Ericsson signs deal with MTS

has signed an agreement with Russian mobile operator,

(MTS) to supply and deploy a 3G/HSPA (high-speed packet access) network.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver a turnkey solution including 3G/HSPA core and radio access network equipment, network management system hardware and software plus services including network deployment, systems integration, technical support and training.

The commercial launch of 3G network segments is scheduled for the second half of 2008.

According to Ericsson, this move will enable MTS to offer its subscribers high-speed mobile broadband services together with multimedia services, such as mobile TV and video calls.

Ericsson's HSPA provides fast data transmission speeds in uplink and downlink. It also boosts network capacity and lowers response times for interactive services. Ericsson further claims that its dual access packet core allows for the efficient introduction of high speed 3G/HSPA services through software upgrades of the existing GSM core hardware.