Ericsson have signed a pact with Telstra  to operate a combined core network for its 2G, 3G and 4G traffic. Ericsson''s Evolved Packet Core (EPC) enables the mobile broadband traffic carried in Telstra GSM, WCDMA/HSPA and LTE access networks to be seamlessly handled by the same core network nodes.

Ericsson has signed 30 commercial EPC contracts. The majority of the network operators that signed these contracts have deployed an EPC network as an overlay upon their existing packet core networks. EPC's validated triple-access functionality through software upgrades allows for smooth introduction of new IP-based services to existing networks, protecting earlier investments.

"Through implementing the Evolved Packet Core, we can smoothly integrate and transition 2G, 3G and 4G traffic seamlessly for our customers. This is the complete network solution that we envisioned over 5 years ago: a common and efficient core network supporting traffic from any source across our evolving GSM, WCDMA and LTE access networks”, said Mike Wright, Telstra's Executive Director of Network and Access Technologies.

Sam Saba, Head of Ericsson Australia, said, "Telstra has successfully implemented the latest technology and we see many operators following their launch closely. The triple-access Evolved Packet Core enables cost-efficient operations and increased revenues as it greatly facilitates network planning and maintenance and allows for smooth introduction of new IP-based services."