FE Report

The latest switching technology from Ericsson will help operator Grameenphone meet the needs of its expanding subscriber base - currently 44 percent of the Bangladeshi market - and pave the way for the quick and cost-effective future introduction of new services such as mobile broadband.

Only one in three people in Bangladesh have access to a mobile phone, though mobile use in this country of 150 million people has been growing by a rate of more than 20 percent in recent years. This means Grameenphone, Bangladesh's leading operator, has a huge potential for growth from its current subscriber base of more than 21 million.

Ericsson's modernization of their installation within Grameenphone's core network means the operator will be well prepared for the future by increasing network capacity while reducing operating costs and improving quality of service for its customers. The two-year contract also includes charging solutions and related services.

Oddvar Hesjedal, CEO of Grameenphone, says: "Bangladesh presents tremendous opportunities for growth. Ericsson's advanced technology will optimize our network operations and strengthen our ability to evolve and expand our business while preparing our network for future needs."