Siemens Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd announced today it has signed a $9.5 million (R95 million) contract to supply Telecommunications de Mozambique (TDM), Mozambique's fixed line operator, with switching equipment to support their network modernisation process.
In terms of the contract, Siemens will supply TDM with switching equipment based on the Siemens EWSD*, the worldwide leading digital switching system. Once completed, end users will have access to reliable voice and data services. The project also signifies the next step in moving towards a consolidated network making optimum use of TDM's network infrastructure.
In Mozambique, 11 sites will be equipped with the Siemens technology that will increase the capacity of the Mozambican network by around 50 percent, and also replace a section of the existing network.
The project will create local jobs in the installation phase and afterwards in the operation and maintenance of the switching exchanges. TDM has previously worked with Siemens on other projects, including microwave transmission systems, outside plant and telex exchanges and terminals.
Fernando Gonzalves, the Divisional Director of Business Development at Siemens Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd, said the contract consolidates Siemens' position as market leader of Fixed Networks within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). To date, 110 countries have opted EWSD technology.
Gonzalves said the Siemens solution would meet TDM's technical requirements, taking cost, future expansion and network consolidation into account.
Rui Fernanades, the Chief Executive of TDM, said: ''This project has a strategic importance for the development of Maputo's network, which is growing fast due to increasing demand. TDM will achieve the leading position as state-of-the-art infrastructure owner once the project is completed.''
Fernandes added the telecoms market in Mozambique is growing due to ''rapid economic development'' in the country. TDM has invested $125 million in infrastructure in the last three years. There are 120 000 fixed line subscribers in Mozambique.
Siemens has completed similar fixed line projects within SADC, the most recent being a similar project for Malawi Telecoms Ltd, a R70 million project completed earlier this year.
Other Siemens Fixed Network customers in the SADC region include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius and Swaziland. A project is also currently rolling out in Lesotho. Siemens provides the entire solution, from planning, design, rollout, and ongoing maintenance.
Mozambique has overtaken Zimbabwe as South Africa's largest African trading partner with South African companies investing more than R25 billion in Mozambique over the past few years.
Advanced subscriber features
The Mozambique project has five phases. Phase one is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year, covering the areas at Alto Mae in Maputo. Phase two, which will start in the first quarter of 2003, will provide services to Triumfo and Laulane. The third phase, in Maxaquene and Polana, will be completed in the second and third quarters of 2003. The plan is for phases four to five to be completed by the first quarter of 2004. The areas are Aeroporto, Mahotas, Benfica and Jardim.
The key benefit of the Siemens solution will be network consolidation due to the power of the EWSD central node and the capability of the remote nodes. The central node performs both Transit and Local Exchange. The Siemens EWSD is know for its capability in terms of Signaling System No.7 (SS7) signaling protocol and the number of advanced subscriber features. The SS7 functionality and flexibility allows the EWSD to integrate with current networks and to form the base for future network-wide enhanced features. New subscriber features will be introduced in key areas to meet the demands of end-subscribers.
The solution is managed centrally by NetManager, a system designed to integrate all the management functions required to guarantee the performance of a telecommunications network. These functions will enable TDM to perform operational tasks more efficiently ensuring end-subscribers have a more reliable service.
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Siemens EWSD is the most successful digital switching system in the world. With over 265 million EWSD-switched lines across the globe, Siemens is the number 1 supplier worldwide for carriers in this segment. Its customers include 300 fixed-network operators in 110 countries. EWSD is constantly being refined in order to exploit new business opportunities for network operators through new solutions. In connection with the SURPASS technology and product family, EWSD also supports migration to the Next Generation Network (NGN).
Siemens Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd)
Siemens Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd is a leading provider of voice and data networks with a comprehensive portfolio of IP-based products and solutions for enterprises, carriers and service providers. It is an integral part of the Information and Communications business segment of Siemens AG, which also comprises Information and Communication Mobile and Siemens Business Services. The I and C Group is divided into Carrier and Fixed Networks, which focus on providing customised solutions, including the integration of products, systems and technology, to suit both business and individual needs. With a strong foundation in the mobile networks arena, which includes established GSM infrastructure, products, solutions and services for the Next Generation Internet, and electronic business solutions, Siemens provides the full spectrum of mobile business solutions, allowing users to communicate and be connected to information and services any time and any place.
Further information about Information and Communications is available at: http://www.ic.siemens.com/networks/index.htm
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