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28th February 2005 - Ericsson and Norwegian based Maritime
Communications Partner (MCP), have signed a contract
for the delivery of a GSM network to enable mobile communication
at sea. Under the contract, Ericsson will supply a complete
network solution, including core and radio equipment.
Using Ericsson's GSM technology, MCP will be able to
offer mobile phone connectivity onboard cruise ships
and ferries all over the world, providing global coverage
through leading suppliers of maritime satellite services.
The ships will have radio base stations on board, and
communication will be secured through a satellite link
to the core network on shore. Fax, internet and data
services are also offered, as well as value added services
for onboard marketing, promotions and information.
"We are very excited to take this technological step
together with Ericsson," said Trygve Sten Gustavsen,
CEO at Maritime Communications Partner. "As the first
global maritime operator in the telecommunications industry,
we are happy to offer our customers high quality services
while at sea based upon Ericsson's GSM network solution.
This contract will definitely leverage our ambitions
on the international scene."
So far, MCP has signed contracts with European ferry
companies, Stena Line, DFDS and is in negotiations with
additional ferry companies and cruise lines. Following
a test phase, the services are operation secure, constituting
a lucrative business opportunity also for the ferry
operators.
"We are very pleased to work closely with MCP, expanding
the possibilities of communication at sea for people
all over the world. It has always been our driving force
to enable people to communicate anywhere anytime, and
that includes when they are at sea. This agreement proves
the competitiveness and flexibility of Ericsson's GSM
network solutions, even in a maritime context", said
Johan Bergendahl, Vice President Marketing at Ericsson.
About Maritime Communications Partner
MCP is the global maritime cellular operator focused
on providing cost effective GSM and CDMA communications
solutions especially created to fulfil the requirements
of the shipping industry. MCP provides seamless connectivity
via personal mobile phones to both passengers and crew
onboard cruise ships, ferries and other vessels around
the world. MCP enables cell phone coverage by installing
and operating the shipborne radio networks, linking
the vessels with public networks via satellite MCP's
main shareholders are Telenor ASA, Northzone Ventures
IV KS and Ugland Invest Ltd.
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