T-Mobile USA has chosen Ericsson to bolster its network conversion, with the agreement due to help the company prepare for the 2013 launch of LTE.

As the first user of Ericsson's AIR technology in North America, it will be possible for T-Mobile USA to increase its current coverage and swiftly roll out LTE.

AIR was chosen by T-Mobile USA because of its radio performance and simplicity of use.

Radio, tower and switch room technology will all be put in place by Ericsson, which will also help to integrate systems and provide turnkey services with regards to areas like installation, commissioning and migration.

Chief technology officer at T-Mobile USA, Neville Ray, said: "T-Mobile continues to be at the forefront of 4G innovation and we're excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Ericsson as we modernise our network and deploy LTE in 2013.

"By partnering with Ericsson, T-Mobile expects to be the first carrier in the nation to deploy the company's Antenna Integrated Radio (AIR) technology, enabling accelerated deployment and reduced site loading."