Nortel Networks has signed a $27 million contract with Reliance Telecom Limited for four digital, fixed wireless telecommunications networks to be implemented in the Nigerian cities of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Onitsha.
The implementation of the advanced, CDMA telecommunications networks by the end of 2000 will bring to five the number of Nortel Networks systems in operation in Africa`s most populous country. A 20 000 line Nortel Networks TDMA digital system has been run in Lagos by independent operator Multi-links since December 1997.
Reliance Telecom, a new, independent operator, will have sole responsibility for running the four discrete networks comprising an initial 50 000 lines. Implementation will be undertaken simultaneously.
"Our objective is to have installed 200 000 subscriber lines in two years," says Bekele Tadesse, Managing Director of Reliance Telecom.
Malcolm Bayes, Vice President Nortel Sales, Sub Saharan Africa, says the decision by Reliance Telecom to select Nortel Networks as its preferred supplier "is testimony to the success of our focused strategy in which Nigeria is identified as a core growth point for our business in Africa".
Bayes, who is based in South Africa where he is Country Manager, said the performance of the TDMA system in use in Lagos provided an on-site case study by which to judge Nortel and the broad functionality of its wireless networks.
Nortel Networks CDMA wireless networks offer a range of advanced digital features that include integrated paging, calling line identification, multimedia personal communications and high quality voice reception. The system design includes fewer cell sites while providing a high capacity network with extensive fraud prevention capability.
In addition, network operations, administration and maintenance features enhance performance, allow remote maintenance of cell sites to reduce service costs and provide operational measurements to improve system efficiency.
Hugh Barclay, who is responsible for sales and service provider solutions in central Africa, was a member of the negotiating team that finalised the contract with Reliance Telecom.
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