Siemens Networks has rolled out a high-speed fibre optic network for Niger-based telecommunications operator Sonitel, to create improved local and international communication facilities in the West African country.
The fibre optic backbone was incepted in Niamey, Niger's capital, to provide an international link from Niger to Burkina Faso and Benin, says Geert Swinnen, director of fixed operations for Siemens networks.
The fibre optic backbone will also link Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger to the SAT3 undersea cable off the coast of West Africa, he adds. "Tapping into the SAT3 undersea cable will provide the West African region with broader communication opportunities."
Fibre-to-office
Siemens Networks plans to implement a "fibre-to-office" concept in Niamey to connect Sonitel customers to the fibre optic backbone in the capital.
The company will implement a 40km high-capacity access fibre optic backbone, as well as 80km of client loops for more than 100 major Sonitel customers, says Swinnen.
The company will supply passive elements, such as the optical cables, the active elements, such as communication systems for enterprises, and a TNMS-M network management system, according to Siemens Networks.
Customers will use the network for voice, as well as data transfer from their branch offices.
"The cost of the entire roll-out for this project is millions of euros, excluding materials and equipment," says Swinnen, adding that Siemens is partnering with local and international companies.
Local companies are used for civil works activities that require a minimum of resources and an international company has been contracted for the heavy-duty civil works, using technologically advanced and economical fibre optic cable installation systems, he adds.
Difficulties
Swinnen notes that because Niger is an enclosed country, logistical co-ordination is complex. The machines are working in a difficult environment, where temperatures reach around 55^0C.
"A proactive maintenance system plan was necessary to allow us to keep these machines operating along the execution phase and reduce the risk of breakdown."
Sonitel contracted Siemens after the successful digitisation of Sonitel's Domestic Satellite (Domsat) backbone last year.
Domsat connects Sonitel's fixed telephony network and the SahelCom mobile network with the capital Niamey, also linking people in areas as far away as Diffa, Agadez and Bilma, according to a company statement.
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