Global Insight
February 8, 2008
Armentel Explores FMC with IMS Solutions from Ericsson
by: Michael Lacquiere
Armenian fixed-line incumbent and mobile operator Armentel has
selected Ericsson for the delivery of an IP Multimedia Subsystem
solution (IMS), which will deliver a next-generation network (NGN),
facilitating fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). No financial details of
the deal have been disclosed.
Significance:Armentel’s deal with Ericsson indicates that its
often-mooted foray into FMC is now edging closer to realisation.
VimpelCom, the 100% owner of Armentel, has not ventured into the FMC
sphere in any of its other markets, but Vice-President Dmitry
Pleskonos has described in a press release the "great potential" of
FMC in Armenia. With VimpelCom on the verge of completing its
acquisition of Golden Telecom, it looks set to transform itself from
mobile operator to integrated services provider.