Ericsson and 2degrees, one of New Zealand’s leading communication service providers, announced the extension of their existing joint radio access network (RAN) technology partnership for five years.

This new agreement follows the 2021 agreement, in which Ericsson and 2degrees collaborated for the first time to modernize service providers’ RAN networks using products and solutions from Ericsson’s radio system product portfolio. The products and services being deployed include all RAN 3G/4G/5G products in Ericsson’s existing product portfolio (AIR, baseband, RAN processors, Ericsson antenna systems, power systems including lithium-ion batteries), as well as future products including Generator 4 RAN processors.

According to the extension of the cooperation agreement, Ericsson will continue to accelerate the network modernization plan of 2degrees, with a focus on deploying 5G nationwide, while replacing and enhancing mobile 3G and 4G infrastructure at sites.

The expansion of the national network modernization project will enable 2degrees to achieve greater capacity and performance, providing better experiences and services for consumers and business customers across the country.

Mark Callander, CEO of 2degrees, said, “This agreement demonstrates the important work we have done in partnering with Ericsson to provide advanced mobile networks to New Zealand. Ericsson’s technology supports some of the world’s best 5G networks. The industry-leading technology 2degrees, launched in partnership with Ericsson, will further benefit our customers from the cutting-edge innovations we have accomplished together.”

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson’s New Zealand and Australia business, said, “The expansion of this collaboration validates and further supports Ericsson’s work towards achieving the vision of 2degrees, which is to become the best performing network in New Zealand, a goal Ericsson strives to achieve. It is the industry benchmark for network performance. Through the partnership with 2degrees, Ericsson’s RAN innovation is changing the telecommunications landscape in New Zealand and providing excellent customer experience and service for all New Zealanders.”