Swisscom and Ericsson intensify strategic partnership

Berne, 18 December 2015

Give customers the best network every day, now and in the future: this is the goal behind Swisscom and Ericsson’s current push to expand the scope of their partnership, intensify their collaboration in the mobile network and pursue a new and innovative cooperation model. Heinz Herren, CTO & CIO of Swisscom and Magnus Mandersson, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Unit Global Services at Ericsson, have signed a contract to this effect. Swisscom will continue to invest hundreds of millions every year in the further development of the mobile network.

Swisscom and Ericsson can look back on a long and successful partnership: since the early days of the Swiss mobile network, the two companies have been working closely together and have won Connect magazine’s network test seven years in a row. The partnership will now be further intensified. Swisscom and Ericsson will collaborate more closely in developing, planning, implementing and operating the mobile network so that the latest technologies are available in the Swisscom network within a short space of time.

“I am convinced that our customers will benefit from our intensified partnership because we will leverage the combined knowledge and dedication of both companies,” said Heinz Herren, CTO & CIO of Swisscom.

Magnus Mandersson, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Unit Global Services at Ericsson is pleased to develop closer ties to one of the most innovative telecommunications providers in the world: “Our long-standing and close partnership with Swisscom makes new forms of cooperation possible from which not only we as partners stand to gain, but also mobile phone users. We will work together to improve Swisscom’s already outstanding products and services even further. All customers will benefit from shorter times-to-market.”

Joint teams to further develop the mobile network

Swisscom and Ericsson have agreed to an unusual cooperation model. A new team made up of an equal number of Ericsson and Swisscom employees will be formed. Together, they will plan and drive further development of the mobile network. Both partners will bring their many years of experience, their expertise and innovative strength to the partnership. This close cooperation offers both companies a great opportunity to further expand their competitive position and customer centricity. The intensified strategic partnership is agreed for an indefinite period.

Swisscom offers its customers throughout Switzerland the best mobile network. And, Swisscom’s mobile network is also excellent in an international comparison, as shown by the independent trade journal Connect. This high standard was reached in part thanks to the cooperation between Swisscom and Ericsson in the mobile network.