Ericsson to deliver WCDMA/HSPA network to VimpelCom Russia

Ericsson and leading Russian operator VimpelCom have signed an agreement for the supply and implementation of a WCDMA/HSPA network, plus associated services, to cover seven out of nine macro regions including Moscow, the North Caucasus, Siberia, Volga, Northwest Russia, South Russia and the Urals.

Under the five-year agreement, Ericsson will supply a WCDMA/HSPA radio access and core network, including circuit-switching and packet-switching, and subscriber management system Home Location Register (HLR).

The move will enable VimpelCom to offer advanced multimedia and high-speed mobile broadband services, such as Mobile TV and video calls, to its subscribers.

Ericsson’s High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) provides fast data transmission speeds on both the uplink and downlink. It also boosts network capacity and lowers response times for interactive services. Ericsson’s software upgrade of the existing GSM core hardware to a dual access packet core network allows for a smooth and efficient introduction of high speed WCDMA/HSPA services.

The VimpelCom Group includes operations in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia and Armenia, while the Group’s GSM and 3G license portfolio covers a territory with a population of about 250 mln.