Ericsson, Airtel sign deal for system upgrade

Kampala

Airtel has undertaken a network upgrade programme across its operations in Africa.

The telecom has partnered with Ericsson - an infrastructure technology company to undertake an end-to-end network transformation programme in all the 16 countries where it operates on the African continent.

The programme involves a comprehensive upgrade and expansion of network elements on all Airtel’s African operations, including switching, radio, network management, data, charging, and consumer-services platforms and systems.

The network transformation programme, under which Ericsson has deployed latest wireless technologies, is expected to enhance Airtel’s network capacity. The project has also been undertaken to make Airtel’s networks fully ready for next generation services that include high speed data and value added services.

Ericsson has the telecom industry’s most comprehensive managed services offering, ranging from designing, building, operating and managing day-to-day operations of a customer’s network, including end-user services, business-support systems, hosting service-layer solutions and providing network coverage.

Mr Eben Albertyn, the chief technical officer, Airtel Africa, said in a statement that the implementation of the programme will enable the company enrich customer experience across Africa and allow the provision of the best network possible.” He added: “Our long-standing relationship with Ericsson gives us confidence and ability to manage and deliver on complex project.”

fkulabako@ug.nationmedia.com