One of the initial GSM 900 wireless operators in the Central African Republic, Central Afrique T'l'com Plus, has selected Nortel Networks equipment for its new mobile service offering. The initial network buildout will serve the capital city of Bangui and is scheduled to begin service in the first quarter of 1999.
The contract was recently signed with Afripa Telecom Benin, a majority stakeholder in Central Afrique T'l'com Plus, for Nortel Networks innovative PicoNode solution. Nortel Networks will also supervise the installation of the equipment.
Nortel Networks PicoNode is particularly well-suited for the African marketplace. It offers African operators fast initial network deployment, full GSM functionality, and a low initial investment. As the number of subscribers increases, PicoNode allows for rapid geographical buildout.
"Nortel Networks PicoNode is a great fit for our network`s size and requirements, which include serving low density population areas." said Paul Magonzi, Managing Director, Central Afrique T'l'com Plus. "Nortel Networks unique commitment to the African marketplace will also help us get to market in a cost effective and timely fashion."
"This contract is the first contract related to PicoNode in Africa in addition to the other Nortel GSM contracts on this continent." said Pascal Debon, president, GSM Networks, Nortel Networks, "It demonstrates the suitability of the PicoNode product family for GSM African countries moving from small AMPS networks to fully digital GSM networks. "
Centre Afrique T'l'com Plus, based in Bangui, Central African Republic, was formed to provide wireless telephony services. It is made up of a consortium of the following companies: Afripa Telecom Benin, France Cables et Radio, Soci't' d`Investissement Touristique SIT, and Socatel - Soci't' Centreafricaine T'l'phonique.
Nortel Networks works with customers worldwide to design, build, and deliver telephony and IP-optimised networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.
Nortel Networks` common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1997 revenues of US$15.5 billion and Bay Networks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nortel Networks, had revenues of US$2.4 billion during its most recent fiscal year. The combined company`s workforce totals approximately 80,000 employees worldwide.
Editors note
Nortel Networks, the Nortel Globemark and How the world shares ideas are trademarks of Northern Telecom.
Share
Editorial contacts