Altech subsidiary Alcatel Altech Telecoms has been selected by Telkom as its second supplier of synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) equipment potentially worth "hundreds of millions of rands", Alcatel Altech says.
"This strategic award from Telkom enables SA and Altech to be positively positioned at the forefront of worldwide digital converging technology," says Altech CE Craig Venter.
"The SDH technology, which is essential in the multimedia world of today, enables bulk, high-speed transmission of digital information, including speech (voice), video, data and graphics," he explains.
"This is achieved by utilising Telkom`s network that links the major city centres in SA."
The award involves enhancing Telkom`s existing SDH network in various areas of SA and comprises transmission network elements, network management and the integration of the existing network management equipment.
Telkom`s other SDH supplier is Siemens.
SDH is a technology used for large capacity transmission of digital information, which is combined from slow streams into very high-speed streams (multiplexed) and transmitted along fibre optic cables or microwave links.
Data rates and the number of wavelengths being used are continuously increasing and the company says this is good for Internet and the transmission of wideband signals for graphics and television.
"It is essential for the multimedia world and for reducing the cost of telecoms over long distance," it adds.
Earlier this month it was reported that a R2.8 billion digital enhanced cordless telecommunications project to supply networks to rural areas had been trimmed, allegedly resulting in Alcatel Altech, the main contractor, being owed about R400 million.
Altron, which has a stake in Alcatel Altech, was reported as saying the accounts receivable situation was normal in any business and it was not having a negative effect on the company as it is not dependent on Telkom for business.
However, both Jasco Electronics and Powertech have blamed a decline in Telkom orders for curbing their profits.
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