Maltese cable TV company Melita has selected Sweden’s Ericsson to integrate HSPA mobile broadband into the operator's existing cable TV network. The move will enable Melita to add mobile broadband to its TV, internet and fixed telephony services portfolio, becoming a fully integrated player. Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson has supplied, integrated and deployed an IP-based HSPA radio access, circuit and packet core network, plus a revenue management solution. Melita expects to launch quadruple-play services, including mobile broadband, in February this year, as Malta’s third mobile network operator.

Maltese company Melita, provider of home entertainment and telecommunications, has become the first in the world to integrate HSPA mobile broadband into its existing cable-TV network, adding mobile broadband to its TV, internet and fixed telephony offerings. Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) was selected as the end-to-end integrator, using its expertise and technology to make this achievement possible.
 
The Ericsson solution will allow Melita to deploy new services rapidly and cost-effectively, while optimizing its existing infrastructure. The new network will assist Melita to offer its consumers an enhanced end-user experience based on TV, internet, fixed telephony and mobile broadband services.
 
Under the turnkey agreement, Ericsson has supplied, integrated and deployed an IP-based HSPA radio access, circuit and packet core network, plus a revenue management solution. To ensure cost-effective operations for the new network, the skills of Melita's professionals have been enhanced using Ericsson's Learning Services.
 
Stephen Wright, Melita's COO, says: "Ericsson's proven technology and service expertise will provide us with a high-performance, quality solution to control operating costs and enable us to bring compelling services to our customers in the Maltese market." 
 
Cesare Avenia, Head of Market Unit South East Europe, says: "Ericsson, with its proven broadband solutions and know-how in next-generation telecommunications networks, is providing Melita with the opportunity to generate greater revenue and expand its offerings with the latest mobile broadband services."
 
Source: http://www.ericsson.com/ericsson/press/releases/20090114-1281875.shtml