Grintek Antennas and Powerwave Technologies Sweden AB, a leading global supplier of wireless solutions, signed a reseller agreement under which Grintek will resell Powerwave's innovative antenna and amplifier products to key markets in sub-Saharan Africa. Both parties are now offering a wide range of GSM cell enhancement and cellular base station antenna equipment to the telecommunications market in SA and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa.
The agreement was signed by Makhup Nyama, chief executive officer of Grintek Technologies, and Johan Ek, President of Powerwave.
Nyama says: "Grintek is very excited about this agreement and our relationship with Powerwave. It gives us the ability to extend our product offerings to the Universal Mobile Telephone Service (UMTS) and GSM markets. We will continue to grow with the local network operators as they expand into Africa."
This link with Powerwave will add world-class products to the Grintek portfolio for African customers. Powerwave will have the advantage of an African support base founded on Grintek Antennas' local knowledge, technical skill and experience. Powerwave's high volume manufacturing capability, short production cycles and competitive pricing will boost turnover for Grintek Antennas and provide African customers with expertise and facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Powerwave incorporates the entire product line of the former LGP Allgon AB of Sweden, which was acquired in May 2004 by Powerwave Technologies, Inc, a US-based leading global source for end-to-end wireless solutions. Powerwave has a proven history with expertise developed during the delivery of over one million antennas and power amplifiers and 600 000 tower mounted amplifiers (TMAs) worldwide. Powerwave Technologies, Inc offers one of the most extensive lines of base station antennas, TMAs and filters covering virtually all major frequency bands and air interfaces.
"This agreement further strengthens the relationship between Grintek and Swedish companies like Powerwave Technologies Sweden AB," says Nyama.
SAAB AB of Sweden currently has a 21% shareholding in Grintek Limited.
For over 15 years Grintek Antennas has supplied telecommunications antennas, RF products and cell-enhancement equipment to local and international users. With a strong focus on the African market, Grintek currently has operations through direct offices and partnerships in more than 22 African countries.
Adding strength to its impressive profile, Grintek will now be able to supply local network operators with unique base station solutions for the growing UMTS sector. This third-generation (3G) cellular service builds on and extends the capability of today's mobile, cordless and satellite technologies by providing increased capacity, data capability and a far greater range of services.
These products include an impressive range of TMAs for the 900MHz and 1 800MHz GSM bands as well as UMTS TMAs from Powerwave together with Grintek's existing GSM product range. Powerwave's market-driven research approach has brought about a number of innovations, from product advances such as ultra-linear amplifiers to higher-value concepts like Clean Site solutions and base station co-siting. Powerwave Technologies, Inc has resources on the ground in over 50 countries and four continents.
Grintek Antennas is confident that its extensive knowledge of the unique requirements of the African markets will assist its clients to realise optimal performance of their networks and roll-out new technology.
Share
Grintek Limited is a leading empowerment technology group listed on the JSE Securities Exchange of SA and employs 1 400 people, most of whom are engineers and technicians.
The group specialises in three main market segments, namely telecommunications and selected niche opportunities within industrial and defence electronics. Grintek is currently ranked 11th among the listed top 200 most empowered companies in SA by Empowerdex.
The core competencies of the group are founded in its strong technology base. This strength enables the group to develop internationally competitive products, provide world-class partnerships in the southern African region and add engineering value through customisation, integration and technical support.
Grintek Technologies
Grintek Technologies applies the Grintek Group's core technologies in the commercial and industrial markets through the development of their own products and partnerships and distribution arrangements with world-class suppliers.
The division maintains an ISO 9001 rating and supplies products, systems and services to the telecommunications, energy distribution, utilities and aviation markets. Products include antennas, RF components and GSM amplifiers, DC power systems, pre-payment electricity meters, electric load management systems and a full range of professional avionics and aeronautical electronics.
The division's solutions have been implemented in more than 500 top South African companies and in over 22 African countries.
Powerwave Technologies, Inc
Powerwave Technologies is a leading supplier of end-to-end wireless solutions for wireless communications networks. Powerwave designs, manufactures and markets antennas, boosters, combiners, filters, repeaters, multi-carrier RF power amplifiers, tower-mounted amplifiers and advanced coverage solutions, all for use in cellular, PCS and 3G networks throughout the world.
Corporate headquarters are located at 1801 E St Andrew Place, Santa Ana, California, 92705. Telephone (714) 466 1000.
For more information on advanced wireless coverage and capacity solutions, please call (888)-PWR-WAVE (797-9283) or visit our Web site at www.powerwave.com. Powerwave, Powerwave Technologies and the Powerwave logo are registered trademarks of Powerwave Technologies, Inc. Powerwave Technologies Sweden AB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Powerwave Technologies, Inc and is a leading global supplier of base station antennas and TMAs offering complete solutions in the area of radio-based mobile infrastructure.
Editorial contacts