SMART Communications selects ECI Telecom to manage transmission network (Philippines)
ECI Telecom, global provider of networking infrastructure solutions optimized for next-generation network migration, today announced that Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), the largest wireless services provider in the Philippines, has awarded ECI a two-year managed services contract for its nationwide transmission network. SMART is looking to ECI to manage its increasingly complex network, to ensure high availability and improved network performance.
The agreement follows a decade-long relationship between the two companies for the delivery of network equipment solutions, supporting SMART’s nationwide transmission backbone, and is a strong proof-point of ECI’s 1Net framework. 1Net underscores ECI’s commitment to providing operators beyond equipment-based solutions, to include turnkey programs and professional and managed services, offering them the highest level of support as they transition to next-generation networks. “Outsourcing network management operations to a vendor like ECI can benefit SMART with preventative maintenance, proactive troubleshooting, and more efficient network design. This should allow SMART to better leverage its network capacity, improving cost-efficiencies and enabling it to deliver enhanced service level agreements to its customers,” said John Marcus, Senior Analyst at Current Analysis. “Having worked with ECI for many years, it made sense to partner with a proven and innovative vendor who can allow us to focus on our core business, and continue to deliver superior, wireless services to customers across the Philippines,” said Napoleon L. Nazareno, President and CEO of SMART.
“This is an important project for ECI as the company continues to solidify its position as a full-fledged Managed Services provider. We offer SMART and all of our customers a path to optimize their operational capabilities, enabling them to deliver on time and on budget, while maintaining the highest service level,” commented Rafi Maor, CEO and President of ECI Telecom. Under the agreement, ECI will provide SMART with multi-vendor network management services for the operator’s transmission Network Operations Center (NOC), including 24/7 network surveillance, fault management and maintenance.
About ECI Telecom
ECI Telecom delivers innovative communications platforms to carriers and service providers worldwide. ECI provides efficient platforms and solutions that enable customers to rapidly deploy cost-effective, revenue-generating services.
Founded in 1961, Israel-based ECI has consistently delivered customer-focused networking solutions to the world’s largest carriers. The Company is also a market leader in many emerging markets. ECI provides scalable broadband access, transport and data networking infrastructure that provides the foundation for the communications of tomorrow, including next-generation voice, IPTV, mobility and other business solutions. For more information, please visit www.ecitele.com.
About ECI’s 1Net
ECI’s 1Net framework defines our focus on facilitating our customer’s optimal transition to Next-Generation Networks. This is based on the unique combination of innovative and multi-functional networking equipment extending from the access to the core of transport networks, fully integrated solutions and a full suite of professional managed services. As a partner for growth, with 1Net, ECI delivers the highest level of cost-effective support and flexibility for carriers today and in the future, resulting in improved time to market for services and offerings, reduced total cost of ownership and increased business performance.
About SMART Communications, Inc.
Smart Communications, Inc. is the Philippines’ leading wireless services provider with 34.2 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-September 2008. Of its total subscriber base, 20.9 million subscribers are served under the brands Smart Buddy, Smart Gold and Smart Infinity and another 13.3 million subscribers are served through its subsidiary, Pilipino Telephone Corp., under the brand Talk ‘N Text. SMART has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless data services, including mobile commerce services such as Smart Money, Smart Load and Smart Padala. SMART also offers a 3G service, Smart 3G. Its Smart Link and Blue Ocean Wireless services provide communications to the global maritime industry. Another subsidiary, Smart Broadband, Inc., offers a wireless broadband service, Smart BRO. SMART is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Philippines’ leading telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. For more information, visit www.smart.com.ph.
