Cellular network operator Cell C has appointed US-based company Littlefeet to expand its cellphone network coverage during an international GSM conference to be held in Cape Town this week.
This is part of a larger framework agreement worth a total of $1.5 million (about R9.5 million) between Cell C and Littlefeet for the GSM 900 and 1 800MHz network expansion and service of Cell C throughout SA. Under this agreement, Littlefeet supplies SPICE coverage infrastructure hardware and the OMC-SPICE network and service management software system.
According to a statement issued by Littlefeet, SPICE is an acronym for Small Profile Intelligent Coverage Element - a new category of network infrastructure equipment.
Cell C corporate spokesperson Moira Sheridan says the SPICE technology is essentially a repeater system that is used on a temporary basis to enhance coverage while its permanent system is being built.
In terms of Cell C`s agreements with established cellphone operator Vodacom, its urban roaming agreement ends in November 2004 when its own Siemens-built network has to be fully operational. The rural agreement extends for 15 years from the time Cell C received its licence in November 2001.
Sheridan says the Littlefeet SPICE system is not a substitute or part of the Siemens solution and once it has served its use in Cape Town it can be deployed to other parts of the country as needed.
Littlefeet says its SPICE technology is a low-impact, scaleable, community-friendly infrastructure solution that enables wireless operators to economically overcome challenges they face in meeting escalating demands for higher quality network services.
Cell C is the youngest of the country`s three licensed cellphone operators and plans to have about 20% of the country`s expected 20 million-subscriber market by 2010.
The international GSM conference will run at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 25 to 27 November.
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