Ghana`s leading ISP launches first WiMAX Forum Certified network in Western Africa

Ghana`s leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) and provider of the Ghana.com service, Network Computer Systems Ltd (NCS) and NetSAT Ltd, a Ghanaian infrastructure and data services provider have joined forces with South African based wireless network solutions provider RapidCloud Technology (Pty) Ltd to successfully deploy West Africa`s first WiMAX Forum Certified WiMAX network built on Redline Communications` WiMAX Forum Certified RedMAX systems.

The WiMAX based wireless broadband network`s Ghanaian portion became fully operational on September 8th, 2006 and covers the Accra/Tema area, an area roughly 300 square kilometres. This network will be extended in the coming months, covering other cities in Ghana, and planning is also currently underway for deployments in other West African countries. The WiMAX network is the latest initiative under NCS`s `Broadband for ALL and Internet for everyone` project designed to bring the latest technologies to the doorsteps of all Ghanaians.

As a pioneer of Internet in the sub-region, NCS has focused on providing leading edge technologies and support to deliver enhanced service solutions. "The Internet requires cooperation, coordination and communication for success and also strong partnerships," says Dr Nii Narku Quaynor, NCS Chairman. "The partnership between Network Computer Systems, NetSAT, Redline Communications, and RapidCloud for this `Broadband for ALL and Internet for everyone` project is a very good opportunity to make advances in the information economy in Africa."

Mike Baidoo, NCS CEO says that the project is more than just providing access to technology. "It`s the provision of a guaranteed DSL type quality of service and new value added services to the wider public."

"The combination of Redline/RapidCloud`s superior standards-based network solutions that are WiMAX Forum Certified for interoperability and NCS`s expert information communication technology services will help us deliver quality wireless broadband services to the market and create an enabling environment for the country`s rapid industrialisation through the use of ICT." says Baidoo.

According to Frank-Charles Osafo, Executive Director and Board Chairman for NetSAT, investments and deployments in technologies in Ghana, such as WiMAX, are key to addressing poor technology access as well as instrumental in providing ubiquitous data connectivity.

NetSAT leverages these technologies with a blend of software service offerings that enables enterprises as well as individuals to subscribe to applications hosted, managed and executed on NetSAT networks. "In other words, the real benefit to the client is value added Internet based services. Using a PC or any inexpensive device with a web browser can become not only their window to the Internet, but a portal that can easily bring a customized set of applications to their desktop," adds Osafo.

From a technology perspective, the key to increased Internet connectivity in West Africa is wireless broadband. According to Marc Dufresne, NetSAT CTO. "WiMAX offers unmatched technical and cost advantages that will help us achieve that goal. Redline`s Advanced Broadband Wireless and WiMAX certified products are the most cost-effective, flexible and rock-solid solution for our present and anticipated futures needs covering the full range of triple play services (e.g. data, voice and video)."

"RapidCloud`s excellent track record as a telecommunication and enterprise network solutions enabler in the African region will complement local expertise and allow us to substantially accelerate deployment and reduce risks."

CEO for RapidCloud Technology, Arnoud De Nooy, says that the rapid uptake of WiMAX technology in Africa is attributed to the incredible demand for quality broadband in the market and the cost-effective and quick deployment of WiMAX Forum Certified wireless broadband products. By choosing Redline`s certified RedMAX products, NCS can guarantee interoperability with new WiMAX technologies and products as they become available." The network installation costs for a wireless infrastructure based on certified 802.16 (2004/d) are far less than today`s wired solutions, but it will also give NCS the flexibility and scalability for a dramatically expanding market." says De Nooy.

"NCS, RapidCloud and NetSAT are helping to bring the most advanced communications services to Ghana. With the addition of WiMAX technologies to the `Broadband for ALL and Internet for everyone` initiative, these companies are demonstrating their commitment to keeping Ghana at the forefront of the broadband revolution," said Majed Sifri, President and CEO, Redline Communications.