09 September 2019
Ericsson and Iceland’s Síminn (Iceland Telecom) have joined forces to speed up the move toward 5G through a core network and radio access modernisation partnership.
As part of its 5G groundwork, Síminn will modernise and expand its radio network and continue to deploy the 5G-ready Ericsson radio system.
Both companies will also conduct 5G trials enabled by Ericsson 5G new radio and Ericsson spectrum sharing.
Síminn has targeted the introduction of new IoT services on its 4G network – including narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Cat-M1.
The deal aims to accelerate the growth of Iceland’s IoT ecosystem across a number of diverse use cases.
For example, NB-IoT enables low data rate applications in extremely challenging radio conditions, such as connecting utility meters and sensors.
In addition to the radio network, Síminn will also use Ericsson to modernise its core network including Ericsson Cloud Packet Core portfolio upgrades to support the transition from 4G to 5G.
The deal includes geo-redundant Ericsson network functions virtualisation infrastructure operated on Ericsson’s blade server platform with Ericsson virtual user data consolidation and Ericsson fast VoLTE.
The latter enables HD voice services with simultaneous LTE-speed surfing – paving the way for more advanced communication services.
“We will continue to provide our customers with access to world-class network infrastructure and the services needed to be competitive now and in the future,” said Orri Hauksson, chief executive officer at Síminn. “Our customers are used to Síminn enabling their lives through our networks since 1906, we take that responsibility seriously. We are anxious to make the jump towards 5G with Ericsson’s technology like we have for over 100 years.”
Jenny Lindqvist, head of Ericsson, northern and central Europe added: “This agreement extends our strong, long-term partnership with Síminn and supports the company in its journey towards 5G. It also shows that Síminn is a front-runner in giving its customers access to the latest cutting-edge technology and services in the advanced Icelandic market.”
