Ericsson has been contracted to deploy a GSM/EDGE mobile network for start-up operator Digicel Panama, reports BNamericas. As part of the deal Swedish equipment vendor Ericsson will provide the Irish-owned cellco with a mobile softswitch, optical and microwave backhaul facilities and a convergent charging and billing solution. Ericsson will also be responsible for network deployment and systems integration. Rollout is already under way. The Swedish firm is the supplier of choice for the Digicel group in 24 markets across the Caribbean and Central America.

Digicel and America Movil won Panama's third and fourth mobile licences in May, each paying around USD86 million. Both newcomers have targeted a commercial launch by the end of the year. Digicel plans to invest USD334 million in its Panamanian subsidiary. The country has two existing mobile operators, Movistar and Cable & Wireless.

Source:telegeography