2013-02-14 11:30:00 -

* VimpelCom subscribers in Siberia and the Urals to enjoy improved network
    quality and end-user experience
  * More than 400 VimpelCom employees to join Ericsson in the company's first
    major managed services contract in Russia
  * Contract covers management of both fixed and mobile networks, including more
    than 10,000 base stations in 41 cities and more than 10,000km of optical
    transport cables

VimpelCom, one of the world's 10 largest integrated telecommunications services
operators, has signed a managed services contract with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC).
Under the five year agreement, Ericsson will manage network operations on
VimpelCom's behalf at more than 10,000 sites, as well as overseeing more than
10,000km of optical transport   cables and an extensive fixed network across
Siberia and the Urals in Russia.
Ericsson will be responsible for network operations and field maintenance for
active and passive network components, for the operator's mobile, fixed and
transport networks.
As part of the agreement over 400 VimpelCom employees spread over 41 locations
across Siberia and the Urals 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 optimize 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 maximize 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."
Valter D'Avino, Head of Managed Services, Ericsson, says: "This is our first
major managed services contract in Russia. 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."
This contract will result in a major expansion of Ericsson's services business
in Russia, a country that is of great strategic importance. With more than
60,000 service professionals working in 180 countries, Ericsson is the
undisputed leader in managed services and has the scale required to meet the
needs of operators worldwide.


NOTES TO EDITORS

Ericsson Managed Services press backgrounder
Ericsson Global Services media kit:
www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/mediakits/services
Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at
www.ericsson.com/press
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and
services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time
solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in
sustainable societies around the world.
Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information
and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today
more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson
networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2.5 billion
subscribers.
We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in
1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company's net
sales were SEK 226.9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ
OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.
www.ericsson.com
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www.youtube.com/ericssonpress

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson Corporate Public & Media Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com
Ericsson Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 00 00
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

VimpelCom signs 5-year managed services contract with Ericsson: 
 hugin.info/1061/R/1678162/547613.pdf



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Source: Ericsson via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1678162]