Vodafone Ireland has selected Ericsson to be the systems integrator of a real-time charging and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, including upgrading and expanding the operator's network. Under the agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for systems integration of existing solutions into the next-generation IMS environment. Ericsson will also upgrade and expand network capacity, enable real-time charging and underpin demanding multimedia functionality.

The deal builds upon Ericsson's long-standing relationship with Vodafone Ireland as its sole supplier of an IP-based circuit core network. Based on the Ericsson Mobile Softswitch Solution, the network will now be upgraded to support interworking with IMS.

John Hennessy, Managing Director, Ericsson Ireland, says: "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Vodafone. The integration of this next-generation, end-to-end solution will help the operator realize new revenue opportunities and expand its multimedia offering to its customers."

According to figures from the Mobile World database, Vodafone Ireland is the largest operator in the country by market share having ended Q1 '08 with some 2.26 million subscribers and a 44.5% market share.

Source:cellular-news