Choice of Ericsson extends and strengthens a successful technology partnership

Ericsson and Vector are working together to build the next stage of Vector’s Next Generation Broadband Network. Work has commenced and a launch date is planned for mid-year.  This stage consists of an Ethernet Transport Network (ETN) built using Ericsson’s new Marconi OMS2430 and 1410 platforms – the first to be deployed in this part of the world.  The Ericsson platforms are purpose-built for delivering high-volume, ultra high-speed services with high-availability (99.999%) for carriers in large-scale networks, servicing millions of subscribers. 

Vector’s NGN is the first of its kind in New Zealand – deploying the very latest in technology and design, which also uses a hierarchical physical network approach as recommended by the New Zealand NGN Forum.

Vector’s goal is twofold: to provide service providers with a highly-scalable, reliable and customisable network enabling them to deliver innovative services to customers anywhere in Auckland; and to deliver the promise of NGN to consumers and businesses by providing unrestricted access to different and even multiple service providers.

Ericsson has been working in partnership with Vector in providing technical and strategic advice in the expansion of Vector’s existing network.  By drawing on its vast global experience, Ericsson has assisted Vector to understand the technical demands and intricacies of a large-scale fibre build, including the end-to-end solution - from ducts and fibre through the various layers of the network and service platforms, including video (IPTV), voice, and broadband.

Local and global experts from Ericsson have also worked with Vector to develop innovative build methods, resulting in significant reduction in build costs, minimising disruption to communities whilst increasing speed to market.

"The Ericsson and Vector relationship is an excellent example of a working partnership. Using Ericsson's local and global resources, capability and knowledge, Ericsson and Vector worked closely together from the initial design and planning phases through to deployment,” said Jeff Travers, Managing Director, Ericsson New Zealand.

“Together we've created an innovative, world-class fibre network built for New Zealand's unique market and environmental challenges. For Ericsson, Vector has been a success story from both a network technology and customer partnership perspective and one we are proud to showcase to our colleagues around the world."

Vector’s entire network (both passive and active) has been designed from the outset to enable a large-scale fibre network in Auckland. Vector has the added benefit of not having to consider and integrate with a large range of legacy infrastructure and back-end systems.

In readiness for Vector’s continued growth, and to ensure they have the robust systems and processes in place for a large-scale build, Ericsson are also providing international experts to implement the eTOM framework across Vector’s telecommunications organisation – eTOM is a business process framework for the global telecommunications industry.

Notes to editors:

Ericsson’s multimedia content is available at the broadcast room.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 250 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27 billion (SEK 209 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ

For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi