V'fone Portugal Uses Ericsson 644368

STOCKHOLM -- Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has been selected by Vodafone Portugal as Core IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) sole supplier to deliver integrated fixed and mobile convergent services. Ericsson's Core IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) will be employed to develop Vodafone Portugal next-generation offering.

IMS-based services enable communication through various media - such as voice, text, pictures and video, or a combination of them - adapted to each individual's preference. Ericsson's IMS solution supports a common service environment and allows Vodafone Portugal to implement flexible and scalable advanced services.

The contract is a key stepping stone in enabling Vodafone Portugal to introduce a new generation of fixed and mobile convergent services, which started last month with voice and Internet services.

IMS also represents the evolution of converged mobile and fixed-control networks to all-IP, bringing significant cost advantages and providing flexibility to support broadband services.

Miguel Martins, CTO Vodafone Portugal, says: "Ericsson's extensive IMS experience will enable us to improve time-to-market, maintain cost control, and provide our customers with a leading convergent service offering."

Hans-Erhard Reiter, President of Ericsson Portugal, says: "This contract marks an important milestone in our long-standing relationship with Vodafone Portugal and highlights our ability to deliver robust multimedia solutions in the role of system integrator. Ericsson IMS offers an attractive user experience by enabling telecom operators to combine today's and tomorrow's applications in an integrated service offering."

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)