Ericsson to build LTE network for Rogers

Ericsson announced that as part of a multi-year agreement the network equipment major is expanding its key supplier role with Rogers Communications by delivering an end-to-end LTE network.

Ericsson will deploy all 4G/LTE radio sites with its new multi-standard radio base station, RBS 6000, and upgrade and expand Rogers’ existing packet core network into an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network, supporting the new LTE network.

Rogers will launch commercial LTE network services in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa in 2011 with the top 25 markets across Canada coming online in 2012.

The world is moving to LTE and we’re thrilled to be leading the way by bringing this next generation technology to our consumer and business customers”,  said Nadir Mohamed, president and CEO of Rogers Communications. “We’re investing substantially to drive Canada’s digital economy and we’re excited to bring this platform for innovation to Canadians”.

LTE is a next generation technology that will enable unparalleled connectivity, giving customers a mobile broadband experience similar to what they currently experience at home and at work.

Rogers customers will experience speeds that are between three and four times faster than HSPA+ with peak download rates of up to 150 Megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 70 Mbps.

Rogers will initially launch LTE using AWS spectrum and will over time deploy LTE in multiple bands to ensure the best possible experience for customers.

This deal reaffirms Ericsson’s leadership in LTE and further extends our long- standing relationship with Rogers. Ericsson’s LTE/EPC network will enable Rogers to deliver unique experiences for people and businesses thereby shaping the networked society”, said Angel Ruiz, head of Ericsson North America.

Ericsson has been a strategic, valued partner of ours for more than 25 years and we look forward to working with them to bring this next generation technology to Canadians”, said Bob Berner, executive vice president Network and chief technology officer of Rogers Communications.

To date, Ericsson has signed commercial LTE contracts with six of seven of the top ranked operators by 2010 global revenue. In North America, the world’s fastest growing LTE market, the company has four LTE contracts with leading operators in the region.

Ericsson has been driving open standards and has had the highest impact on the released LTE specifications. Ericsson expects to hold 25 percent of all essential patents for LTE, making it the largest patent holder in the industry.

By TelecomLead.com Team

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