STOCKHOLM -- The growing availability of smart mobile devices and mobile broadband has raised user expectations with regard to network quality. Expectations are even higher during major events, when large numbers of users wish to share their experiences via smart mobile devices. When many users gather in a defined area and share videos, pictures and tweets, network capacity is often stretched to the limit. To help operators cope with such situations, today Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) is launching its Ericsson Key Event Experience offering. This is a complete, robust solution that helps service providers to plan, design and deliver rock-solid network performance and, subsequently, ensure optimal user experience. One example is the North American operator Sprint - a title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) - which uses Ericsson's Key Event Experience offering during racing events. At each race, mobile-network coverage is needed for up to 200,000 fans, as well as for thousands of support staff associated with the sports venue, competitors and media. And as part of a larger managed services partnership, Ericsson ensures that Sprint's network is optimized to support the wireless communications needs of race fans. Staffan Persson, Head of Product Related Services at Ericsson says: "As smartphones are now very popular, large numbers of event attendees typically try to share their experiences instantly, and this increases the demands placed on the network, affecting performance. With Ericsson's Key Event Experience offering, operators have the opportunity to strengthen their brands by providing the best user experience during key events." Key Event Experience is designed to assist operators in maintaining high levels of service by providing competence in the areas of planning, design, deployment, optimization and fault management. This is combined with thorough preparation in advance of any predicted rise in network traffic, as well as the ability to respond rapidly to any such sudden and unforeseen increase. Other features of Key Event Experience include real-time performance monitoring, active traffic management, frequent scanning and a proactive approach to the resolution of network issues. Ericsson AB