Ericsson to deliver equipment for ground segment of Astrolink
Ericsson to deliver equipment for ground segment of Astrolink global satellite system Ericsson has signed in Rome a contract with Telespazio SpA, a Telecom Italia Group company, to develop and deliver major portions of the ground infrastructure network for a new global satellite system, Astrolink. The multimillion USD contract confirms Ericsson's commitment and position as a leading supplier of ground segment infrastructure for satellite networks. Under the contract, Ericsson will supply the Master Network Control Center (MNCC), Regional Network Control Centers (RNCCs) and gateway switching equipment. The contract covers the network's first four regions, Europe, Asia, the Atlantic and North America; and includes wholesale billing services. The Astrolink system will provide high quality, interactive broadband multimedia services for voice, video and IP/datacom primarily to medium and large enterprise customers and network operators via four fixed geostationary satellites. The ground segment infrastructure provides the important gateway between the satellites and terrestrial networks and their end-users. Broadband satellite systems will be an important complement to terrestrial networks for accessing and providing multimedia services. Astrolink commercial service is scheduled to begin in 2003, with full deployment planned for 2004. Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 9261; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Catharina Jedberger, General Manager, Satellite Systems Ericsson Radio Systems Phone: +46 70 584 8087; E-mail: catharina.jedberger@era.ericsson.se Cesare Avenia, Vice President and General Manager Telecommunications Systems Division Ericsson Telecomunicazioni S.P.A. Phone: +39 06 725 83718 Marino Marin, Director of Communication Ericsson Telecomunicazioni S.P.A. Phone: +39 06 725 82881, +39 335 396379