Earlier this year, Ericsson teamed up with Vodafone Iceland to deliver an IPTV service for the Icelandic operator.

The country has one of the highest penetration rates of IPTV in the world, so the operator is always looking for ways to stay ahead of its competitors.

Under the deal, Ericsson is taking the prime integrator role and delivering an end-to-end IPTV solution to Vodafone Iceland including IPTV middleware, content distribution platform, video headend, Conditional Access/Digital Rights Management (CA/DRM) and a customized TV portal.

The acquisitions of such companies as Tandberg Television and Marconi have further strengthened Ericsson's capabilities in taking on the roles of partner and prime integrator.

Ericsson has also signed a prime integrator deal with leading Israeli mobile operator Cellcom Israel to provide an end-to-end mobile TV and video solution. This will allow customers enjoy access to live TV channels and video-on-demand (VoD) content.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson is the sole supplier of a mobile TV platform supporting rich media clients, a content management system and support systems for operation and customer care units.

Mats Bosrup, President and CEO of Ericsson Israel, says: “Mobile TV is going from strength to strength as operators expand and leverage their networks. Ericsson's mobile TV solution will enable Cellcom Israel to offer sophisticated new services while tapping into new revenue opportunities.”

A third deal was signed in Greece when Ericsson agreed to act as end-to-end IPTV systems integrator, solution provider and business consultant for tier one Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE SA).

Tonny Uhlin, Ericsson’s Strategic Marketing Manager and Driver of Prime Integrator, says: “It’s a matter of building the best solution for the individual customer – for the situation they are in today – and also making sure that we will be able to support this solution into the future.

“Our recent deals with operators in such diverse markets as Iceland, Greece and Israel demonstrate Ericsson’s strong global brand – we are leading the way in taking on the role of prime integrator.”