Ericsson wins first Philippine GSM contracts and provides global support services
Ericsson wins first Philippine GSM contracts and provides global support services Ericsson has signed its first GSM system contracts in the Philippines. The company will provide turnkey solutions for the expansions of Globe Telecom's GSM network, valued at some USD 45 million (SEK 355 million). In another agreement Globe Telecom has also tapped Ericsson´s Global Support Service solutions to provide premium network quality for users of its "Globe Handyphone" service. Ericsson will provide Globe Telecom with its comprehensive support service package, including a 24-hour service, help desk, system updates and replacements. Within the first contract Ericsson will upgrade Globe Telecom's existing GSM system with a new base station controller, an operating support system and more than 50 new base transceiver stations as well as additional sites for improved coverage in the Cebu and Davao areas. Under the other expansion contract Ericsson will provide over 60 additional sites in the Cebu, Davao, Visayas and Mindano areas, as well as furnish with capacity upgrades and the company's latest generation base station solutions. All in all, this means that Globe Handyphone users will get enhanced coverage, particularly in commercial districts, major roads and indoors. Ericsson´s support contract with Globe Telecom is also expected to pave the way for similar service agreements with other providers. "This is important decisions our company has made for further developing our mobile phone service across the country as well as bringing better quality of service to our subscribers," says Gerardo C. Ablaza. Jr, CEO and President of Globe Telecom. "All the contract components are in line with Ericsson's commitment to further focus on after-sales service for customers worldwide. It's no longer enough to deliver networks, we also have to provide the highest quality support services to run the networks as well," says Mr Hans Ekström, President of Ericsson Philippines. 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 Tania Fricke-Lichauco, Corporate Communications Dept. Ericsson Telecommunications Inc/Philippines Phone: +632 635 1882 Jones Campos or Cynthia Evidente, Public Relations Division Globe Telecom Phone: +632 739 3074, +632 730 2629 Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se Company Information Globe Telecom is a full-service telecommunications company offering cellular mobile, fixed telephony and other services such as International Gateway Facility, Inter-exchange Carrier and International Private Leased Lines. Globe Telecom is owned by Ayala Corporation and Singapore Telecom International (STI). ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/18/19990218BIT00710/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/18/19990218BIT00710/bit0002.pdf