Ericsson and Open Mobile sign Latin America’s first 4G/LTE contract

- People in Puerto Rico will be able to enjoy a superior experience in data applications, including internet surfing, online gaming, social media and video conferencing
- Deal includes Managed Services and a complete LTE radio solution with Evolved Packet Core (EPC), Mobile Backhaul supporting Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)
- LTE offers a great user experience enabling all types of latency-sensitive and bandwidth-demanding services over the mobile network

Puerto Rico’s leading operator Open Mobile has chosen Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) to supply, deploy and manage its nationwide network. Under the deal, Ericsson will roll out a complete 4G/LTE solution. Ericsson will assist the operation of Open Mobile newly deployed LTE network. This is Ericsson’s first full-scope contract for an LTE network combined with MPLS enabled Mobile Backhaul.

Frank Bell, President of Open Mobile, commented: “Being at the forefront of broadband evolution means our customers in Puerto Rico will be the first in Latin America to benefit from this groundbreaking technology. We appreciate having a partner in Ericsson with proven experience and knowledge to deploy this first LTE network in the region. This is a key step towards bringing our customers the fastest mobile broadband network.”

Sergio Quiroga, Head of Ericsson in Latin America, says: “We are in a unique position with our global LTE leadership. Having worked closely with Open Mobile to plan its LTE rollout, we are proud to bring the next generation of mobile broadband to Puerto Rico. Our world-class services and LTE network will enable Open Mobile to continue to deliver a superior end-user experience to its customers.”

The contract includes radio access and core network with latest-generation multi standard radio base station, RBS 6000 series, MME and and Mobile Backhaul with MINI-LINK TN and MINI-LINK SP. The network rollout has started.

Ericsson’s global experience and vision surrounding 4G LTE were significant reasons for selecting them as our key infrastructure partner. Our companies have worked closely to rapidly build a high-quality 4G LTE network said Neville Cruz, CTO, Open Mobile. “As we continue to roll out 4G LTE network in our metropolitan areas in the remainder of 2011 and early 2012, we plan to leverage Ericsson’s technology leadership to bring our customers an exciting mobile broadband experience.”

As of Sept 2011, LTE is available in more than 160 devices, mainly smartphones, dongles, mifis, tablets and built-in modems.


Notes to editors:

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Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all-communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 180 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.

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About Open Mobile

Open Mobile is a wireless company where the consumer will find a variety of mobile phones and at the same time enjoy a purchasing process both fast and simple. In Open Mobile the customer will find the most attractive unlimited “Open Plans” from $35 to $55, without contracts, without credit verification or penalties. Only unlimited plans. Open Mobile, established on June 12, 2007, owns 19 stores, 3 kiosks, a strong distribution chain of dealers and 175 points of sales. Open Mobile operates throughout the island for the benefit of the Puerto Rican consumer, there by opening a new era in the telecommunications market in Puerto Rico. For more information visit our web page www.openmobilepr.com