Ericsson receives order for D-AMPS IS-136 network expansion in Argentina
Ericsson is to supply wireless network infrastructure equipment worth up to
USD 77 million (SEK 630 million) to Telecom Personal (TP) in Argentina, to
expand a D-AMPS/AMPS wireless communications network serving the north of the
country. By the end of 1998, the capacity of the network is expected to have
been increased by 50% to 750,000 subscribers.
Currently, the Ericsson-supplied network has around 490,000 subscribers. In
recent months, it has been readied for the introduction of new digital
wireless services such as Short Messaging Services (SMS), and for PrePaid
Services - which are expected to trigger strong subscriber growth.
TP and Ericsson have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering pilot
trials of CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) for services such as wireless e-
mail. CDPD is an Internet-compatible wireless data service that can be added
on to an existing D-AMPS IS-136 network, without requiring additional
frequency spectrum. Wireless data transmission is expected to grow rapidly and
this sophisticated CDPD data capability will position TP well to offer these
services.
TP is one of three operators that together form the Personal Communication
National Network, which operates mobile phone services across Argentina in the
800MHz 'A' Band. The territory covered by TP is approximately 1.3 million
square kilometers, with 15 million inhabitants.
The other operators are Miniphone (serving the Buenos Aires metropolitan area)
and Telefonica Comunicaciones Personales (TCP), serving the south of the
country
All three networks are based on the D-AMPS IS-136 and AMPS wireless standards
that have become the predominant platform for wireless phone services across
Latin America and North America. Services currently cover every town in
Argentina with more than 500 inhabitants, and there are approximately
1,350,000 subscribers in the three networks.
Roaming agreements between the three operators mean that subscribers can
continue to use their phones as they travel throughout Argentina. Telecom
Personal also has roaming agreements with D-AMPS operators in all the
neighboring countries.
There are over 90 million subscribers using D-AMPS/AMPS networks worldwide. D-
AMPS was the first technology to be commercially available as a dual-band
(800/1900 MHz) and dual-mode (analog-digital) technology. Approximately 14
million subscribers are already using D-AMPS digital services.
Ericsson's 100,000 employees are active in more than 130 countries. Their
combined expertise in fixed and mobile networks, mobile phones and infocom
systems makes Ericsson a world-leading supplier in telecommunications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Dominique Jodoin, Vice President Sales & Market Operations
Ericsson Radio Systems, Cellular Systems - American Standards
Phone: +46 8 757 2311
Hugo Lojdquist, Vice President Mobile Networks
Compa¤¡a Ericsson Argentina
Phone: +541 319 5500
Eric ™sterberg, Communications Director
Ericsson Business Area Mobile Systems
Phone: +46 8 757 2159
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