Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators, operating in 175 countries, with more than 90,000 employees and a revenue of USD 28.2 billion (SEK 203.3 billion) as of 2010. Ericsson is advancing its vision of becoming "the prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology and business solutions. The company’s portfolio comprises of mobile and fixed telephone infrastructure, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and application developers.
In operation for 120 years, L.M. Ericsson made its first investment in the Turkish market in 1890 by installing the telephone line which is still operating in Dolmabahce Palace. In 1925 Ericsson, the first 100 percent foreign capital company in Turkey, opened its Izmir Exchange Station, with the capacity to serve 2,416 subscribers.
Founded in 2001, Ericsson Mobility World has exported solutions developed by local companies to the entire world, and was awarded the "Best New Service" in London in 2002. Continuing its R&D activities by opening its Expert Center serving the CEMA (Central Europe, Middle East, Africa) region in Turkey, Ericsson opened its third IMS Center in Turkey. Ericsson established R&D cooperation in the IT field between Turkey and Israel with the EUREKA initiative conducted in cooperation with TUBITAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and Israel’s Ministry of Industry and Trade.
In 2006, Ericsson continued its R&D operations by acquiring 100 percent of the shares of Bizitek, a leading technology company. As of 2010, its R&D center operates in two different locations with three offices and 194 R&D engineers in its first year of operation.
Leveraging its global experience and knowledge, in 2009 Ericsson Turkey transformed its corporate training carried out within the company to a training center structure, and commissioned Ericsson Telecommunication Academy, investing approximately USD 5 million in cooperation with Netron.
In 2002, the “Ericsson Response” project was launched to ensure communication among emergency teams during disasters. During the 2004 earthquake in Iran, Ericsson installed an Emergency Communications System, with the capacity for 5,000 people to reach the area in 24 hours.
To date Ericsson Turkey has supported many social responsibility projects in the area of culture and arts. These include the Bodrum Antique City Wall Restoration, which lasted for six years, and the Magnesia excavation, which lasted for five years, the environment project called “The Step To Save The World”, and education projects such as “Girls of Information Society” and “Crea Academy”. Ericsson Turkey also supports education by building mobile communication labs for many universities.