STOCKHOLM -- Síminn (Iceland Telecom) entered into a strategic partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to upgrade its 3G network and prepare for 4G roll-out across Iceland. With this, subscribers will experience higher speeds and benefit from improved network performance.Under the five-year agreement, Ericsson will be the supplier of 4G/3G/2G radio access equipment and the common core network. Ericsson will also expand all relevant network software and deliver a range of professional services, including project management, systems integration and support.Sævar Freyr Thráinsson, CEO Síminn, “The reason we are strengthening our 3G connections, despite the advent of 4G technology, is that not all our customers have smartphones or computers that support 4G. Only a fraction of the phones using our network are smartphones at the moment. We want to improve services to customers without forcing them to invest in expensive devices but still benefit from high mobile internet speed. Síminn is focusing on building a 4G network for people on the move and they will now be assured a good connection for their phones, tablets and laptops throughout the country.”The initial LTE roll-out is planned for fall 2013.Ericsson AB