Harris Stratex Networks Awarded $1.9M Deal with Lintel to Expand Network Backbone for Africell in Gambia and Sierra Leone
Deployments to extend the reach of networks into remote areas across the two countries, as well as increase network reliability
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, North Carolina – April 6, 2009 – Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTX), a leading specialist in backhaul solutions for mobility and broadband networks, today announced it was selected by Africell Holding, a subsidiary of Lintel Holding, to expand its GSM networks in Africa. Harris Stratex Eclipse™ radios provide backhaul for next-generation, IP-enabled mobile base stations to support increased reach and capacity for Africell networks in Gambia and Sierra Leone. Deployments began in December for a contract valued at $1.9 million. With more than 1.3 million subscribers, Africell Gambia and Africell Sierra Leone lead their respective markets with 67 and 45 percent market share.
Lintel deployments include 90 links of Eclipse high-capacity radios, which are optimised for networks with flexible, high-bandwidth capabilities and native gigabit Ethernet interfaces. The links extend network reach into remote areas across the two countries, as well as increase network reliability. The Eclipse platform, well known for a number of market firsts for TDM wireless transport, including Super-PDH™ transport and compact nodal networking, will enable Africell to achieve a stable, nationwide, independent backbone in both countries. To learn more about the Eclipse platform,
please visit the Eclipse product page on the Harris Stratex Web site.
Harris Stratex also will supply its advanced ProVision® Element Management System. The ProVision system was developed specifically for managing microwave radio networks, and delivers advanced features for monitoring and controlling TDM and Ethernet traffic. It also provides a number of advanced features for monitoring and controlling TDM and Ethernet transport, such as end-to-end circuit provisioning, Ethernet utilisation reporting and RMON performance monitoring. For more information on the ProVision system,
please visit the product page on the Harris Stratex Web site.
Elias Arwadi, chief operations officer, Africell Holding, commented, “As the dominant market leader in Gambia and Sierra Leon, Africell is committed to expand into all rural areas and provide the same quality of service through a state-of-the-art national backbone. This investment, especially in the current economic climate, as part of a bigger ongoing expansion, is again a vote of confidence in the market potential of both Sierra Leone and Gambia.”
As an Eclipse customer for more than three years, Africell was quick to embrace Harris Stratex’ comprehensive solutions because of the company’s proven track record of providing high standards for customer service, technical expertise and reliable products.
“We look forward to expanding our relationship with Lintel. Harris Stratex is fully committed to the African market with our local presence for both technical and post-sales support. Further, our Eclipse technology provides the ideal platform to support Africell as it rolls out new services to these two key markets,” said Harald Braun, Harris Stratex president and CEO.
Harris Stratex Networks has an extensive presence in Africa, providing on the ground technical support for the region's operators from its regional headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, and satellite offices across Africa. Deep knowledge of the local market and in-market technical support has been a key factor in developing Harris Stratex' close partnerships with the region's operators.
