Cable & Wireless Panama, one of the leading mobile operators in Panama, announced the commercial launch of the world's first GSM/GPRS 850 MHz network. Ericsson is the sole supplier of equipment and services for the deployment of this network, which uses existing
spectrum to provide operators a smooth transfer from TDMA to GSM/GPRS technology.
By upgrading its network in the 850 MHz frequency, Cable & Wireless Panama will be able to offer its customers the latest, most advanced wireless services, including multimedia messaging services (MMS), location based services, and browsing and software downloading capabilities. Furthermore, the upgrade gives Cable & Wireless Panama a roadmap for providing advanced mobile voice and data services in the future.
"GSM/GPRS is the dominant wireless telecommunications technology available today, and we are proud to bring it to market in Panama," said Bert Nordberg, Vice President and General Manager, Ericsson Systems. "We are pleased to be Cable & Wireless' strategic partner and sole wireless supplier in Panama, and to support them with our experience and leadership in telecommunications."
"Panama is now among the 180 countries around the world with GSM/GPRS, the world's dominant mobile standard," said Jose Miguel Garcia, President of Cable & Wireless Panama. "Ericsson's global experience deploying GSM/GPRS networks, as well as its applications and support, will help us serve the Panamanian market."
Among the applications Ericsson will provide are Mobile Internet Enabling Proxy (MIEP), an Intelligent Network (IN) with Mobile Virtual Private Network (MVPN) and Flexible Number Register (FNR), which enables the subscriber to use the old TDMA phone number in the new GSM network.
To facilitate the network launch, Ericsson has supplied a range of services, including business consulting, initial network design and installation, engineering, testing, and RF design and optimization. Ericsson also has provided consulting services to support Cable & Wireless in developing, deploying and marketing the most appropriate and attractive voice and data services for the Panamanian market.
Ericsson GSM/GPRS radio access equipment is fully integrated for the 850 MHz band. That distinction makes it easier and quicker to perform simple network maintenance and troubleshooting functions, thus reducing the cost of network operation. Ericsson's GSM macro base stations, which are easily upgraded to EDGE, represent more than 30 percent of all GSM base stations installed globally.
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.
