Ericsson signs first GPON contract in Europe with CYTA Cyprus

Ericsson and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA), the leading telecom operator in Cyprus, have signed a contract for a Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) network based on Ericsson’s GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) solution.

Government-owned CYTA has started to provide advanced broadband services, such as High Definition TV (up to two channels per home), games, on-demand services, Voice over IP (VoIP) while there is also the option of Surveillance and Security services.

Nikos Timotheou, CEO, CYTA, said: “With this pilot project, CYTA proves once again its commitment to offer high quality broadband services to our customers, using innovative technology. In this effort, Ericsson, with their leading global experience and expertise combined with their local commitment, is our valuable partner.”

Spyros Nikolaou, Country Manager Ericsson Greece, Cyprus, Albania and Malta, added: “This agreement confirms Ericsson as partner of choice for CYTA to provide users innovative services to any device, anywhere and with the maximum convenience. We are proud to be the partner, providing solutions that support a Full Service Broadband strategy, today and in the future.”

The contract includes delivery of central office optical equipment and devices for the homes, EDA1200 and EDA1500, and passive infrastructure such as fiber systems and cables. Apart from the GPON network (point-to-multipoint configuration), the pilot project includes also a point-to-point network, using Ericsson’s equipment (switches and CPEs).

Ericsson’s GPON contract also encompasses a comprehensive portfolio of services, such as education and knowledge transfer, business consultancy, network design and supervision.

Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) is one of the broadband technologies for the mass market. FTTH enables the simultaneous transportation of several services, such as very fast Internet, telephony and television, via one optic fiber. With FTTH, the access network is able to deliver a speed of 10Mb/s, 100 Mbps and even 1 Gbps. This creates an access network with nearly unrestricted possibilities. This technology supports a complete open business model in which consumers can choose any service supplier.

Recently, Ericsson’s offering in the areas of fixed broadband access portfolio and converged networks has been significantly strengthened by the acquisition on Entrisphere, market-leading GPON platform supplier. The Entrisphere acquisition brings a leading IP based broadband access platform ready for volume deployment compliant with both North American and international standards.