Bhutan Telecom Selects Ericsson to implement emergency network in Bhutan

Bhutan Telecom, the largest telecom operator in the Kingdom of Bhutan and Ericsson have successfully deployed a disaster resilient, emergency telecom core network in Bhutan as a JICA grant project.

This network was formally dedicated to the nation today by His Excellency Lyonpo Karma Donen Wangdi, Minister for Information & Communications.

This emergency telecom core network has been built with the objective of providing users with a seamless and uninterrupted experience, even during natural calamities. Under the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) grant project, Ericsson has implemented disaster recovery solutions from its Digital Services portfolio to help Bhutan Telecom build this network.

Ericsson solutions deployed in the network include Evolved Packet Core, Mobile Switching, OSS and BSS .This network would be helpful both in day-to-day operations as well as in enhancing the preparedness of the network to handle disaster situations.

Jichen Thinley, GM, Corporate Planning & Strategy, Bhutan Telecom says, “Communication is an integral part of our daily lives. Mobility and connectivity are extremely important during a time of natural disaster and calamities. Bhutan being located within one of the most seismically active zones in the world, we are working with Ericsson to put in place a backup telecom core network that enables a seamless and uninterrupted connectivity experience for our users across the country. “

Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of Ericsson South East Asia, Oceania and India says, “As a long-term partner for Bhutan Telecom we understand the importance of creating a robust telecom network that is reliable in normalcy, as well as contingencies. The solutions that we have deployed as part of this project will help Bhutan Telecom in day -to-day network management and will enhance their overall preparedness against natural disasters.”

Bhutan is witnessing significant growth in data traffic and Ericsson is helping Bhutan Telecom address this growing demand for data services by expanding the LTE coverage and capacity in the country.