Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) is paving the way for leading Ukrainian operator Kyivstar to offer its 23.9 million subscribers mobile broadband services under a three-year network modernization deal between the two companies.
 
While Ukraine awaits the imminent release of 3G licenses, Kyivstar’s customers across 99.9 percent of the country will be able to access multimedia data services and superior voice service thanks to an expansion and modernization of Kyivstar’s GSM/EDGE network. Ericsson will boost capacity and coverage of the operator’s radio access and core network, which serves more than half the nation’s total subscriber base of 55.2 million. By increasing capacity by more than 30 percent, Kyivstar will be able to manage the anticipated uptake of mobile data in the network.
 
The core network capacity is expanded by using the Ericsson Mobile Softswitch Solution, which also enables cost-efficient migration to an all-IP network. The deal also covers microwave transmission, network deployment, systems integration and support services, as well as competence development for staff.
 
Igor Lytovchenko, President of Kyivstar, says: “This network modernization furthers Kyivstar’s strategy of maintaining its technology leadership, while preparing for the launch of mobile broadband services with the introduction of 3G in Ukraine.”
 
Jan Campbell, President of Ericsson Eastern Europe and Central Asia, says that the deal is an extension of Ericsson’s established partnership with Kyivstar, which dates back to the nationwide rollout of its GSM network in 1996. “By using Ericsson’s latest GSM/EDGE technologies, Kyivstar can deliver seamless services to its customers today and be well prepared for future needs.”
 
Kyivstar and Ericsson have also joined forces in the area of advanced mobile technologies, with the first Ukrainian demonstrations of 3G and MMS in 2002 and EDGE in 2004.