24.6.2020
- This is the first 5G agreement signed in Croatia by Croatian companies
- ENT exclusive supplier of the radio part for Hrvatski Telekom's mobile network until 2024
- Cooperation ensuring technological, economic and social progress
Kostas Nebis, President of the Management Board of Hrvatski Telekom and Boris Drilo, Member of the Management Board and Chief Technical and Chief Information Officer
Hrvatski Telekom and Ericsson Nikola Tesla (ENT) signed a cooperation agreement making ENT the exclusive supplier of the radio part for Hrvatski Telekom's mobile network until 2024. This is the first 5G agreement signed in Croatia by Croatian companies. With this Ericsson Nikola Tesla and Hrvatski Telekom are continuing their long-term quality cooperation that enables technological, economic and social progress.
This agreement is a continuation of the successful cooperation that started with modernization of the radio network two years ago and is oriented towards the introduction of the 5G mobile standard. The aim of the Hrvatski Telekom's 5G network is to provide higher speeds and 5G coverage to its customers as well as to unlock the opportunities of the digitalization and industry 4.0 for Croatian economy and society.
"The past months made it clear how vital the ICT industry and investments in digital infrastructure are, as they are a key lever for the society's digitization and return to economic growth. The cooperation with Ericsson Nikola Tesla is the latest example of our commitment to supporting the economy and society and we intend to continue keeping the pace of our network investment plan and connecting everyone in Croatia with the digitalization opportunities. This is something Hrvatski Telekom as the leading network is dedicated to enabling, as by digitalization and use of modern technologies we support individuals to become more digitally empowered, businesses to become more innovative and productive, and the economy to become more competitive and resilient. 5G technology implementation is applicable on a broad scale and resonating with Croatia’s needs, i.e. enabling higher energy efficiencies through smart metering and dynamic management of power supply, higher efficiency in agriculture through connected and automated devices and machinery, or optimization of irrigation processes, as well as in variety of other industries", stated Kostas Nebis, Hrvatski Telekom CEO.
Gordana Kovačević President of Ericsson Nikola Tesla and Ivan Barać, Sales and Marketing Director of Ericsson Nikola Tesla for Hrvatski Telekom and Crnogorski Telekom
Gordana Kovačević expressed her satisfaction with this important agreement with the strategic partner: "I am proud that, after our first demonstration of 5G technology two years ago, we have now signed the first 5G agreement in Croatia. We are continuing the activities of modernizing HT's mobile network, which we started in 2018. This agreement will enable cutting-edge solutions from Ericsson's radio system portfolio and the fifth generation of mobile communications in the coming period. Ericsson Nikola Tesla experts were among the first to work on the implementation of 5G networks globally. Ericsson has launched 40 5G networks on four continents so far. Our strength lies in Ericsson's technology leadership and our employees. As many as 1,500 of the 3,200 employees of the Ericsson Nikola Tesla Group work in the largest Croatian R&D center, which significantly contributes to the development of new functionalities of 5G networks within the global Ericsson R&D community."