Ericsson to enhance the mobile backbone capacity of M1 of Singapore with microwave and optical transmission technology
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) today announced that it has won a two-phase turnkey contract to implement microwave and optical transmission solutions for M1, one of Singapore's leading mobile communications providers. The project will vastly enhance the capacity of M1's mobile network backbone to meet the current and anticipated traffic increase in their mobile network resulting from an uptake of the operator's mobile broadband services.
Under the agreement, Ericsson is to supply, implement and maintain full turnkey microwave and optical transmission solutions that allow optimization on both network and sites - acting as the backhaul of M1's wireless broadband and cellular traffic - thereby resulting in a more robust and cost-effective network
The transmission portfolio, comprising of Ericsson's MINI-LINK solutions, Marconi OMS 800 and OMS 1200 platforms and the ServiceOn management system, is expected to rollout in early part of 2008 and will involve several hundred sites across Singapore.
The two-phased project will focus on expanding the capacity of these 600 sites and fully utilizing backhaul speeds, thereby improving performance of M1's transmission network.
Ericsson's MINI-LINK portfolio can be optimized for simple installation with a compact, capacity agile outdoor unit. New base stations or interfaces can be added to the backhaul network configuration in a matter of minutes, thus minimizing maintenance and upgrade costs.
Neil Montefiore, M1's Chief Executive Officer says, "This announcement marks a significant milestone for M1 as we are now more self-sufficient in network ownership. We have chosen Ericsson as their microwave transmission solution provides us with a platform for flexible, scalable and cost-effective network expansion and management, in addition to helping us meet the emerging challenges of next-generation networks (NGNs)."
Ann Emilson, President and Country Manager of Ericsson Singapore says: "Today's announcement underlines the trust and confidence M1 has in Ericsson's proven technology and our commitment to deliver quality services. We are honored to help M1 meet its goal of being an innovative mobile communications service provider that is constantly seeking ways to offer superior user experience to its subscribers."
The contract also further cements Ericsson's leading position in converged metro and access transport networks and leadership in the short haul microwave market. About 450 customers all over the world have chosen the MINI-LINK solution and Ericsson has a market share of more than 40 percent of the short haul microwave market.
Note to editors:
In September 2007, Singapore-based M1 announced its plans to lay a fiber-optic backbone that will link its network of base stations, wireless broadband users on-the-go, and, in the future, homes. Upon completion in two to three years time, the project will allow M1's mobile subscribers to enjoy high-speed wireless internet connectivity at much higher speed.
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 185 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 189 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm, London and NASDAQ stock exchanges.
For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi.
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About M1
M1, Singapore's most exciting and innovative mobile and IDD service provider, was launched in April 1997. Since then, it has made significant inroads into the local mobile communications market, gaining considerable brand presence and market share. M1 aims to be the leader in personal voice, business and data communications, focusing on value, quality and customer service. More information on M1 is available at www.m1.com.sg.
About the Ericsson microwave offer
Ericsson offers a complete range of managed, edge-to-edge transmission solutions and services that cover the full range of mobile, fixed and converged networks. They enable deployment, evolution and migration of networks in a cost-efficient, step-by-step fashion, levering on any legacy and fully supporting the concept of lowest cost of ownership. Highly flexible hardware, outstanding production capacity and the ability to offer complete turnkey site solutions enable quick and efficient roll-out of networks. Ericsson is the undisputed market leader in microwave transmission and has delivered more than 1,300,000 MINI-LINK all around the world.