In a major network modernisation deal, telecommunications company Ericsson has been selected by Greece’s largest mobile communications service provider Cosmote, as its sole 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) vendor.
Cosmote said its selection of Ericsson was the result of a tender procedure and it can now proceed with the full modernisation of its mobile access network, fully replacing its 2G/3G/4G/4G+ equipment, which will be gradually upgraded to 5G.
Greece’s largest mobile communications service provider has already implemented the country's first 5G test network, in the municipality of Zografou, a suburb of Athens, achieving live speeds of over 12Gbps.
At the same time, parent OTE has been contributing to the design and development of new 5G technology, infrastructure and services by participating in 22 European research projects that aim to enhance the competitiveness of the European telecommunications market globally.
The telco said the new equipment which they hope to launch in 2021, will enable them to continue offering a seamless mobile internet experience and high-quality voice services to its customers. This would also significantly improve the energy footprint of the 2G/3G/4G/4G+ mobile network by being more environmentally friendly and reducing energy consumption.
“5G is the future of telecommunications and a necessary precondition for the Gigabit Society,” said Michael Tsamaz, chairman and CEO of the OTE Group.
“It is the underlying technology which will be used by all the innovative applications that will change our lives in the near future. OTE Group creates the state-of-the-art infrastructure that our country and society need in the new digital era. We invest heavily to enable our customers to enjoy the innovative services and products brought by 5G. With technology and innovation, we create a better world for all," he added.
