3G Operator 3 UK and Ericsson Sign Major Managed Services Agreement

Europe UK : The mobile media company, 3, and Ericsson today announced they have entered into an exclusive managed services partnership. Under the agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for the management of the 3 network and its IT infrastructure in the UK.

This is the largest managed services partnership contract signed by Ericsson to date and one of the largest ever signed in the industry.

Under the new partnership, 3 will retain ownership of the network and IT assets, as well as responsibility for the strategic direction of the network and IT infrastructure. Ericsson will be responsible for the management, operation and performance of that network and IT infrastructure. A supply of equipment, additional technology and related services, is also part of the future relationship.

The innovative seven-year partnership is the first agreement of its type in the UK. The agreement ensures Ericsson will operate the network to the highest standards, while enabling 3 to manage and control its cost base, thereby enhancing the company's platform for growth.

Ericsson has managed services partnerships already in place with 3 in Australia and Italy, where it manages 3's multi-vendor networks and service delivery environments and in Sweden where it manages 3's messaging platform. This new contract delivers further synergies for both parties.

Bob Fuller ( inset ), CEO of 3 UK said: "We are very pleased to be announcing this innovative partnership with Ericsson. This is an important step in the implementation of our strategy and means we can focus on our core business of providing a convergence of communications, entertainment and information to our customers. 3 will continue to lead the development of 3G services."

He added: "Ericsson is a managed service specialist and a long-term and trusted partner for 3. This agreement is not just the most
efficient way to own and manage infrastructure of this kind, but also the way to deliver the best possible service to our growing customer base. We are delighted that Ericsson will be bringing its extensive management expertise to the 3 network."

Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson, said: "We are
very proud to be entrusted with the responsibility for the ongoing management of 3's multi-vendor network in the UK. This further strengthens our partnership with Hutchison Whampoa Group. The partnership also means that Ericsson has reached another significant milestone - with this agreement, we will now manage networks that in total serve more than 50 million subscribers worldwide."

He went on to say: "This is proof of our managed services leadership. We see a growing trend towards managed services, enabling operators to become more successful in a very competitive marketplace. Our extensive experience and expertise, gained from more than 55 managed services contracts with operators around the world, allows us to offer significant cost savings and optimized network quality through global economies of scale and best practice methods, systems and tools."

As well as taking charge of the management, maintenance and expansion of 3's network and IT infrastructure, Ericsson will be responsible for the ongoing radio network rollout, the maintenance of the existing 6,300 radio sites and the management of the core network and operations centre.

Over one thousand 3 employees from the network and IT functions will be transferred to Ericsson. Ericsson will benefit from one of the most experienced 3G technical teams in the world and the focus will be on developing and growing the roles that are transferring.

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