First managed network operations contract in Canada Tweet

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Mobilicity chooses Ericsson to manage new 3G network
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Operator can focus more on customer's offering and market launch, leaving day-to-day operations to Ericsson
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Ericsson's first managed network operations contract in Canada - and second major contract in all of North America

Mobilicity - combining mobile with simplicity - is one of the newest entrants in the growing Canadian wireless market. And the operator is serious about keeping things simple - today it's announcing a five-year managed network operations contract with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). By getting Ericsson to manage its 3G network, the company is freeing itself up to focus even more on creating value for its users. This means offering simple, flexible and affordable 3G voice and data services to the 16 million Canadians that its network will cover when fully launched.

Mobilicity previously selected Ericsson to design and build its 3G network. With plans to launch its 3G network, first in Toronto this spring, and later in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa, the urban operator sees the benefits of having Ericsson handle its day-to-day network operations. Ericsson will be responsible for front-and-back-office operations as well as field maintenance in Mobilicity's network.

"There's a huge benefit in having Ericsson monitor and maintain our state-of-the-art 3G network," says Dave Dobbin, president and CEO of Mobilicity. "No one knows how to run a network better than Ericsson. And, as a low-cost mobile operator, it makes a lot of sense to partner with best-in-class providers who can deliver significant cost-efficiencies and allow us to focus on our customers."

The Mobilicity 3G network will be handled by Ericsson's managed services organization which will provide operational competence and expertise right from market launch.

Loris Zaia, Vice-President and General Manager, Ericsson Canada, says: "We are delighted that another North American operator sees the benefit of our global scale and experience in managing operators' networks. Our cooperation with Mobilicity is particularly interesting when you realize we became a trusted managed services provider even before they launch their 3G network."

Ericsson's has more than 40,000 service professionals and manages networks that serve over 410 million subscribers worldwide.

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