Ericsson, Cisco to modernize IP network for Telefonica Guatemala

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Cisco will provide Telefonica Guatemala with a new Internet Protocol (IP) network backbone, based on Cisco's aggregation services routers and Ericsson's integration services. Telefonica's LTE subscribers will benefit from the network modernization with increased mobile broadband speeds and better application coverage throughout the country.

Daniel Delisante, Regional CTO, Telefonica Central America, says: "We selected Ericsson based on our longstanding relationship, and trust that the new Ericsson and Cisco partnership will bring value to Telefonica in Central America. As the demand for high-speed broadband and application coverage is continually increasing, we are happy to offer our subscribers a modern, IP-based network throughout Guatemala."

The solution, which includes Ericsson's implementation and integration services, as well as Cisco® routers (ASR 9010 and ASR 1001), will expand Telefonica Guatemala's current network backbone. It will support new capacity and features, including Ethernet services, VPNs, and IPv6. The network modernization also paves the way for future network requirements based on Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and cloud implementations, providing future-proof technology to end users.

Clayton Cruz, Vice President, Ericsson Latin America and Caribbean, said, "The combination of Ericsson's and Cisco's leading integration services and IP routers will enable Telefonica's network modernization. It allows Telefonica to address the high demand of new subscribers while enhancing the mobile experience for existing 3G and LTE customers."

Guatemala was the first country in Central America to launch 3G services in 2008, and has continued with robust growth since then, with the country currently having approximately 3.2 million 3G subscribers. Telefonica entered the 3G market in 2005, and the operator today has approximately 7 million subscribers in Guatemala.