Ericsson Deploying New Mobile Network in Honduras

Ericsson announced that it has signed a deal with Digicel Group in order to build a brand new GSM/EDGE network in Honduras. This comes after other successful collaborations between the two companies, which led to the deployment of mobile networks in the Caribbean area, as well as in El Salvador, the south-west neighbor of the Honduras.

The new deal will bring a reliable network to the mobile users of Honduras, together with various services, including Web access and international roaming. With the Swedish company (Ericsson) taking care of all the aspects of the deployment, Digicel will become, by the end of 2008, the newest mobile operator of Honduras, besides Tigo and Claro, that are currently offering mobile services in the country.

"We are pleased to bring our partnership with Ericsson to Honduras," says Mario Assaad, CTO, Digicel Group. "It enables us to build industry-leading infrastructure that will help drive telecommunications innovation and deliver dependable network coverage for our customers. There is strong potential for growth in this mobile market, and Digicel is committed to delivering superior technology and providing the best mobile phone service throughout the country. As a country rich in culture with vibrant communities, Honduras offers a tremendous opportunity for us to help connect families and friends through a wide range of GSM services and value offerings."

Mr. Erik Glimtoft, Country Manager of Ericsson Honduras, added: "As the worldwide leader in GSM/EDGE, Ericsson is proud to be selected again by Digicel as its sole supplier and to have the opportunity to support them with our leading technology in Honduras as well. This contract reinforces our long-term partnership with Digicel Group, as well as our leadership in telecommunications in Central America and the Caribbean."

Being an important mobile operator in the Caribbean area, Digicel wants to expand its services to Central America too, where most of the mobile markets are far from reaching saturation. In Honduras, for example, less than 40% of the population have mobile phones, hence there's room for at least one new carrier.