Ericsson, EWG in Zim telecoms deal

EWG is a global African telecoms operator with operations and investments in telecoms businesses in 11 countries. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is a subsidiary of EWG, and is the dominant operator in Zimbabwe.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for the expansion of the Ericsson Core and Access networks as well as key business support system delivery.

Ericsson will also serve and expand on Econet's upgraded network, Econet said.

CEO of EWG, Craig Fitzgerald, said: "Ericsson's solid position as an established infrastructural provider in the local and international market and the diverse connectivity services they are able to offer Econet, underpinned our decision to expand our current relationship."

President of Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, Lars Lindén, says the expansion agreement would enable the expansion of voice and data traffic to the country, crucial for a growing economy.

"Business opportunities exist in a vast number of sectors in Zimbabwe, including information technology and this type of recapitalisation and expansion is just what the country needs to rebuild and develop," Lindén said.

Ericsson's coverage is in the densely populated Harare, Chitungwiza, Ruwa and Norton. Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide for the core network, access, transport and transmission technologies and services such as system integration and business consultancy.

Source: AFP

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