New LTE network is a part of the most extensive and technologically advanced mobile broadband network in Slovakia
Slovak Telekom has launched a 4G LTE network in five cities in Slovakia, more locations will follow soon.
This LTE network is already the largest in Slovakia, giving Slovak Telekom a competitive edge in 4G.
Ericsson is the sole vendor for the LTE radio network, which is based on the multi-standard RBS 6000 base station. The network operates at 1800MHz and offers a maximum theoretical speed of 73Mbps download and 23Mbps upload. Circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) ensures that voice calls and text messages are delivered to LTE devices through the use of a 2G and 3G circuit-switched network.
Miroslav Majoroš, chairman of the board and CEO at Slovak Telekom, said: 'We have launched first Slovak nationwide LTE network and our ambition is to build the most advanced mobile network in our country. Following the launch in five cities we plan to cover 20% population of Slovakia in first three months and more locations will follow in 2014. This is new generation network for mobile devices introducing faster downloads, better latency and enabling better usage of smartphones, tablets and mobile apps.
'LTE is our eighth technology premiere in 12 years and confirms our leader position in technology and innovations in Slovakia,' he added.
Valter D'Avino, Ericsson head of region Western and Central Europe, said: 'We are proud to be supporting Slovak Telekom in the launch of Slovakia's largest LTE network and expanding our successful 16 year relationship by adding the provision of 4G to our existing business as sole supplier of 2G, 3G and circuit core hardware and software.'
This LTE rollout contract marks the continuation of long standing cooperation between Slovak Telekom and Ericsson, and includes systems integration, network optimization, multi-vendor verification and related services.
Ericsson is the operator's sole supplier of 2G and 3G radio, as well as circuit core hardware and software, including IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem). With the Ericsson IMS Slovak Telekom will evolve its current voice business to support VoLTE in the future. This will enable HD voice, video calling over LTE and other new flexible communication services. Ericsson is also providing managed services for Slovak Telekom's fixed network operations.
