Cellular network operator, Econet Wireless Global, and Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) solidify their relationship with a three-year upgrade and expansion agreement to increase capacity for voice and data traffic in Zimbabwe.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for the expansion of the Ericsson Core and Access networks as well as key business support system delivery. Ericsson will also serve and expand on Econet's upgraded network.
Craig Fitzgerald, CEO of EWG, says the agreement has several benefits for the operator. “Ericsson's solid position as an established infrastructural provider in the local and international market and the diverse connectivity services they are able to offer Econet, underpinned our decision to expand our current relationship and we felt that the company was able to correctly support our growth strategy.”
Lars Lind'en, President, Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, says the expansion agreement will not only deliver significant network and operational efficiencies for Econet, but will also allow for the expansion of voice and data traffic to the country, crucial for a growing economy. “Business opportunities exist in a vast number of sectors in Zimbabwe, including information technology, and this type of recapitalisation and expansion is just what the country needs to rebuild and develop.”
Ericsson's coverage is in the densely populated Harare, Chitungwiza, Ruwa and Norton. Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide for the core network, access, transport and transmission technologies and services such as system integration and business consultancy.
This partnership brings two globally recognised brands together to provide international quality services and solutions to local clients. It also provides numerous growth opportunities for both brands and ultimately ensures the delivery of quality solutions for the local market. Lind'en concludes: “Ericsson has a strong relationship with Econet, having started the network and seen its growth throughout the years. This expansion agreement will allow both companies to strengthen their competitiveness and support the evolution and growth of the local telecom market in Zimbabwe.”
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Ericsson
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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 250 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 USD27 billion (SEK209 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ.
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Econet Wireless
Econet Wireless Group (EWG) is a global African telecoms operator with operations and investments in telecoms businesses in 11 countries. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is a subsidiary of EWG, and the dominant operator in Zimbabwe.