GSM cellular network operators in Africa have found an innovative solution for businesses battling to communicate with their customers and suppliers over poor fixed-line telecommunications infrastructure.
Instead of just supplying corporates with free cellular handsets for individual employees, network operators have begun providing their corporate clients with PBX systems which are then connected to the GSM network.
According to Keith Bain, channel manager for Africa at Dimension Data Interactive Communications, Dimension Data`s business partners in several African countries have supplied and installed the popular Ericsson BusinessPhone at around 30 corporate customers of local GSM operators.
"The poor quality and limited reach of the fixed telecommunications infrastructure in Africa is well known. This is reflected in the fact that, according to the International Telecommunications Union`s 2000 World Telecommunication Indicators Database, only one in 50 of the world`s fixed-line subscribers live on the continent, despite the fact that it`s home to one-eighth of the world`s population.
"Businesses operating in Africa find it difficult to obtain sufficient fixed-lines to meet their communications needs. Even if they obtain these lines, lengthy service breakdowns are frequent occurrences," he says.
GSM cellular networks are providing a solution. The uptake of cellular communications in Africa has been phenomenal. Despite the fact that most GSM networks have been rolled out only in the past five years, Africa already accounts for one in 60 of the world`s mobile cellular subscribers.
"These networks are modern and efficient. They enable individuals to by-pass the creaking fixed-line networks. However, businesses cannot expect their customers and suppliers to dial dozens of individual cellphone numbers in the hope of reaching the right person. Like businesses anywhere in the world, they require a single `switchboard` number from where calls can be transferred to the correct department or individual.
"So cellular network operators have started to supply their corporate customers with a free BusinessPhone, one of the world`s most advanced PABX systems for small to medium-sized enterprises with features like PBX networking, ISDN connectivity to the desktop, integrated cordless extensions and voice messaging, computer-telephony integration (CTI) and complete call centre capability.
"All calls switched through the BusinessPhone utilise the GSM network. The BusinessPhone provides a high degree of fault tolerance and excellent scalability, and it provides an open platform that supports all major existing and emerging standards.
"In addition, the BusinessPhone provides the foundation for a unified network that supports integrated voice, data and multimedia applications," Bain concludes.
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Dimension Data Holdings plc is a leading global network services and i-Commerce solutions provider, focused on enabling enterprises, telecommunications service providers and new economy companies to communicate and transact effectively in an e-enabled environment.
Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Dimension Data is ranked in FTSE 100 and operates in over 30 countries on six continents. The group has achieved a two-year compound annual growth rate in US dollars of 57% in revenue and 36% in basic earnings per share over the past two years. For more information, please go to www.didata.com.
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