Ericsson Wins Canadian Managed Services Contract

­Ericsson says that it has won a five-year managed services contract from the new Canadian mobile network operator, Mobilicity. The company had already previously selected Ericsson to design and build its 3G network.

The network aims to launch its services first in Toronto this spring, and later in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. Mobilicity is the new brand name for DAVE Wireless.

The Mobilicity 3G network will be handled by Ericsson's managed services organization. No financial details were provided.

Loris Zaia, Vice-President and General Manager, Ericsson Canada, says: "We are delighted that another North American operator sees the benefit of our global scale and experience in managing operators' networks. Our cooperation with Mobilicity is particularly interesting when you realize we became a trusted managed services provider even before they launch their 3G network."

Following the Canadian wireless spectrum auction, DAVE Wireless holds licenses which cover more than half of Canada's population in 10 of the 13 largest markets including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. Mobilicity will roll-out its service in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa later this year.