Eircom has signed a five-year €80 million contract with Ericsson, the fifth largest software company in the world.

The agreement will see Ericsson becoming the sole vendor for Eircom’s radio access solutions for 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution), 3G and 2G mobile technologies across Ireland.

Ericsson will also provide support services for the equipment throughout the duration of the agreement.

Ericsson Ireland managing director Traoloch Collins said the contract reinforces Ericsson's status as "the largest 4G technology supplier in both Ireland and globally".

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said Ericsson employs more than 1400 people in Ireland and is a hugely important employer in Athlone.

“The contract being announced today, for the provision of cutting edge software to support the Eircom mobile network, will help the company maintain and grow its employment in Athlone”.