Ericsson has signed an agreement with the Irish operator Meteor Mobile Communications as the sole supplier for a WCDMA/HSPA network including microwave transmission. Under the terms of the contract, Ericsson will supply a WCDMA/HSPA radio access network and a new microwave transmission network.

The deal also allows for the introduction of new services such as social networking, music downloads and video content. Meteor has already achieved 10 percent 3G population coverage, and is on target to reach 33 percent coverage by the end of September 2008 covering the Dublin and Cork areas.

Ericsson has been the sole supplier to Meteor for GSM core and radio access equipment since 2004. The company also supplied the operator with the initial build out for 3G coverage in 2007. In the new contract, it will supply microwave transmission equipment and WCDMA/HSPA radio access equipment to extend the existing network.

Commenting on the announcement, Larry Smith, Meteor's CEO, said, "This deal extends our successful partnership with Ericsson in the mobile and fixed line market, over a number of years, into the next important phase in our development to deliver the most advanced 3G mobile broadband network in Ireland. This is an exciting time for our company and for the Irish mobile market. For the first time ever Meteor will deliver high speed 3G data products and services combined with an exceptional customer experience."

John Hennessy, head of Ericsson Ireland, replied, "We are delighted and privileged to be selected as Meteor's partner building on our successful relationship with the eircom Group established over a number of years. This deal reinforces Ericsson's technology leadership and will help Meteor tap into the interesting and evolving market for Mobile broadband services."