Ericsson in major mobile softswitch deal with China Unicom

Ericsson has been selected by China Unicom to upgrade its GSM network across six provinces and give end users enhanced data services. The framework agreement further increases Ericsson’s GSM market share with China Unicom.

Under this framework agreement, Ericsson will deploy its Mobile Softswitch Solution to provide capacity for an additional 4 mln people, covering major cities in the provinces of Jilin, Henan, Jiangsu, Yunnan, Hainan and Liaoning. Delivery of equipment has already started.

The upgraded infrastructure will enable China Unicom to meet its customers’ needs for increased capacity and greater access to data services. It will also allow the operator to evolve to an all-IP network.

Recently, Ericsson was selected as a major supplier of GPRS Core systems by the operator to upgrade its networks in eight provinces, including Jilin, Henan, Jiangsu, Hubei, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan and Hainan. More than 180 fixed and mobile operators worldwide have commercially launched services based on Ericsson’s softswitch solutions.