Zamtel and NEC agree on microwave backbone and access project to boost mobile coverage and capacity across Zambia
LUSAKA, Zambia, September 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Zamtel (http://www.zamtel.zm) and NEC Corporation (http://www.nec.com), global leader in the integration of IT and network technologies, have agreed to build a new digital microwave radio transmission network to boost mobile coverage and capacity for citizens, enterprises and tourists across Zambia.
Photo of the signing ceremony held on Wednesday morning in Lusaka: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1356 (Dr Nobuhiro Endo, President at NEC Corporation, and Dr Mupanga Mwanakatwe, Chief Executive Officer at Zamtel, during the signing ceremony on Wednesday morning in Lusaka)
Logo NEC: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/nec.png
Logo Zamtel: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/zamtel.png
The turnkey deal, which includes the supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of NEC's microwave transmission network equipment, is expected to be completed within 12 months and will cost 18,329,326 US dollars. NEC will upgrade Zamtel's existing backbone and access systems and commission new links to connect its macro base stations and core network wirelessly.
This investment in Zamtel transmission infrastructure aims to upgrade and modernize the company's digital microwave transmission backbone network in order to meet current and foreseeable future growth in mobile data demand, while supporting the company's LTE rollout plan.
“This partnership will see NEC design, manufacture, supply, deliver, install, test, migrate and commission a native Ethernet microwave backbone and access radios specifically tailored to Zamtel's requirements,” said the company's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mupanga Mwanakatwe.
Dr Mwanakatwe said the new digital microwave backbone and access project will include the installation of 2Gbps, 600Mbps, 300Mbps and 150Mbps backbone and access networks based on native Ethernet microwave radio network technologies, adding that on completion, the investment will lead to the realization of a state-of-the-art national IP microwave backbone and access network.
Dr Nobuhiro Endo, President at NEC Corporation commented, “By boosting the coverage and capacity of its wireless backhaul network, Zamtel will be able to meet the ever rising demand for mobile broadband services from local citizens, enterprises and tourists across the country. NEC's highly reliable and cost-effective solution will enable Zamtel to support continued economic growth and underpin emerging services, such as mobile money and high definition mobile TV, in both rural and urban locations.”
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of NEC Corporation.
For more information, contact:
NEC Europe Ltd
Helen McInnes
+44 (0)7748 761 041 / +44 (0)208 836 2346
Zamtel
Kennedy Mambwe
Manager- Corporate Communications
+260 (0) 950-00-33-33
Email: [email protected]
Notes to Editors
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (http://www.nec.com) is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2014 NEC Corporation.
About Zamtel
Zamtel (http://www.zamtel.zm) is Zambia's only total communication solutions provider. Zamtel is 100 percent owned by the Zambian Government, providing voice, data, fixed, internet, MPLS and business continuity services to businesses and individual customers in Zambia.
Zamtel is committed to make a difference and empower communities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. The major thrust of Zamtel's CSR program is anchored on providing safe drinking water in the communities where we operate through Water for Life campaign.
For more information, please visit http://www.zamtel.zm