The new switching systems have full Intelligent Network functionality and are capable of supporting next generation networks and IP-enabled multimedia services.

“Ericsson has had a long working relationship with REACH and this new development only brings the two companies closer,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, Deputy Managing Director of Ericsson Hong Kong. “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with REACH to enhance its network and service offerings to customers. The AXE Voice Switching System is built on state-of-the-art hardware and utilizes the same platform as our voice over packet solutions, making it ENGINE-ready from initial deployment,” noted Mr. Ewaldsson.

“The new Ericsson switching systems will provide REACH with a definite advantage over other wholesale voice carriers in terms of future service planning and implementation,” said Barbar Mennah, Director of Voice Services with REACH. “With the introduction of 2.5G and 3G wireless multimedia services, and other IP-enabled advanced voice services, it is important for carriers such as REACH to provide the latest technology that enables our customers to offer new services to end-users.”

REACH is an Asian-focused international carrier providing global connectivity services to other carriers and service providers. A 50-50 joint venture between Telstra and PCCW, REACH is Asia’s leading international wholesale carrier of combined voice, IPLC and IP data services, operating the most diverse high-speed network in the region. REACH is also one of the world’s top ten carriers of international voice traffic.

REACH’s services include an extensive portfolio of voice, data, IP and satellite connectivity solutions. The company has interests in more than 40 submarine cable and satellite systems (including Asia’s largest teleport) and operating licences and landing rights in North America and Europe.

REACH is headquartered in Hong Kong with a significant presence in Australia and substantial businesses across Asia, North America and Europe.

Ericsson’s ENGINE Softswitch Solution

As one of the first equipment suppliers to drive the evolution to Next Generation Network (NGN), Ericsson’s ENGINE end-to-end solutions have gained a wide range of business customers and a high reputation in the worldwide market. In a unified packet network, ENGINE softswitch solutions offer all the services in a traditional telephony network, new multimedia services, as well as an open and flexible service network.

Released in 1998, ENGINE solutions are being operated in the commercial networks of 16 telecom operators all over the world. Ericsson has won 87 orders for softswitches and 294 for media gateways. Probe Research reported in July 2002 that Ericsson holds a 43 percent market share in the softswitch commercial network sector for traditional operators worldwide.

Get more information about Ericsson's multiservice network solutions.