Sub-Saharan Africa's first 4G/LTE managed services contract has been entered into by communications technology and services provider, Ericsson, and Smile Communications, according to a statement.

On Wednesday Ericsson announced that has signed a a five-year multi-country managed services agreement to manage Smile's 4G/LTE networks across all its operations.

Smile, a pure 4G/LTE operator, has operations in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, and in terms of the agreement Ericsson will provide a fully managed end-to-end service that includes network operations, performance, optimisation, field support and maintenance.

A statement notes that the contract extends Ericsson's relationship with Smile in Nigeria, where Ericsson is Smile's sole vendor for 4G networks.

Commenting on the partnership Tom Allen, group chief operating officer of Smile Communications said, "We regard Ericsson as more than a vendor, we are long term partners focused on delivering on the Smile promise to be the broadband provider of choice in Africa and to ensure that our customers fully benefit from the internet world."

Fredrik Jejdling, president Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa added, "We are excited to be delivering this service to Smile as it further extends our partnership with the operator in the region. Bringing with us our expertise as global HSPA and LTE leaders, this partnership enables Smile Communications to focus even more on the core business of delivering superior products and services that cater to the needs of its subscribers, whilst at the same time improving operational efficiency."