Ericsson has been chosen by Axis, Indonesia's newest GSM/3G operator, as a key partner for the next phase of the operator's national network rollout program.
The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
With this turnkey agreement Ericsson will be responsible for the deployment of a GSM/EDGE and WCDMA radio access network, including about 2100 sites in Greater Jakarta, Banten and Sumatra. Ericsson will also supply its mobile backhaul solution with optical and microwave products.
The contract also includes a three-year managed services agreement to provide technical support and network operation, including field operations and support services.
Erik Aas, President and CEO of Axis, says: "Ericsson has been a key strategic partner since the launch of our operations and we are pleased to continue this relationship into Axis' next growth phase. Having Ericsson as our managed services partner will help us boost competitiveness, improve cost efficiencies and achieve our ambition of bringing high-quality communications services to our subscribers."
Axis has deployed more than 2000 radio base stations and attracted more than one million customers since its launch in 2008. With even more regional launches scheduled, national coverage is expected in 2009. By the end of 2010 Axis expects to have deployed more than 8000 sites.
Indonesia has a population of about 240 million. In the first half of 2008, Indonesia had less than 50 percent penetration and is one of Ericsson's fastest growing markets worldwide.
Posted to the site on 27th October 2008
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/34333.php