Local IT services and solutions provider Ubuntu Technologies has united with global telecoms company Aviat Networks, in an alliance that brings another telecommunications player to the table.
The new venture, Aviat-Ubuntu, will provide products and services to both public and private telecoms operators. The company says it hopes to shake up the telecoms sector in SA.
"Aviat-Ubuntu Telecommunications brings together Ubuntu's 17 years of local experience and Aviat's 50-year technological edge as a worldwide provider of microwave network solutions."
The venture came about when Nasdaq-listed Aviat Networks set out to find a BEE partner that would enable it to expand its reach into the South African market. Both companies have a combined revenue of over R6 billion.
Ubuntu's offering in the local market includes the provision of wireless, networking, data centre and client services and solutions, primarily to the public sector. The company helps government departments, state-owned entities and selected corporate clients meet their organisational objectives by designing, implementing, managing and supporting ICT infrastructure services and solutions.
Aviat has a strong track record in the telecoms sector, and in a survey conducted by California-based Infonetics Research, was recognised as the top microwave specialist by network providers around the world. The company was rated number one for technology innovation, security, product reliability, price-to-performance ratio, total cost of ownership, solution breadth, service, support, management software and financial stability. These rankings were based on a sample of 25 telecoms operators representing 37% of worldwide capital expenditure and revenue in 2012.
Fierce force
Ubuntu CEO Wandile Bereng says Aviat-Ubuntu intends to be a force to be reckoned with in the telecoms sector. "By joining forces, our two companies will be able to compete aggressively in the telecommunications sector, and will be able to expand our client base significantly."
Aviat-Ubuntu will be headed up by CEO Allen Tshabangu, who has over 20 years of business experience. He has worked for companies such as the Standard Bank Group, M-Net and Norwich Investments, where he distinguished himself in the management of unit trusts, pension funds, life insurance funds and private equity investments.
Tshabangu has also been involved in some notable mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Sandton City, the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk. He is a non-executive director of Escalator Capital, and a director and board member of Ubuntu Technologies.
"Aviat-Ubuntu aims to support the development of the country's economic potential by leveraging off the unique expertise of the two partners," says Tshabangu. "The new company is uniquely positioned to provide end-to-end solutions, and also to compete for market share based on improved efficiencies that will accrue from economies of scale. The company is poised to take a lead in providing leading telecommunications solutions.
"We're the new players on the telecommunications block, and we aim to make our presence felt in a way that will benefit all operators and the South African people as a whole."
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