Ericsson and Denmark's largest operator, TDC, have signed the largest full-scope managed services contract in the Nordic region. It is the first time an incumbent operator has entered a managed services agreement with such a broad scope. The strategic partnership will see Ericsson manage, develop and modernize TDC's entire mobile network.
Under the seven-year agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for the management, operation, network design and performance management of TDC's mobile network, including field operations. Ericsson, through a single-source contract, will also provide GSM/WCDMA radio access and common core network equipment, and a wide range of services to support network expansions, including HSPA upgrades.
Ericsson will initially replace TDC's existing radio equipment, including more than 1000 base stations, to implement a single-vendor network. Ericsson will also provide a comprehensive range of professional services, such as network deployment and systems integration.
As part of the agreement, about 220 skilled TDC employees will be transferred to Ericsson, further strengthening Ericsson's services leadership and existing services capabilities. The employees will be offered a position in one of the fastest-growing business areas in Ericsson. The contract will come into effect in March 2008.
Jens Alder, CEO, TDC, says: "With Ericsson as our strategic partner, we are well placed to build on our leading market position. This contract, the first of its kind for TDC, will allow us to focus on our core business and deliver world-class services to our customers."
Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO, Ericsson, says: "We are proud to have been chosen by TDC and entrusted with the end-to-end management, operation and development of the entire mobile network. We will certainly do our utmost to deliver world-class technology services to TDC's customers in Denmark."
