In the scope of the unlimited frame agreement with T-Mobile UK, Ericsson is providing a new combined 2G and 3G core network. The core architecture is based on the Ericsson Mobile Softswitch.

Having a prime integrator partner means that T-Mobile can concentrate on its customers and their needs while Ericsson focuses on a complete swap out of the core switching infrastructure.

Ian Smith, head of core network planning at T-Mobile UK says: "Ericsson was chosen for this role as T-Mobile wanted to build on the existing strong relationship with our core network supplier and continue to deliver the quality that we have come to expect from Ericsson. This type of large network infrastructure swap is a very complex and delicate operation and it must be achieved with absolutely no impact on the customer as their needs and satisfaction are at the center of everything we do. We believe that Ericsson has the ability to do this on our behalf."

Emin Gurdenli, Technical Director, T-Mobile says: "The decision to invest with Ericsson confirms our intent to offer best in class service to our customers. The turnkey nature of this agreement is significant in that it allows us at T-Mobile UK to concentrate on our customers and their needs whilst Ericsson focuses on a complete swap out of our core switching infrastructure."

Being the prime integrator involves taking on a broader role, working closely with customers and their business priorities from end to end.

Erik Oldmark, vice president for Strategy, Marketing and Portfolio Management at Ericsson, says: "Being the prime integrator means acting as the primary interface and program manager in getting total concepts to work efficiently, while ensuring successful deployment and meeting deadlines."

The prime integrator role is nothing new - the concept is around in many industries such as construction, retail, airlines and banking, as well as the tech sector.

Celia Gaffney, associate director at the IT Services Marketing Association, says the key is understanding an operator's specific business issues. This allows the integrator to collaborate with the operator, help accurately define the services that customers want, and to set the right scope for a solution.

Taking accountability for the whole delivery involves both risks and challenges. "The prime integrator finds new ways to add value while managing risk, and this requires identifying strengths and weaknesses," Gaffney says.

David Kutena, head of Ericsson Business Consulting in North Western Europe, says Ericsson has taken on the prime integrator role within the IMS domain for Sprint. Kutena says:

"With Ericsson's expertise, operators can create new ways to differentiate their offerings, expand their customer bases by accessing new markets, simplify business processes to decrease cost and increase efficiency, and find opportunities for larger deals - deals with higher margins that run over longer periods."

The prime integrator set-up varies; complex and converging services and technologies have many levels of integration. The bottom line is to succeed with customers by acting in ways that move them forward.