Telecom Lead America: MetroPCS has selected Ericsson to transform its distributed nationwide Evolved Packet Core network.
The transformation will enhance key services including high-speed data, voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Rich Communication Services for MetroPCS customers across the United States.
This allows MetroPCS to meet the stringent requirements of rapidly evolving next-generation LTE networks, handle high-capacity needs and save costs by consolidating multiple applications on the same platform, all while enhancing the experience for its customers.
Ericsson will serve as the project’s prime integrator with responsibility for design, installation and commissioning, and post-launch customer support.
Roger D. Linquist, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS, said: “From the launch of our first LTE network and now our new core transformation project, Ericsson has long been a key strategic partner.”
The LTE core transformation will be deployed by implementing Ericsson’s Evolved Packet Gateway (EPG) on the SSR 8000 family of Smart Service Routers – a scalable IP service-delivery platform that enables deployment of critical IP-edge applications, addressing the stability of LTE networks via scalability in the data and control planes.
The Dallas-based operator will also deploy Mobility Management Entity (MME) on the Ericsson Blade System, MkVIII platform – offering superior scalability and extending capabilities to meet aggressive growth predictions in terms of the number of connected devices.
In addition, integrated multi-technology operations support systems will be deployed allowing the mobile operator to enhance network performance to support real-time operations, while lowering total cost of ownership with lower power consumption and a reduced footprint.