Ericsson and Polkomtel sign managed services contract to build 2G/3G network in Poland

Ericsson and Polkomtel, Plus and Sami Swoi networks operator, have signed a 3 year managed services contract to manage the design, development, deployment and integration of a new multi-vendor 2G/3G network in Northern and Western Poland, starting October 1, 2006. Thomas Eberle, Member of the Management Board, Technical Director of Polkomtel S.A., says: "Ericsson experience in managing similar complex projects makes it the right partner to develop our network with superior quality while we can focus on meeting our customers’ expectations to reinforce our market position." Through this contract, Polkomtel gains flexibility in the development of its telecommunications network, being able to expand geographically in a cost-efficient way. Lars E. Svensson, President, Ericsson Poland, says: "We are very proud to have been chosen to take a larger responsibility for the development of Polkomtel’s network, thus enabling them to focus on sales and marketing activities." Under the contract, 20 employees from technical departments will be transferred from Polkomtel to Ericsson and will further strengthen the services organization of Ericsson in Poland. The managed services contract complements the previous network implementation agreement between Ericsson and the operator. Polkomtel will remain the owner of the network. Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world. Managed Services Offering Ericsson has the telecom industry’s most comprehensive managed services offerings, ranging from designing, building, operating and managing day-to-day operations of a customer’s network, to hosting service applications and enablers, as well as providing network coverage and capacity on demand. As the undisputed leader in managed services, Ericsson has officially announced more than 95 managed services contracts with operators worldwide since 2002. In all current managed services contracts, excluding hosting, Ericsson is managing networks that together serve more than 65 million subscribers worldwide.