Telekom Austria has signed a multi-standard radio access network contract with Ericsson.

The deal will enable the operator to manage multiple mobile communications standards on a single network with a flexible 2G/3G/4G RAN solution underpinned by RBS 6000 multi-standard base stations.

Specifically, Ericsson said it will upgrade the 2G and 3G mobile networks and also provide the latest LTE technology for Austria-based subsidiary A1 and Croatia-based Vipnet.

“Our users always come first and that’s why we’re so committed to continue enhancing the customer experience for our subscribers,” commented TA’s CTO Hans Pichler.

“We will be happy to see our subscribers in Austria and Croatia reap immediate benefits from having access to the latest network technologies.”

Last week, TA revealed that fierce price competition in Austria and Croatia was to blame for a 4.9 percent fall in revenues in the first six months of 2012.

The deal is a boost to Ericsson; last month, CEO Hans Vestburg said the vendor was focused on “sustainable profitable growth" after unveiling a 63 percent fall in Q2 profits.

Ericsson said the deal also maintained the company's leading position in LTE and mobile broadband; it claims it provides coverage for 305 million of the 455 million global LTE population.

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