Ericsson today announces that it has acquired NetSpira Networks, S.L., a Spanish company, from its founders an Spanish technological venture capital fitm Bullnet Capital

The company´s technology will be integrated into Ericsson´s offering for mobile data allowing operators to provide easily understandable charging for services such as Java downloads, web acces and MMS. NetSpira´s technology enables content and event-based charging and control with minimal impact on network operator´s infrastuture

NetSpira´s Enhanced Control Solution (ECS) is already being used commercially by Eurotel Praha in the Czech Republic, Pannon in Hungary, Virgin Mobile in the US, Vodafone in Spain, MobileOne in Singapore, Teléfónica Móviles in Spain and Optimus in Portugal, along with other prominent operators in teh Americas ans Asia Pacific

Björn Olsson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ericsson´s Bussiness Unit Systems, says Ericsson will augment its packet core network, which already has service-aware charging and control capabilities, with NetSpira´s technology. Ericsson has already deployed 130 packet core network globally. "Content and event-based charging in the network is being demanded by an increasing number of our customers as it enables operators to fine -tune their charging and service models to maximize revenues without increasing operational costs," he says.

NetSpira´s technology will be integrated into Ericsson´s Gateway GPRS Support Node, which has beeb developed in cooperation with Juniper Networks Inc. The existing ECS product line will be further developed and sold via existing channels as well as forming part of Ericsson´s core mobile data offering. Ericsson wil continue to support NetSpira´s exiting customers and partners.

Jose Lopez, NetSpira CEO, saya the company is proud and excited to be part of the Ericsson Gropu. "By combining the global strenghs of the Ericsson and NetSpira´s technology, Ericsson has given a clear indication of its intent to be the leading provider of content-based charging solutions, with more than 25 of NetSpira´s customer solutions implemented globally," he says