Airtel selected Ericsson to launch a new, nationwide LTE (Long Term Evolution) 800 MHz network in response to the increasing demand for mobile broadband services in Seychelles. Airtel utilizes Ericsson LTE core and Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment and services.
According to Ericsson, this is Airtel's first commercial LTE network in Africa and the network is expected to cover 10,000 LTE subscribers in the first phase. The new service is expected to greatly enhance connectivity giving Airtel's customers an improved smartphone experience, with faster web browsing, downloads and improved quality of service.
The agreement includes equipment, software and support services, as well as incorporating multi-standard radio base station equipment from the Ericsson RBS 6000 family, LTE RAN software and upgrading existing 2G and 3G access network software, said Ericsson.
Amadou Dina, Country Manager, Airtel Seychelles
We are committed to enriching the lives of our subscribers, this means putting the customer experiencing at the heart of everything we do. LTE transforms the mobile-broadband user experience, providing superior data speeds needed for services such as internet TV, mobile video-blogging, online video games and the mobile office-environment. As a leading telecom service provider, this is a service we are very proud to offer our customers and Ericsson is our partner in delivering this.
Fredrik Jejdling, Head of Ericsson Sub-Saharan Africa
This further demonstrates our commitment to our long term strategic business relationship with Airtel. The deployment of the next generation mobile network across the Seychelles will enable subscribers enjoy an enhanced mobile experience and reliable services, and will facilitate new exciting opportunities for business, society and people in the country.
