Ericsson signs managed services and GSM infrastructure contract with Brasil Telecom

"Brasil Telecom aim is to be the first complete operator in Brazil, offering mobile and fixed telephony and Internet", says Ricardo Sacramento, president of Brasil Telecom GSM. "We are very pleased with our Managed Services partnership with Ericsson and it has improved Brasil Telecom's efficiency and is continuously saving operational costs for us".

"Brasil Telecom GSM network is a green field area and we are honoured to be chosen to supply, operate and maintain the launch of their GSM network", says Anders Runevad, president of Ericsson Brazil. "With this agreement, we can ensure the best network performance and cost efficiency and thereby create competitive advantages for Brasil Telecom".

Ericsson has successfully managed Brasil Telecom's fixed network since 2002. Under the new agreement Ericsson takes full responsibility for operation and maintenance as well as optimization of Brasil Telecom's GSM network in Rio Grande do Sul. This contract reinforces Ericsson leadership in GSM and prime position in the fast growing Managed Services market. It also demonstrates Ericsson's strength to work as a partner with operators to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

"Being the world leader in telecommunications equipment and services, we are bringing all our experience in managing mobile networks," says Hans Vestberg, Senior Vice President, Business Unit Global Services, Ericsson. "By outsourcing to a telecom specialist like Ericsson, Brasil Telecom can focus more on their core business, that is - offer it's customers the services they want."

The contract with Brasil Telecom is one of several major Managed Services agreement announced by Ericsson this year, which further confirms Ericsson's clear leadership in managed services globally and in Latin America.