Ericsson to manage MBNL network

The Swedish communications giant Ericsson has this week won a contract to manage the 3 and T-Mobile MBNL network.

The Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) is a joint venture between 3 and T-Mobile, intended to optimise the capacity of both individual networks by combining them to eventually create Europe's most extensive HSDPA network.

The fact that Ericsson have been awarded the four-year managed services contract for the operation and maintenance of the consolidated network is not surprising considering that Ericsson already holds separate managed services contracts with T-Mobile and 3.

The contract sees Ericsson assume responsibility for the performance management and operation of both the 3G networks and T-Mobile's 2G infrastructure, and will enable MBNL to deliver optimum service levels whilst keeping a lid on operational costs.

3 UK's chief technology officer, Graham Baxter, commented: "The deployment of our consolidated mobile broadband network is advancing rapidly. Having Ericsson as a trusted partner operating the access network will be an important contribution to our overall goals of providing a reliable and high performance service."