Finland's DNA has signed 4G/LTE contract with Ericsson. Three-year contract includes network management products, radio access, packet core, backhaul and related network rollout services.

By extending its existing partnership with Ericsson and launch 3G/HSPA Evolution and high-end 4G LTE network, DNA plans to further enhance the user experience by improving network latency and bandwidth and introducing new quality of service-based offerings.

"By continuing our strategic partnership with Ericsson, DNA will be able to further improve the mobile broadband end-user experience and quality of service. The flexible new technology also allows remarkable growth in data-traffic volumes, caused by the great success of DNA's mobile broadband products. Modernizing the network with Ericsson's multi-standard radio solution also provides lower network energy consumption, therefore decreasing both the carbon footprint as well as the operational costs of DNA's mobile operations," Tommy Olenius, Vice President, Technology, DNA

During the contract period, DNA's 3G/HSPA Evolution (21/42Mbps) services will expand to nationwide coverage. 4G services will be offered in the major cities to accelerate the data traffic in the busiest areas. DNA aims to launch 4G commercially during 2011.

The deal will run over three years and includes GSM/HSPA/LTE radio access, Evolved Packet Core (EPC), All IP-based mobile backhaul solutions as well as network management solutions. Services to DNA will cover support, network rollout, systems integration as well as consultancy and educational services.