Under the deal Ericcson will manage network operations for VimpelCom across more than 10,000 sites, oversee more than 10,000km of fibre-optic cable and manage the carrier’s fixed network across Siberia and the Urals in Russia.
Ericsson will be responsible for field maintenance and network operations of both passive and active network components. Over 400 VimpelCom employees across 41 locations will be transferred to Ericsson in April.
"This agreement meets VimpelCom's long-term plans in strategic programs to increase operating efficiency. The transfer of network maintenance and support to Ericsson will allow us to more effectively optimise costs and network management. Similar projects have already become standard practice in the world, and we are actively supporting this trend, as we see the effectiveness of this model with examples of global operators. We are confident that the knowledge and experience of Ericsson in the extended network service and support, will allow us to maximise our focus on business development, improve the quality of services for our customers and provide additional quality services," said Anton Kudryashov, general director of Joint Stock Company VimpelCom.
The contract is Ericsson’s first in Russia and will result in a major expansion of the vendor’s service business in the country.
“With Ericsson managing the operations of its network, VimpelCom will be able to reduce its operational expenditure and focus even more on providing innovative solutions for its customers," said Valter D'Avino, head of managed services at Ericsson.
