First Greek Digital City Planned

Ericsson has signed a turnkey contract with the city of Trikala as a total solution provider and prime integrator to implement its pioneering plans for the creation of the first Greek Digital City.

Ericsson is the prime integrator for this turnkey FTTx backbone telecommunications infrastructure project, which will bring broadband services to the population. Ericsson is also the sole supplier of switching, Wi-Fi systems and a metropolitan area fiber optic network, as well as related telecom services, such as consulting, deployment, systems integration and customer support, until 2008.

The fiber optic Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), extending about 15km throughout the city, will link a range of buildings including the town hall, hospitals, schools and universities, cultural and sporting centers, and trade chamber, as well as the police force, fire service, tax authority, meteorological institute and semi-industrial park of the city. The MAN will be linked to both the National Network of Public Administration (Syzefxis) and the internet, providing high-speed, high-quality broadband services.

Among services to be developed, deployed and supported by the MAN are an electronic marketplace for local enterprises, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for environmental and emergency data, intelligent transport network and health care program a metropolitan-wide emergency response system, urban telework centers and distance-learning courses for the unemployed.

This diverse range of services, supported by high-speed broadband, will make Trikala the first true Digital City in the country.

Michalis Tamilos, mayor of Triakala, says: "We are confident that with their proven systems integration expertise and solutions, as well as their commitment, Ericsson can help us deliver high-quality services to Trikala's citizens and lead our city into a new era. This project can secure enormous economic prospects and growth for our city."

Spyros Nikolaou, CEO, Ericsson Greece, adds: "Broadband services are recognized as one of the most critical components of development and improvement of citizens' quality of life. This project will significantly change the everyday life of Trikala's citizens and we are proud that Ericsson, as the market leader, through its leading technology, end-to-end solutions and competent people, is part of this momentous development."

The Digital City concept involves a series of information and communications technology applications applied at the Minicipality through the Greek Information Society Framework Program, e-trikala, that simplify public transactions, reduce telecommunication costs and offer a wide range of end-user services that meet the everyday needs of residents of medium-sized cities. The project is to be funded by the Greek Information Society Framework Program.

Trikala recently joined the International Network of E-Communities (INEC) (www.i-nec.com).