While in India Ericsson is helping disadvantaged people, back in Europe, the Swedish telecommunications giant is taking care of more technical things. The company has announced a new deal with the Irish mobile operator Meteor, according to which it will be the exclusive supplier of the carrier's future nationwide WCDMA/HSPA network.

Ericsson will deploy for Meteor a 3G radio access network, as well as a new and advanced microwave transmission network. Meteor is already offering 3G services to an area that covers about 10% of Ireland's population but, after the new collaboration with Ericsson, the carrier will be able to reach at least 33% of all Irish mobile users. Moreover, the future network will allow Meteor to offer new services, including video and music steaming (plus downloading), and mobile social networking.

Larry Smith, CEO at Meteor, said in a press release issued today: "This deal extends our successful partnership with Ericsson in the mobile and fixed line market, over a number of years, into the next important phase in our development to deliver the most advanced 3G mobile broadband network in Ireland. This is an exciting time for our company and for the Irish mobile market. For the first time ever, Meteor will deliver high speed 3G data products and services combined with an exceptional customer experience."

The Head of Ericsson Ireland, Mr. John Hennessy, added: "We are delighted and privileged to be selected as Meteor's partner building on our successful relationship with the eircom Group, established over a number of years. This deal reinforces Ericsson's technology leadership and will help Meteor tap into the interesting and evolving market for Mobile broadband services."

Currently owned by eircom Group plc, Meteor is the third largest mobile operator in Ireland (after Vodafone and O2). The carrier has been collaborating with Ericsson ever since 2004, when the Swedish company supplied Meteor with core and radio access equipment for its GSM (2.5G) network.