February 21, 2016, 18:00 (CET)

• Ericsson to upgrade core network to enable Wi-Fi calling and Voice over LTE for Cable & Wireless's Panama network
• Wi-Fi calling provides operator voice services in more locations and drives loyalty among subscribers
• C&W customers can enjoy both voice and video calling, and seamless handover is enabled between LTE and Wi-Fi, which provides operator voice services in more locations

Cable & Wireless Communications Plc (LSE: CWC) today announces Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) will support an upgrade of the Cable & Wireless core network in Panama with an IMS and Evolved Packet Core solution across the country that will enable strong possibilities of fixed and mobile convergence, and appealing subscriber services like Wi-Fi calling and Voice over LTE (VoLTE).

"We are constantly working to enhance and upgrade our network and offer more services for our customers," said Carlo Alloni, EVP Technology and Group CTIO. "As a result of this upgrade, we will be able to offer our customers in Panama more options to make regular operator calls everywhere, and to have better quality all the time in a simple, seamless way," added Alloni.

The Ericsson Wi-Fi calling solution is based on Evolved Packet Core (EPC) with Wi-Fi Mobility Gateway (ePDG and TWAG combined), and Ericsson IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The solution is verified towards the smartphone brands that support Wi-Fi calling.

The IMS will also support Voice over LTE services which will be implemented in the near future. Rollout, integration, and implementation are currently ongoing.

Clayton Cruz, Vice President, Ericsson, Latin America & Caribbean, says:

"With this solution Cable & Wireless will be able to utilize one efficient core network to enable several communication services. In addition, it will unleash a superior communication services user experience by delivering seamless HD voice and video calling services in more locations."

In the Ericsson ConsumerLab report "Wi-Fi Calling Finds Its Voice," (July 2015), 5 out of 10 respondents from the United States said that they would use the service if it were made available.