Global network infrastructure group ECI Telecom aims to grab at least 30% of SA's broadband transmission market share in the next five years.
Africa CEO Smangele Nkosi says the South African branch was opened last year, but has not been formally launched. “We are building up the local company and are going to localise as much as possible.”
The company has been on the continent for the last 15 years, but Nkosi says it was in 2008 that ECI decided to focus on emerging markets in general.
“We have 36% of market share on the transmission side in India. We are in nine African countries currently, including SA.”
Nkosi also says the company has agents elsewhere, but it decided to open an office specifically in Africa so it can better identify with customers.
“We are fighting the big guns here. The Ciscos, the Ericssons; we are fighting in their game, but we are still new, at only a year old.”
However, Nkosi says the company's aim is to have at least 30% of SA's market share on the transmission side in terms of broadband access, in the next five years.
“For our local strategy we want to penetrate mobile operators.” She also says the company wants to continue working with government, aiming to partner with the likes of Broadband Infraco.
Literacy drive
Nkosi highlights the issue of broadband access in SA. “Broadband access is really bad here. It's a socio-economic factor. The price is still high and it's a literacy issue that the company has to address in driving the information.”
She adds that, because of this environment, the company's low total cost of ownership quality will work well.
Hybrid offers
Next-generation Ethernet from the company is on the cards for SA soon, according to Nkosi.
She adds that it is already in the product portfolio for the country. The company plans to offer a hybrid solution that includes TDM (time division multiplexed) and packet products. It will also offer those products that provide just packet.
Nkosi says the company has not yet rolled out next-generation Ethernet with fixed-line operator Neotel, but for one of its government clients in SA it has deployed - but not yet launched - next-generation Ethernet.
ECI SA will be formally launched in the first quarter of next year.
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No next-generation Ethernet for SA yet
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