2007-12-10

Ericsson chosen as total solution provider for seven digital cities in Greece

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has signed turnkey contracts as the total solution provider and prime integrator of Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) to support the launch of seven digital cities across Greece.

Under the agreements Ericsson will supply and install fiber optic telecommunications networks in the municipalities of Agrinio, Chania, Ermoupolis, Ierapetra, Iraklio, Kozani and Rethymno.

The networks will initially link municipal buildings, such as the general hospital, town hall, schools and universities. The move is set to bolster public infrastructure for citizens and will provide high-speed, premium quality broadband services to support innovative next-generation services.

In addition to the FTTx (Fiber-to-the-Premises) backbone telecommunications infrastructure, the contract also includes switching and WiFi systems. As prime integrator, Ericsson is the single interface deploying and integrating multi-vendor systems as well as managing vendor relations including deployment, systems integration and customer support. Roll out has already started.

Spyros Nikolaou, President and responsible in Ericsson Greece, Cyprus, Albania and Malta says: "Ericsson's end-to-end solution represents a springboard for improving public services and supporting regional economic growth. This initiative builds upon earlier Metropolitan Area Network projects implemented across Greece and reflects our goal of bringing communications to all. It sets the stage for the introduction of next-generation networks, offering high-speed broadband access and first rate telecommunications services across Greece."

Information about the company: Telefon AB LM Ericsson