FEBRUARY 5, 2008 -- Ericsson (search for Ericsson) today announced that it has won a two-phase turnkey contract to deploy microwave and optical transmission equipment for M1, one of Singapore's leading mobile communications providers. The project will enhance the capacity of M1's mobile network backbone to meet the current and anticipated traffic increase in its mobile network resulting from an uptake of mobile broadband services.
Per the agreement, Ericsson is to supply, implement, and maintain full turnkey microwave and optical transmission equipment that allows optimization on both network and sites--acting as the backhaul of M1's wireless broadband and cellular traffic--thereby resulting in a more robust and cost-effective network, say company representatives.
The transmission portfolio, including Ericsson's Optical MultiService Metro-Edge (OMS) platform and the ServiceOn management system, is expected to rollout in the early part of 2008 and will involve several hundred sites across Singapore.
The two-phased project will focus on expanding the capacity of theseI600 sites and fully utilizing backhaul speeds, thereby improving performance of M1's transmission network, say Ericsson representatives.
Ericsson says its MINI-LINK portfolio can be optimized for simple installation with a compact, capacity agile outdoor unit. New base stations or interfaces can be added to the backhaul network configuration in a matter of minutes, thus minimizing maintenance and upgrade costs.
"This announcement marks a significant milestone for M1 as we are now more self-sufficient in network ownership," reports Neil Montefiore, M1's CEO. "We have chosen Ericsson as their microwave transmission solution provides us with a platform for flexible, scalable, and cost-effective network expansion and management, in addition to helping us meet the emerging challenges of next-generation networks."
"Today's announcement underlines the trust and confidence M1 has in Ericsson's proven technology and our commitment to deliver quality services," adds Ann Emilson, president and country manager of Ericsson Singapore. "We are honored to help M1 meet its goal of being an innovative mobile communications service provider that is constantly seeking ways to offer superior user experience to its subscribers."
Ericsson says the contract further cements its leading position in converged metro and access transport networks and leadership in the short haul microwave market.
In September 2007, M1 announced its plans to lay a fiber-optic backbone that will link its network of base stations, wireless broadband users on-the-go, and, in the future, homes. Upon completion in two to three years time, the project will allow M1's mobile subscribers to enjoy high-speed wireless Internet connectivity at much higher speed.