Israeli mobile operator Partner Communications has chosen Ericsson (News - Alert) to replace and expand its WCDMA/HSPA equipment. Under the agreement, Ericsson is the sole vendor of Partner’s GSM and WCDMA/HSPA core and radio network. The system deployment has already begun and is scheduled for completion by July 2011.

Ericsson’s full swap of 1400 base stations will expand the capacity of channel elements for voice and data to support speeds of up to 14.4Mbps. Ericsson is also responsible for providing a broad array of professional services, including business consulting, deployment and integration. Ericsson will also support and maintain other Ericsson elements in Partner’s network.

According to Ericsson, the deal reinforces their position as the major supplier of WCDMA/HSPA technology in Israel. The contract is expected to lead to higher operational and technological efficiency and result in cost reductions for Partner Communications.

Partner Communications Company Ltd (Partner) is an Israeli mobile communications operator providing GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA services and wireless applications under the orange brand.

Ericsson's HSPA mobile broadband solution, part of Ericsson's Full Service Broadband offering, today enables download speeds of up to 14.4Mbps and upload speeds of 1.4Mbps.

Ericsson made news earlier this month for acquiring HyC Group, a Spanish TV consultancy and systems integration company with about 110 employees.

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Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.