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Ericsson: The Flavor of the Month in AsiaTMCnet Contributing Editor Telecom equipment maker Ericsson (News - Alert) is the flavor of the month in Asia. After announcing in mid-August that it had bagged $550 million worth of contracts in China, the Swedish company subsequently won major contracts in Indonesia and Bangladesh. Today Ericsson said it has signed a deal with MiTV Corporation to build, manage and maintain a WCDMA/HSPA telecom network across Malaysia .
Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide MiTV with a WCDMA core and radio network, including HSPA, microwave transmission, multimedia solutions and related services. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Jan Signell, country manager of Ericsson Malaysia and president of Ericsson South East Asia, said: "We believe this cooperation will create new multimedia opportunities in Malaysia. With the launch of an HSPA-enabled network, MiTV is well positioned to capitalize on the convergence of internet, broadcasting and telecom services that is already happening."
Dato' Ir Rosman Ridzwan, MiTV chairman, added: "MiTV's aim is to enhance digital opportunities in Malaysia and be the preferred 3G service provider for users who want superior quality, and exciting, multimedia-enriched mobile communication services. Given our big ambitions, we need a strong and reliable partner with a proven track record to ensure our success. We believe that Ericsson is best suited for this job."
In China, Ericsson bagged contracts worth $550 million with China Mobile during the first half of 2006.
In a statement , Ericsson said the GSM expansion contracts include projects in 17 regions of China.
Ericsson has already started deliveries of network equipment which it claims will be able to support nearly 200 million subscribers across the 17 regions.
Under the contracts, Ericsson will provide China Mobile with core and radio networks, together with related technical support and services. It will also deploy its Mobile Softswitch Solution in the contracted regions.
The statement said the expansion projects will not only allow China Mobile to boost network capacity while enhancing operational efficiency and cutting costs, but will also pave the road for future network evolution.
In Indonesia, the company has signed a deal with the country's largest cellular phone operator Telkomsel to provide a 3G/WCDMA network.
Under a three-year agreement signed with Telkomsel, Ericsson will deliver a 3G/WCDMA radio and core network, including HSPA, with deployment beginning immediately. The contract also includes three years of managed services, with Ericsson providing a comprehensive services offering including establishing, operating and managing the operations of Telkomsel's 3G network.
The Bangladesh contract covers the operation, management and maintenance of Warid Telecom's core GSM/network, backbone transmission and real-time charging/Value Added Services (VAS).
This agreement is an extension to the contract signed earlier this year where Ericsson was chosen by Warid Telecom to supply and implement the complete core and backbone transmission equipment for its nationwide GSM/GPRS network.
Ericsson will now also manage Warid Telecom's radio network in the western part of the country, covering the areas of Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barisal.
To learn more about Ericsson, visit http://www.ericsson.com
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Kumar Amitav Chaliha has worked as an editor, reporter, writer and a columnist in India and the United States. He has been writing for both print and the Web on topics including energy, chemicals, steel, wire and cable, telecom, IT, and doing business in Asia. He holds a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University.
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