Airtel has partnered with Ericsson to deliver a new, nationwide LTE (Long Term Evolution) 800 MHz network in the Seychelles.

The network is aimed at meeting growing customer demand for mobile broadband services while delivering superior performance. This is Airtel's first commercial LTE network in Africa.

The network is expected to cover 10,000 LTE subscribers in the first phase and will greatly enhance connectivity giving Airtel's customers an improved smartphone experience, with faster web browsing, downloads and improved quality of service.

Amadou Dina, Country Manager, Airtel Seychelles says: "LTE transforms the mobile-broadband user experience, providing superior data speeds needed for services such as internet TV, mobile video-blogging, online video games and the mobile office-environment."

The agreement includes equipment, software and support services, as well as incorporating multi-standard radio base station equipment from the Ericsson RBS 6000 family, LTE RAN software and upgrading existing 2G and 3G access network software.

Fredrik Jejdling, Head of Ericsson Sub-Saharan Africa says: "The deployment of the next generation mobile network across the Seychelles will enable subscribers to enjoy an enhanced mobile experience and reliable services, and will facilitate new exciting opportunities for business, society and people in the country."