Brave New World; Ericsson's Tele-Inspiration
During its "Get Insp(w)ired " press conference in New York Cityyesterday--which included a glitzy floor show--Ericsson detailed its vision, strategy, and Next Generation Network ideas for the new telecommunications world. The plans further illustrated Ericsson's thirst to tap the rapid growth in Internet Protocol (IP)-based multi-services to network operators -- wireline and wireless, incumbents, and new market entrants -- anywhere in the world.
"This combination of data and voice provides a new opportunity for us and for customer care," said Mike Thurk, president of Ericsson Datacom.
Presentations included an introduction into what Ericsson considers the new telecommunications world: a world that combines telecommunications and data communications with the power of mobility by integrating voice, data, and multimedia--a world that includes convergence, consolidation, wireless/mobility, and Internet/IP.
Ericsson also presented ideas for the Next Generation Wireline, what the company has dubbed the ENGINE market. Also discussed was Ericsson's $200 million contract with Diginet to further build out Diginet's fixed wireless broadband network throughout Latin America.
Ericsson and Diginet previously announced in October the deployment and operation of a fixed wireless broadband multi-service platform in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Bogota, Colombia. The new agreement expands Ericsson's previous agreement with Diginet from $100 to $300 million.
"Ericsson builds a strong platform to deliver true carrier communications in voice and data. The support capabilities of Ericsson are a real asset," says John Holmblad, executive vice president of operations and chief technology officer for Diginet Americas.
Ericsson provides multi-service for Diginet Americas, including its MINI-LINK wireless systems and its scaleable AXD 301 ATM switch, which provides the core of Diginet's multi-service networks, offering support for a full range of high quality data, Internet, voice, and video services.
