Marconi plc, the global telecommunications and IT company whose subsidiary Marconi Communications South Africa is poised to play a major role in the supply of next generation networks in South Africa, has been awarded a DM1-billion (about R3-billion) contract with one of Germany`s leading national network operators, VIAG Interkom.
The contract involves the nationwide deployment for VIAG of Marconi`s broadband wireless access system and closely follows a lb2-billion (about R20-billion) award from BT (British Telecom) via which Marconi has become a key strategic partner in the building of Europe`s most advanced optical network.
Marconi Communications South Africa chief executive Koos Vorster says the British and German contracts demonstrate the surging international trend to create broadband networks.
"In this demanding age of electronic communications, broadband networks are critical to national economies achieving real business growth. South Africa must go this route to ensure economic growth. At the same time, the technology can open up channels for tele-medicine and tele-education, both of which can substantially uplift living standards in South Africa`s geographically widespread urban and rural communities."
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Marconi Communications South Africa
Marconi plc is a global communications and IT company, with 49 000 employees world-wide and sales in over 100 countries. It supplies advanced communications solutions and the key technologies and services for the Internet.
VIAG Interkom is a joint venture between E.ON Aktienggesellschaft (45%), British Telecommunications plc (45%) and Norwegian Telenor AS (10%).