VimpelCom drafts in Ericsson to overhaul IT infrastructure

Banglalink's parent company VimpelCom has struck a software partnership with Ericsson in a deal worth more than $1 billion that will radically transform the Amsterdam-based telecom service provider's global IT infrastructure.

The partnership, which was announced on Saturday, encompasses a complete overhaul of VimpelCom's IT infrastructure across 11 countries and 12 time zones, said a press release.

VimpelCom will digitise and globalise its business support systems (BSS) infrastructure using Ericsson's new software and cloud technologies.

Banglalink officials said the entire amount will be spent on the digitisation process of different VimpelCom companies, but it is yet to be known the sum that would be utilised in Bangladesh.

The move would help VimpelCom better respond to its customers, while also centralising and simplifying the business, which would result in a more efficient cost structure across their global footprint, said Jean-Yves Charlier, chief executive officer of VimpelCom.

In a fully connected world, success for operators requires performance, flexibility and efficiency, said Hans Vestberg, president and CEO of Ericsson.

“Ericsson's BSS as a service concept, combined with our leading services and technology capabilities, will support VimpelCom in realising these ambitions, while positioning the company for further growth as ICT transforms industries everywhere.”

VimpelCom's contract with Ericsson is for a seven-year period, with an option of extension.