STOCKHOLM -- In the Networked Society, where connectivity is the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing, there are few things more important than network capacity. In environments such as stadiums, busy streets and multi-story office blocks, large numbers of people gather - and they expect to be able to connect with one another and access information using mobile devices. At times, these dense concentrations of users place so much demand on the network that quality of service suffers.

In cases where it is not practical to densify existing operator networks Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERIC) solution to this problem is Small Cell as a Service. This approach involves using low-powered, short-range radio access nodes to supplement existing telecom networks and increase capacity in traffic hot spots where large numbers of users gather. The resulting densified network is owned by either Ericsson or a partner, and could serve multiple operators in scenarios when dedicated operator deployments are impractical.

Jean-Claude Geha, Vice President and Head of Managed Services, Ericsson, says: "This is an innovative managed services model that we are launching to cope with the huge volumes of traffic that are generated in areas where large numbers of people gather. Our solution is unique because of our ability to seamlessly combine 3G/4G with carrier-grade Wi-Fi, thereby ensuring that network capacity always exceeds demand."

Small Cell as a Service will enable operators to manage increasingly video-centric traffic in ultra-dense environments where it may not be practical to find additional sites for macro cells. The service is also a means of monetizing carrier-grade Wi-Fi and dedicated media content, advertising and over-the-top (OTT) services. It can be offered in conjunction with broadcast services such as content distribution and delivery, content processing and video stream handling, as well as Ericsson's content management systems.

Other advantages include increased satisfaction as a result of an enhanced end-user experience, all-inclusive pricing for a variety of services provided at agreed service levels, and reduced risks as significant technological, operational and financial risks are offloaded to Ericsson. Ericsson will showcase the complete solution at Mobile World Congress 2014.

During Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona, Spain, Ericsson is showing world-leading technology and service capabilities and innovations. We believe that anything that benefits from a connection will be connected, and we lead the way with solutions that drive the development in mobility, broadband and the cloud, creating the foundation for eco-systems and transformation across industries. We are your guide in the Networked Society.

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)