Hungarian incumbent Magyar Telekom (MTel) has selected Ericsson as its sole partner to modernise its radio access network (RAN) and prepare for the migration to 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. The telco says the RAN upgrade is essential in light of ever-growing demand for its mobile data services. It also hopes the overhaul will dramatically reduce cellular unit T-Mobile Hungary’s operating costs while further expanding its mobile broadband footprint and improving service performance. Under the contract the Swedish vendor will upgrade the operator’s 2G and 3G networks using its multi-standard RBS 6000 radio access network, which will also be ready for 4G/LTE functionality once licences have been allocated in the country.
MTel chief executive Christopher Mattheisen says the group plans to invest around HUF30 billion (USD167.3 million) in the next few years to upgrade its mobile broadband network. The investments are designed to boost bandwidth to as much as 21Mbps by 2013.