MTN chooses Cambridge Broadband Networks for multi-service wireless
network in Rwanda
October 6, 2007
MTN Group, Africa's leading cellular operator, has selected the
VectaStar platform from Cambridge Broadband Networks for its multi-service
wireless network in Rwanda. MTN is using VectaStar to backhaul traffic
from its GSM and WiMAX networks and to provide high speed Internet
access to business customers. VectaStar will also be used to backhaul
MTN Rwanda's forthcoming 3G network.
This deployment, in the 3.5GHz licensed spectrum band, follows
a successful VectaStar deployment by the MTN Group in Cameroon.
MTN Rwandacell's initial deployment is taking place in Kigali, Rwanda's
capital city, with a population of 1 million. One key reason MTN
chose the VectaStar platform is because of its support for multiple
traffic types and applications.
Peter Schulze, CTO of MTN Rwandacell, explains: "As an operator
with GSM, WiMAX and ISP licences, it is important that our chosen
infrastructure is as flexible as possible, as well as supporting
our planned 3G rollout. We selected Cambridge Broadband Networks
because VectaStar is a technology-neutral platform that supports
all our backhaul and access applications in a single network."
A further reason MTN is using VectaStar is because of its contribution
to reducing operational and capital expenditure, particularly where
it is used to replace existing point-to-point links in MTN's backhaul
network. The significant reduction in the number of antennas a point-to-multipoint
network requires, compared to a point-to-point network, significantly
lowers tower rental, site acquisition and equipment installation
costs.
VectaStar also enables MTN to maximise the use of its limited radio
spectrum. This is made possible by VectaStar's high spectral efficiency
and spectrum reuse combined with its advanced traffic optimisation
and multiplexing.
Neeren Ramharakh, VP Sales, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cambridge Broadband
Networks, explains: "The licensed 3.5GHz band is ideal because
the low frequency means that we can use VectaStar's non-line-of-sight
capability to overcome the problems of Rwanda's challenging mountainous
terrain. However, we also need to make best use of the limited spectrum
available. This is where VectaStar's spectrum and traffic management
capabilities really make a difference, as compared to point-to-point
links where there is no flexibility in how the spectrum can be managed".
|
