Swiss connection

has signed a frame agreement with Swiss operator

to expand and upgrade its WCDMA/HSPA network to enable high-speed mobile broadband coverage across 90 percent of

.

Ericsson will provide an HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) solution that will upgrade the operator's network to enable peak speeds of up to 7.2Mbps on the downlink - the maximum speed that commercial HSPA subscriber devices currently allow.

This agreement also expands on Swisscom's initial HSPA launch in February 2006, making uplink speeds of up to 1.4Mbps available across 90 per cent of the country.

The contract will underpin the widespread availability of mobile broadband services across Switzerland and support subscriber access to a range of services. The service was announced by Swisscom in November 2007. Rollout has started and is due for completion in the second quarter of 2008.

‘Ericsson's solution allows us to boost network capacity and extend our leadership in mobile broadband availability across the country, offering customers seamless access to our range of broadband services,’ said Patrice Haldemann, Network & IT, head of operations Swisscom.

Ericsson says its HSPA technology supports downlink speeds of up to 14.4Mbps and significantly increases operators' network capacity, providing subscribers with a ‘superior user experience’.