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Telecommunications equipment industry

Airspan Networks and Siemens Partner to Deliver High-Speed Internet to South Africa

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Airspan Networks, a global provider of wireless DSL networks, has entered into an agreement with Siemens to deploy a major new network in South Africa, marking the first fixed wireless project in the country licensed to a second network operator (SNO) outside of TelKom SA. The project, which will be rolled out in three phases, will initially focus on Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, with commercial service expected to commence in May 2002. This network will provide high-speed internet services to the growing market in South Africa, with a population of over 40 million and an estimated 400,000 potential small and medium enterprise (SME) customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Airspan Networks has partnered with Siemens to provide US$3.3 million worth of AS4000 wireless DSL systems to Eskom Enterprises for a major new network in South Africa.
  • The second network operator (SNO) will be a joint venture between Eskom and Transtel, the telecommunications division of South Africa's railway company.
  • The deployment will be rolled out in three phases, initially focusing on Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, with commercial service expected to commence in May 2002.
  • Airspan's AS4000 wireless DSL system was selected due to its ability to provide an attractive offering for SNO's target customers in the small to medium-sized enterprise market.
  • The Airspan AS4000 wireless DSL system offers point-to-multipoint delivery of a wide range of telecommunication services, including premium telephony, high-speed packet and leased-line data.
  • The system has coverage of up to 25 km from base with quality of service exceeding traditional copper wire systems.
  • The project represents one of the most exciting new network builds in Africa, and marks a significant milestone for Airspan Networks and Siemens in their joint venture.

Statistics:

  • The population of South Africa is over 40 million.
  • There are an estimated 400,000 potential small and medium enterprise (SME) customers in South Africa that can benefit from high-speed Internet services.
  • The Airspan AS4000 wireless DSL system offers coverage of up to 25 km from base.
  • The system has frequencies ranging from 900 MHz to 4 GHz.

Sources:

  • "Airspan Networks Inc. Signs Agreement to Provide Wireless DSL System to Eskom Enterprises"

(http://www.airspan.com/News(item).asp?ItemID=167&)

  • "Siemens and Airspan Networks Team Up to Deliver High-Speed Access Infrastructure in South Africa"

(http://www.businesswire.com/streetwire/story/20020122006060/en/Airspan-Networks-Siemens-Deliver-High-Speed-Access)

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