By Business & Finance 
The Swedish giant is still one of the most vital telecoms companies in the world – and Ireland is a major hub for the firm, with the company employing over 1,400 in the country.
Ericsson has been in Ireland since 1957, providing telecommunications infrastructure and services and the company currently employs over 1,400 people In Ireland across research and development, global services and sales in two geographical locations, Dublin and Athlone.
Ericsson’s continued influence on the world of telecommunications mirrors its influence and impact on the FDI sector in Ireland.
The tech giant is one of the oldest most vital telecommunications companies in the world; something evidenced by the large percentage of the world’s mobile traffic that passing through Ericsson networks.
There has been significant debate in recent years about whether there is the requisite skills base in Ireland to sustain a significant push to capitalise on the growth of the cloud technology sector and the information, communications technology in general.
Ericsson has taken such an approach and has worked with ICT Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the high-tech sector, to deliver programmes to educate the workforce of tomorrow. In its graduate programme, Ericsson provides opportunities in the areas of software development, R&D, network engineering, technical training and consultancy.
In Ericsson’s most recent Mobility Report, the company reported that over 1 million new mobile broadband subscribers will be added per day to its network over the next six years. This means there will be an additional 2.6 billion subscribers by the end of 2022.
The report continues to forecast the growth of mobile technology, including IoT connections and LTE.
MOBILE CONNECTIVITY
In June, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) appointed Ericsson as its official technology partner. Ericsson will advise the GAA on all ICT-related matters and optimise mobile connectivity at the Croke Park stadium in Dublin to bring fans closer to the action.
Ericsson will help the GAA to maintain Croke Park’s reputation as one of the world’s leading stadiums through the implementation of future-proof, scalable and functional technology that enhances patrons’ match-day experiences for generations to come.
John Griffin, Head of Ericsson Ireland, commented: “Croke Park holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Irish people everywhere and in the year when we celebrate 60 years of Ericsson’s presence in Ireland we are delighted to partner with the GAA and show our commitment to the Irish society. With more than 40% of the world’s mobile traffic passing through network equipment supplied by Ericsson, we are perfectly positioned to support the GAA in meeting growing demands, improving stadium connectivity, and ensuring the best possible digital experience for fans.”
In working with the GAA, Ericsson will draw on a wealth of innovative best practices gained from working on similar projects around the world.
Most recently, Ericsson deployed stadium experiences for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and for the European football championships in France. Combining technology leadership, global expertise and the local knowledge of an innovative team of 1,360 employees based in Athlone and Dublin will ensure a memorable experience for all visitors to Croke Park.
Another feature of the partnership will see Ericsson sponsor Croke Park’s famous Skyline tour, which offers unrivalled views of Dublin from high atop the stadium.
