Ericsson chosen by Airtel Zambia for network transformation

• Airtel Zambia chooses Ericsson for radio access network upgrade  
• Ericsson to transform 2G sites, swap out existing 3G sites
• New radio system will enhance the subscriber experience and strengthen Airtel's market leadership in the country

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has extended its partnership with Airtel Zambia, headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia, with a new contract covering the transformation of Airtel's radio access network (RAN) infrastructure in every major region of Zambia. This extended partnership will both optimize the subscriber experience and strengthen Airtel's market leadership in the country.

The contract covers equipment, software and range of professional services, including project management, systems integration and support. It also covers the transformation of existing 2G infrastructure, swap out of existing 3G sites.

Ericsson will provide equipment from the Ericsson Radio System  family that are flexible to changing demands on the road to 5G with multi-standard, multi-band and multi-layer technology. This will enable energy-efficient and cost-effective operations while allowing Airtel to meet growing subscriber demands for better and faster mobile internet connectivity.  

Peter Correia, Managing Director, Airtel Zambia, says: "We are committed to offering our customers the best user experience. Partnering with Ericsson who are performance and technology leaders to upgrade our network, ensures that we continue to deliver a wide selection of best in class customized services with excellent quality to our customers, transforming the way they live, work and play."

Fredrik Jejdling, Head of Region Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, says: "We are excited by the opportunity for inclusion and empowerment that increased connectivity extends to Africa and Zambia. This agreement builds on our long-term strategic business relationship with Airtel, while delivering a superior network performance to Airtel Zambia's subscribers and supporting part of Africa's growth story."

Ericsson Radio System delivers the industry's most energy efficient and compact radio solution, maintaining performance leadership at half the size and weight. The flexibility inherent in the architecture is made possible by targeted software deployment, which enables fast and efficient rollout of new capabilities.

NOTES TO EDITORS

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Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2015 were SEK 246.9 billion (USD 29.4 billion). Ericsson is listed on Nasdaq OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

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