ERICSSON

Ericsson and Orange power Sierra Leone’s 4G service

Orange and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) have launched a 4G network in Sierra Leone in the nation’s capital, Freetown.

Orange will use Ericsson Radio System products and solutions to offer 4G in 90 sites, designed for low latency and fast mobile broadband in a cost and energy-efficient manner, optimising use of frequency bands and realising fibre-like access speeds over the air. With reduced latency, consumers in Sierra Leone can enjoy online services, including HD video and network games.

The 4G launch is bringing consumers’ mobile experience to a whole new level – with higher speeds and reliable broadband access. In addition, Orange can now offer 4G to customers as well as facilitate network planning and maintenance and allow for smooth introduction of new IP-based services.

Nora Wahby, Head of Customer Unit West Africa & Morocco, says: “Our consumer studies show that network performance is the main driver for mobile phone users’ loyalty. With the introduction of 4G/LTE and continuous optimisations of Orange’s networks in Sierra Leone, customers will benefit from superior voice quality and faster speeds on their smartphones.”

Orange also revealed plans to continue the Ericsson Radio System rollout across Sierra Leone – enabling Orange to serve everything from 2G to 5G, through a risk-free implementation of a series of building blocks.

Ericsson Radio System, with its end to end portfolio of hardware, software and services will help Orange Sierra Leone get quality mobile broadband performance smoothly and profitably.