P4, subsidiary of Play Communications, has selected Ericsson as an additional partner to expand its radio access network in Poland, based on Ericsson Radio System. The expansion of Play’s network includes radio access network components as well as Operation Support System (OSS) components with Ericsson Network Manager. The agreement is effective immediately.

The expansion will help Play increase its mobile broadband coverage nationwide and significantly enhance subscribers’ user experience in the process. Additionally, Play and Ericsson have agreed a cooperation between Play and Ericsson’s R&D centers in Poland, located in Kraków and Łódź, where Ericsson employs a large group of radio experts. Play’s network plans remain to essentially complete the roll out of its radio network by the end of 2020, to reduce national roaming costs and deliver a top service to Play’s customers.

Play already has a network of more than 6,000 owned base stations across Poland equipped with the most recent technology equipment. The cooperation with Ericsson will not only support this project but will also allow for the implementation of 4G to 5G system evolution projects in the longer term. Radio and baseband units in Ericsson Radio System are ready for 5G.