In response to Chile's data traffic growth and increasing demand for mobile broadband coverage, Entel has extended its strategic partnership with Ericsson to supply its 2G, 3G and end-to-end IP network for 4G/LTE and will continue joint efforts to enhance customer experience. The two companies have had a long-term partnership since 1997, which is based on a common commitment to enhance telecom experience for customers in Chile.
Under the three-year agreement, Ericsson will be the sole supplier of Entel's 2G, 3G and 4G network. The new LTE network includes a multi-standard radio access network supported by RBS 6000 base stations, Evolved Packet Core (EPC) with Evolved Packet Gateway on the SSR 8000 family of Smart Services Routers and SGSN-MME based in the latest MKVIII architecture. The agreement also includes network rollout, integration and support, deployment services, and network management with Ericsson's Operations Support Systems for Radio & Core.
Antonio Büchi, CEO of Entel, said: "At Entel, we value innovation and the skills to provide excellence in service; we have made huge efforts in delivering an unbeatable customer experience on mobile broadband and now on 4G. Together with Ericsson, we will be able to provide our customers with superior mobile broadband services and performance, based on a complete end-to-end 3G-LTE solution,"
Nicolas Brancoli, Vice President of Ericsson Latin America, added: "This contract marks another significant milestone for Ericsson and further consolidates our network leadership in the region. Entel's continued trust in us is demonstrated by their selection of Ericsson as the sole supplier for their 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE networks. We're proud and happy to extend our partnership and support Entel's launch of its territory-wide LTE network. Consumers will benefit from an optimal mobile broadband user experience."