growing volumes of voice and data traffic and enables integrated traditional fixed telephony with IP-based broadband traffic on a single network.