Swedish telecom gear maker Ericsson has bagged a contract to step up a WCDMA network for Philippine based mobile operator, SMART.

On deployment of the new infrastructure, SMART, will stand as the first operator in Southeast Asia to roll out a HSPA network in the 850MHz band.

“We are launching a more versatile network that will put the power of the internet in the pocket of Filipinos wherever they go. This partnership with Ericsson will enable us to offer our customers exciting services and true mobility that add up to an enhanced communications experience,” said Orlando Vea, Chief Wireless Adviser of SMART.

According to the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will be the main supplier of the common GSM/WCDMA/HSPA packet core-data network, including the Service Aware Charging and Control solution which allows mobile broadband fair-usage policies.

Additionally, Ericsson will also remain as one of the key suppliers of the radio access network and provide SMART with services such as network design, network deployment, competence development and systems integration.

Commenting further, Rajendra Pangrekar, President of Ericsson Philippines said, “This contract represents a milestone for largest mobile operators in the region. It reinforces Ericsson'''s technology leadership and Ericsson by enabling us to launch a commercial HSPA project in the Philippines with one of the will provide SMART with the fastest mobile broadband speeds available in the country.”