Monaco Telecom has launched a 4G LTE (fourth generation, Long Term Evolution) pilot project across the Principality. To support this project, Monaco Telecom has selected Ericsson to provide the infrastructure needed to upgrade its mobile network. The pilot phase will make Monaco one of the first countries in Europe to test this new mobile communication technology and will allow Monaco Telecom to gain the necessary expertise and validate the choice of technologies.

1. Ultrafast mobile internet:
Monaco Telecom launches 4G LTE pilot with Ericsson
Monaco, April 12, 2011 – Monaco Telecom has launched a 4G LTE (fourth
generation, Long Term Evolution) pilot project across the Principality. To support this
project, Monaco Telecom has selected Ericsson to provide the infrastructure needed
to upgrade its mobile network.
The pilot phase will make Monaco one of the first countries in Europe to test this new
mobile communication technology and will allow Monaco Telecom to gain the
necessary expertise and validate the choice of technologies.
4G pilot in Monaco
4G will allow faster connection speeds to face the growing usage of internet on
smartphones and laptops. With the opening of this pilot network, Monaco telecom is
preparing a commercial launch before end of 2013, according to the launches
scheduled by the other European operators. Cable & Wireless, main shareholder of
the operator has selected Monaco as worldwide competence platform and first 4G
project for the group.
Monaco Telecom has already installed the first LTE radio sites and the network core
within the principality’s territory.
To support the rollout of its 4G LTE pilot network, Monaco Telecom has selected
Ericsson, a pioneer and global leader in this new technology.
“This is an important agreement for Ericsson. To date, we’ve signed 18 commercial
rollout contracts around the world. Through this partnership with Monaco Telecom,
we have the chance to showcase our technological leadership and experience in
telecom services while supporting the successful launch of the principality’s 4G LTE
network,” says Franck Bouétard, CEO of Ericsson France.
Benefits of 4G LTE
The growing popularity of smartphones and the exponential rise in data usage
present a real challenge for the networks. Monaco Telecom, like other operators, has
had to rethink its infrastructure and evolve the technologies that underpin its mobile
network.
“Mobile internet usage increased by a factor of four in 2010. As this trend continues
to accelerate, the volume of data exchanged in January 2014 will be equivalent to
the volume for the entire year in 2010,” says Martin Péronnet, CEO of Monaco
Telecom. “70% of telephones sold in Monaco are smartphones. And in December
2010, one third of contracts signed were for tablet computers and 3G dongles.”
To support these new usage patterns, 4G allows:
- Faster connection speeds (up to 100 Mb/s), particularly important for video
applications, which require huge bandwidth.
www.monaco.mc

2. - Lower latency, important for all real-time applications, like online gaming but also
embedded systems in the future.
From an industry perspective, 4G is a key milestone in the transition from cellular
networks to IP. This new technology allows fully convergent architectures, which in
turn allow users to enjoy the same experience on all types of terminals (desktop,
laptop, tablet, smartphone, television, etc.) with a single telephone number and a
single e-mail address.
On show at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, April 9 to 17
To promote the launch of its 4G LTE pilot, Monaco Telecom welcomes customers to
its private space at the VIP Village, Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Three demonstration workshops hosted jointly by Monaco Telecom and Ericsson will
give customers the chance to experience the next generation of ultrafast mobile
telephony and internet for themselves:
- Web browsing and file downloads
- Online gaming
- Live TV streaming
About Monaco Telecom
Monaco Telecom is the historic provider of fixed and mobile telephony, internet,
television and managed services in the Principality of Monaco. Monaco Telecom has
pursued an ambitious strategy of international development in recent years, through
its Afinis Communications subsidiary in Africa and through service contracts in
Kosovo and Afghanistan.
49% of the capital of Monaco Telecom is currently owned by the UK-based Cable &
Wireless Group, 45% by the Monaco government and 6% by the Compagnie
Monégasque de Banque. More information: www.monaco.mc
About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom
operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides
support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in
managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network
infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for
operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson
joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all-communicating
world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in
175 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion
(USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm,
Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
More information: www.ericsson.com
FOR
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CONTACT
Monaco Telecom Ericsson
Agnès Ségala Corinne Muller
Tél. : +377 99 66 34 97 Tél.: +33 1 69 93 73 52
a.segala@monaco-telecom.mc corinne.muller@ericsson.com
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