Cambridge Broadband Networks selected as Preferred Backhaul Infrastructure Supplier for MTN Group
Cambridge, UK, 19 November 2007: The MTN Group, Africa's leading cellular operator, has chosen Cambridge Broadband Networks as a preferred supplier for backhaul infrastructure. Cambridge Broadband Networks' VectaStar point-to-multipoint wireless transmission platform has already been commercially deployed by MTN's operating companies in Cameroon and Rwanda, and network planning is at advanced stages in other countries.
With operations in 21 countries throughout Africa and the Middle East, the MTN Group has more than 54 million subscribers. Currently, MTN is using VectaStar to backhaul traffic from its 2G, WiMAX and 3G networks, as well as providing broadband Internet access services to businesses.
Cambridge Broadband Networks has been selected as a preferred supplier owing to VectaStar's support for multiple applications and traffic types, including IP, Ethernet, TDM, and ATM; its in-built traffic management and optimisation; and its contribution to reducing operational and capital expenditure. Where MTN has been using VectaStar instead of point-to-point microwave links, it has already realised significant cost reductions.
Karel Pienaar, Group Executive, Network Group at the MTN Group explains: "VectaStar's contribution to our global drive to minimise costs is key to our decision to endorse the technology at a Group level. Additionally, its support for all types of traffic, within both access and backhaul applications, means it is suitable for use by all of our operating companies, whatever their service portfolio."
VectaStar's traffic management techniques, including statistical multiplexing and Abis optimisation, enable each operating company to make best use of their available spectrum, whether in the 3.5GHz, 10.5GHz or 26GHz band, or any combination of bands. This frees up spectrum to be used for other services, and makes it easy to offer access services alongside the backhaul network.
Bjorn Krylander, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Broadband Networks, comments: "We are delighted that the level of performance that VectaStar has achieved with MTN in Cameroon and Rwanda has resulted in this level of visibility and sanctioning at a Group level. MTN South Africa is currently in the final stages of the pilot project and once successful will be looking at deployment next year. We look forward to continuing to work with the MTN Group companies throughout Africa and beyond."
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About Cambridge Broadband Networks Limited www.cambridgebroadband.com
Cambridge Broadband Networks provides telecommunications operators with carrier-class wireless point-to-multipoint transmission equipment. The company's unique approach to backhaul means that its technology provides operators with a highly compelling business case, reducing backhaul costs by up to 60%. To date, Cambridge Broadband Networks products have been commercially deployed and technically proven in more than 30 countries, and the company continues to expand into new geographical markets as wireless networks become more widespread throughout the world. Cambridge Broadband Networks has headquarters in Cambridge, UK, with offices in Malaysia and South Africa and manufacturing facilities in China and the UK.
About VectaStar
VectaStar is a highly flexible, scalable point-to-multipoint radio transmission system that can be used for 2G and 3G cellular backhaul, WiMAX/WiFi/DSLAM backhaul and Enterprise access. VectaStar is the only transmission solution with integrated Abis and Iub optimisation and dynamic statistical multiplexing to maximise the traffic that can be carried in any given bandwidth. This provides operators with the most efficient use of their radio spectrum and gives substantial operational and capital expenditure savings compared to leased line solutions. VectaStar's additional advantages include its superior capacity, range, service mix, spectral efficiency and built-in support for full redundancy. VectaStar seamlessly supports E1/T1, IP and ATM transmission protocols, providing operators with a comprehensive range of service offerings within a future proof platform. A single VectaStar base station supports simultaneous operation in the licensed 3.5GHz, 10.5GHz and 26GHz (24.5-26.5GHz) spectrum bands.
About MTN Group www.mtn.com
The MTN Group Limited (MTN Group) is a leading provider of communication services, offering cellular network access and business solutions. The MTN Group is listed in South Africa on the JSE under the Industrial - Telecommunications sector. Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East. As at the end of December 2006, MTN recorded more than 54 million subscribers across its operations. The MTN Group operates in Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, Iran, Afghanistan, Benin, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Liberia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.