Ericsson announced today that it has signed a deal with PTC (Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa), according to which it will provide its Mobile Softswitch Solution to the Polish mobile operator, in order to increase its network's capacity, coverage and overall performance.

PTC offers mobile services in Poland under the brand name Era. The Mobile Softswitch Solution provided by the Swedish company represents the prime step towards Era's future all-IP network that will be more efficient and more stable than the current one. Moreover, Ericsson's solution enables PTC to cut down operating costs, while offering better services for end users (including multimedia services, improved voice quality and enhanced VoIP services). All in all, Era's customers will be able to enjoy a better mobile experience by the end of 2008.

Talking about the new agreement with Ericsson, Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, Director of Network Operations and member of Management Board at PTC, declared in a press release issued today that "Ericsson's Mobile Softswitch Solution enables PTC to expand and upgrade our network and provide a platform for the launch of attractive multimedia services for our customers".

"This deal marks a significant milestone in Ericsson's ongoing partnership with PTC and sets the stage for the introduction of a host of state-of-the-art services across Poland," added Lars E. Svensson, President of Ericsson Poland.

Currently, Era / PTC is owned, in proportion of 97%, by Deutsche Telekom, the largest telecommunications company from the European Union, which is present in no less than 15 countries around the globe, including in the US (as T-Mobile).

With about 13 million subscribers, Era is among the leading mobile operators in Poland. Its main competitors, Orange Polka and Plus GSM, have about the same number of subscribers. Era and the other two operators serve more than 90% of the mobile users in Poland.