Plessey installs high-reach telecommunication system in Tanzania

As one of South Africa`s leading telecommunication integrators, Plessey (Pty) Ltd. actively extends its services across our borders into Africa. A recent project includes the installation of transmission facilities in Tanzania for the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL).

The project was commissioned by TTCL to provide the local population with effective communication systems as the installation took place in the Kahama district - 200 km south of Lake Victoria - an area that although has an active and prosperous gold mine was previously literally `out-of-touch` with limited telecommunication systems in place.

Completed in August 1999, the installation included digital microwave links between an existing station at Kilulu Hill and a new installation at Kahama with a repeater site at Isaka - an area that operates as a major railhead with a modern container depot. (Isaka is also a major UNHCR food distribution depot for the Rwandan refugees currently in Tanzania as a result of the genocide).

Technical requirements included two 32m Andrews lattice masts erected at the Isaka and Kahama sites with microwave links made up of Plessey HighReach (HDR3) 8 GHz protected (1+1) systems.

The HighReach Digital Microwave Radio System (digital radio link comprising of two digital radio stations in line of sight) is used to transport digital data - whether telephony, cellular, data or voice - between two or more

sites and can be deployed in both urban and rural areas as an interconnect solution. The HighReach Digital Radio System is however especially effective for permanent rural telecommunications infrastructures and was therefore utilised by Plessey in this installation. Another benefit to the system is that it is easily installed and maintained.

Plessey has a clear mission - to develop into the largest Telecommunications Integration Services powerhouse in Africa, driving the convergence of next generation, high-speed telecom networks into the next millennium.

The company has and will continue to actively pursue strategic alliances and telecom contracts into Africa, with points of presence already established in areas such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Nigeria.

The installation at Kahama further entrenches Plessey`s commitment to and involvement in Africa`s telecommunication requirements.