MetroPCS 4G LTE Core Network to be Transformed by Ericsson

Ericsson is one of Sweden’s largest companies, providing telecommunications equipment, data communication systems and related services covering a range of technologies including mobile networks. The company is also one of the world’s largest makers of equipment for building mobile telecommunications networks.

Today, it was revealed that MetroPCS Communications Inc. has selected Ericsson to supply the equipment and services needed to transform its distributed nationwide Evolved Packet Core network. MetroPCS was formerly known as General Wireless, Inc., and it is an American mobile phone service provider operating the fifth largest mobile telecommunications network in the U.S.

Serving as the project's primary integrator, Ericsson will be responsible for design, installation and commissioning. Once all of that is achieved, Ericsson will then be responsible for the post launch customer support.

Angel Ruiz, who serves as head of the North American region for Ericsson, said that "Ericsson is pleased to support MetroPCS in transforming its network and enabling the delivery of a greatly enhanced customer experience."

Roger D. Linquist, CEO and chairman of the board of MetroPCS, added, "From the launch of our first LTE network and now our new core transformation project, Ericsson has long been a key strategic partner. We value the strength of Ericsson's product and service offerings, as well as its ability to provide fast and reliable rollouts of leading-edge technology."

This transformation is designed to enhance key services. Some of the services that will see improvements include high-speed data, voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Rich Communication Services for MetroPCS customers across the U.S.

The LTE core transformation will be deployed by implementing Ericsson's end-to-end solution, which includes:

• Evolved Packet Gateway (EPG) on the SSR 8000 family of Smart Service Routers – a highly scalable IP service-delivery platform that enables deployment of critical IP-edge applications, addressing the stability of LTE networks via scalability in the data and control planes.
• Mobility Management Entity (MME) on the Ericsson Blade System, MkVIII platform – offering superior scalability and extending capabilities to meet aggressive growth predictions in terms of the number of connected devices.
• Integrated multi-technology operations support systems – allowing mobile operators to enhance network performance to support real-time operations, while lowering total cost of ownership (TCO) with lower power consumption and a reduced footprint.