Crnogorski Telekom Signs Energy Management Deal with Ericsson

Crnogorski Telekom has signed a 10-year Energy Infrastructure Management agreement with Ericsson. This is the first contract announced from that department since Ericsson unveiled its collaboration with Panasonic Corporation of North America last year.

Ericsson’s Energy Infrastructure Management is an efficient means of measuring, monitoring and maintaining energy infrastructure for mobile operators and tower companies. It uses big data analytics, energy management software, and lithium-ion batteries for energy storage.

Crnogorski Telekom currently uses a combination of diesel generators and lead-acid batteries as a source of backup power for its cell sites. Compared to lead-acid batteries, Panasonic’s lithium-ion batteries offer better energy density, are less vulnerable to damage from excessive discharging and extreme temperatures, and require less maintenance.

Under the terms of the contract with Crnogorski Telekom, Ericsson will assume responsibility for the design, roll out and management of lithium-ion battery and power infrastructure solutions for the operator’s cell sites. Ericsson will provide these services via an Energy Network Operations Center, thereby ensuring the highest levels of energy efficiency and availability. Panasonic, Ericsson’s partner, will handle the manufacturing, supply, asset ownership, dimensioning, 10-year performance service-level agreements (SLAs), and support for battery and power infrastructure.

The operational benefits include the ability to remotely monitor site infrastructure, which can be particularly useful in a country such as Montenegro that features some of the most rugged terrain in Europe. Ericsson’s Energy Infrastructure Management provides analysis of operating and sensor data, which enables proactive maintenance and reduces the need for unexpected, urgent site visits.