Ericsson Wins Malta Softswitch Contract

STOCKHOLM -- Maltacom, the leading telecommunications operator in Malta, has contracted Ericsson for a total upgrade of their fixed network to the Ericsson Telephony Softswitch solution and for the supply of related implementation and support services.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will upgrade Maltacom's core network from circuit-switched technology, based on AXE-10 exchanges, to an IP-based Softswitch solution. Ericsson will also provide the related implementation and support services.

Ericsson's Telephony Softswitch solution will cover the complete fixed line telephony network including local, transit and international network layers. The solution will reuse Maltacom's existing AXE-10 access network elements, hence reducing the required investments for the network upgrade.

"With this contract, we will upgrade our network into an advanced multi-service network," said Joseph Bugeja Group Technical Director Maltacom. "The new network shall undoubtedly serve as a platform for the provision of new and innovative services to our customers and to increase our competitiveness in the market. Ericsson is one of the leaders in the Softswitch market and has offered us a very competitive solution that helps us minimise the required investments by re-using our existing infrastructure," added Joseph Bugeja.

"We are pleased that Maltacom has entrusted Ericsson as the supplier that will lead them into offering Next Generation Services to their customers," said Amerigo Garofano, Director, Market Operations Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Malta, Ericsson South East Europe. "This contract further strengthens our long-standing relationship with Maltacom and confirms our leading position in the Softswitch market."

Ericsson AB