25th September - Ericsson has signed a new frame agreement with leading Bangladeshi operator TMIB to upgrade and expand its EDGE-enabled GPRS/GSM network, and provide mobile broadband services.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide new radio base stations and mobile softswitch equipment that will enable TMIB to minimize network costs while evolving towards an all-IP network.

Software upgrades to increase capacity and network performance will also enable TMIB to add new subscribers simply and efficiently while ensuring a high-quality service for end users.

The project includes more than 1000 sites - covering half the country's population - in and between the Dhaka and Chittagong regions.

Ericsson will further support TMIB with a comprehensive range of telecommunication services covering turnkey deployment and integration as well as network optimization and tuning.

Kamshul Bin Kasim, Managing Director of TMIB, says: "Ericsson has shown itself to be a reliable and committed partner that will help us deliver a superior quality network and richer mobile communications experience to our customers. This strategic partnership will position us to offer a wider range of differentiating services to our end users."

Arun Bansal, Managing Director of Ericsson Bangladesh, says: "Ericsson is proud to continue supporting TMIB in bringing the latest mobile technologies to its customers. We are fully committed to supporting TMIB in strengthening its market leadership in Bangladesh, as well as maintaining its competitiveness in the future."

Ericsson and TMIB have built a strong partnership since Ericsson made its first GSM/GPRS delivery in 2000, with agreements that support all aspects of the operator's business.