Nortel Networks is providing the South African and sub-Saharan African telecommunications industry with a boost by expanding its Midrand training facility to include a full GSM network.
"The expansion of the facility to provide in-depth training covering the entire GSM system is consistent with Nortel Networks` strategy of transitioning the Sub-Saharan pre- and post-sales support centres from Europe to Johannesburg, thus creating a locally-based Centre of Excellence," says Paul Southern, Nortel Networks operations director responsible for training.
"The training courses are aimed at customers, partners and staff in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa and will assist in overcoming the serious shortage of telecommunications and IT engineers on the continent."
Southern says the training and development of local partners is an important focus for Nortel Networks. Emerging businesses will be provided with the ability to install and commission the range of leading edge GSM equipment supplied by Nortel.
"Customers too will receive training in installation and maintenance to enable them to handle software and hardware upgrades of our base stations. This capability will allow them to efficiently meet subscriber growth demands and hotspot coverage needs. Nortel Networks staff will also attend elements of these training courses."
He said the multi million rand training centre includes an R&D platform, primarily associated with the customisation of software for local African interfaces, as well as interfaces to value-added systems such as m-commerce.
"In December 2000 we demonstrated to Telkom our GSM`s system compatibility with the South African ISUP PSTN interfaces. Nortel Networks is the first non-incumbent vendor to meet Telkom`s stringent requirements.
"Nortel Networks believes that it is critical for equipment suppliers to undergo Telkom`s stringent testing. Telkom operates a sophisticated network and cannot jeopardise system integrity. The testing was tough but we expected nothing less," said Southern.
Nortel Networks introduced courses covering the base station system in September 1999. In addition, training was offered on the local Internet, carrier systems, and generic telecommunications systems.
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