• Digicel Guyana's virtualized core enables 3G mobile broadband services to Digicel subscribers in the Caribbean

• Complete network functions virtualization (NFV) solution including Ericsson Virtual Evolved Packet Core and Ericsson Cloud Execution Environment, improving user experience for Digicel's subscribers, as well as future-proofing offering

• The cloud based NFV technology introduces new level of scalability and ensures possibility for cost-efficient expansion and service innovation for Digicel

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) deployed a complete network functions virtualization (NFV) solution to the core network of leading Caribbean operator Digicel. The 3G mobile broadband network in Guyana for 100,000 subscribers is the first Ericsson network to go live with NFV solution in Latin America. The new technology will scale the network for future services and allow streamlining and optimization of operator's offerings.

The new 3G network will enable Digicel to offer increased speed as well as improved network quality and customer experience. Ericsson Virtual Evolved Packet Core is fully integrated with the operator's native network. It supports 2G, 3G and is ready for LTE.

Krishna Phillipps, CTO, Digicel Region Caribbean says:

"We asked for a solution and within 30 days Ericsson came with a creative way for us to improve our offering to subscribers in a future-proofed way. With this cloud solution, we will keep our capital expenditures low and secure easy adoption of new innovative services for the future. We also know that when we're ready to expand, we can do so without major expenditures on physical equipment by using cloud based scaling."

Based on an open architecture, the solution brings a complete NFV and consists of Ericsson Virtual Evolved Packet Core for mobile broadband with Ericsson Cloud Execution Environment and Ericsson Cloud Manager. In addition, Ericsson provides system integration and support service.

Nicolas Brancoli, Vice President Latin America & Caribbean, Ericsson, said:

"We are one of the largest software companies in the world and our communications network experience makes good sense coming into the cloud space. For Digicel, the virtual Evolved Packet Core is able to handle all types of applications and data, and improves the experience for Digicel's subscribers."