Ericsson Expands VIVO

STOCKHOLM -- Vivo, Brazil's largest mobile operator selects Ericsson to expand and enhance its access transmission network. Ericsson's MINI-LINK microwave transmission solution will provide extra backhaul capacity and flexibility, as well as will reduce operating costs. Vivo will continue to add new subscribers and extend its CDMA network.

Vivo has over 27 million mobile subscribers, making it the largest mobile operator in the southern hemisphere. It is still adding some five million new subscribers each year and is upgrading its CDMA network to offer new services. This means Vivo needs additional capacity in its backhaul network, which carries mobile voice and data traffic from the radio base stations to the nearest switching node, to maintain high service quality for existing and new subscribers.

Under the turnkey contract, Ericsson will enhance Vivo's access transmission network with the traffic node platform, MINI-LINK TN, as it expands coverage and services in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Sergipe. MINI-LINK TN provides efficient traffic aggregation, with easy capacity expansion, and improved service quality and network control. This is one of the largest orders to date for the MINI-LINK TN system; the Vivo contract also covers the supply of over 1,500 microwave terminals and other equipment, together with professional services.

Javier Rodriguez, CTO of Vivo, says that this advanced microwave transmission solution gives Vivo the flexible network capacity needed to grow and evolve services effectively. "It not only strengthens our ability to manage traffic in the network, it also provides us with substantial cost savings. We're pleased with the quality of the relationship we have with Ericsson and the support we receive."

Anders Runevad, President of Ericsson Brazil says that the contract demonstrates how Ericsson is able to apply its technology expertise and understanding of future developments to take mobile operators'businesses forward. "Our worldwide leadership in microwave solutions will serve Vivo well as it builds on its reputation for offering leading technology and service quality to its subscribers."

Ericsson AB