Ericsson wins mobile softswitch contract to update SMART's satellite network in the Philippines
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has been chosen by Philippine operator SMART to enhance the switching capacity of its satellite-based telephony network, called SMART Link, giving consumers greater reach and access to data services.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will install its Mobile Softswitch Solution at SMART's earth station in Subic Bay, north of Manila, enabling the operator to efficiently boost capacity and accommodate new users.
Mobile Softswitch Solution improves voice quality and increases network efficiency, helping operators to reduce core network opex by up to 50 percent.
The expanded infrastructure will allow SMART to provide access to the newly launched Inmarsat I-4 satellite. The cooperation between SMART and the UK's Inmarsat will increase SMART Link's existing coverage area across Asia to include Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Rajendra Pangrekar, President of Ericsson Philippines, says: "This project showcases the flexibility of Ericsson's Mobile Softswitch Solution. We are very pleased to be able to help SMART enhance their network with this latest technology. We are confident that this will enable them to gain network efficiency, provide an even greater array of services to their customers, and connect them to even more parts of the world."
SMART is the only company in the Philippines offering satellite-based mobile services. The SMART Link Satellite Service allows subscribers to make calls anywhere in its coverage area, whether on land or at sea. It is especially popular among Filipino seafarers, who can use the roaming service while onboard, and those who travel or live in remote areas of the Philippines.
Ericsson is shaping the future of mobile and broadband internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
Read more at www.ericsson.com
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About SMART and SMART Link
Smart Communications, Inc. is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 24.2 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-December 2006. Of its total subscriber base, 17.2 million subscribers are served under the brands Smart Buddy, Smart Gold and Smart Infinity. Another 7 million subscribers are served through its subsidiary, Pilipino Telephone Corp., under the brand Talk 'N Text. SMART has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless data services, including mobile commerce services such as Smart Money, Smart Load and Smart Padala. SMART also offers a 3G service, Smart 3G, and a wireless broadband service, Smart Bro. SMART is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Philippines' leading telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company.
About Ericsson softswitch solutions
Ericsson is the leading provider of softswitch solutions for both mobile and wireline networks. Ericsson's solutions are commercially proven and fully standards-compliant, offering an efficient and low-risk evolution of existing circuit-switched networks to a telecom-quality, IP-based service platform. Ericsson solutions use network resources in the most cost-efficient way to provide both classic telephony and next-generation services. More than 160 fixed and mobile operators worldwide have commercially launched services based on Ericsson's softswitch solutions