Looking to meet the increasing mobile data demand in Latin America driven by mobile video consumption, Cable&Wireless Communications (CWC) has extended its partnership with Ericsson to deploy 4G LTE technology.
The agreement enables CWC to continue delivering mobile, data and voice services to over six million Caribbean and Latin American subscribers throughout 42 countries, and includes the modernisation of existing mobile radio access and core network infrastructure for all CWC's markets.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver equipment and a range of professional services, including project management, systems integration and support.
"Mobile broadband data is a key driver for economic growth in the Caribbean and Latin America," said Carlo Alloni, EVP technology and group CTIO, Cable & Wireless Communications. "The launch of next-generation 4G LTE and 3G will ensure our customers continue to enjoy high speed access on a superior network with unparalleled customer service."
"According to our worldwide benchmark, CWC's regional mobile network ranks with the best-in-class worldwide," added Clayton Cruz, VP, Ericsson Region Latin America & Caribbean. "In a very competitive networked society, a network with superior performance is one of the key differentiators and a strategic asset for operators."
According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, by 2020 86% of all mobile data traffic in the Caribbean and Latin America will come from smartphones, while 78% of data traffic in the region will be from LTE. In addition, mobile data traffic is expected to grow seven-fold in the region by 2020.