Expanding MTN Nigeria's Network Backbone

Harris Corporation has been selected by MTN Nigeria to provide microwave radios that will increase the capacity of the existing network -- Y'hello Bahn -- by 75%. Orders of US$4.1 million have been received for MegaStar 155 PX microwave radios that will augment what is already the largest wireless network backbone in Nigeria.

Harris was tapped by MTN in 2004 to supply, design and implement the original Y'hello Bahn high-capacity GSM backbone, which today spans more than 4,500 kilometers and traverses more than 120 towns and villages.

Under the new expansion, Harris Microwave Communications Division will supply its MegaStar 155 PX radios to augment the Harris MegaStar radios already in use for the Y'hello Bahn backbone. A key requirement of the new agreement is to counteract the difficult propagation conditions in various regions of Nigeria, such as wide variability related to temperature, humidity, geography and vegetation.

"MTN is growing quickly to serve massive public demand for GSM services," said Guy Campbell, president, Harris Microwave Communications Division. "With Harris microwave technology at the core of its backhaul network, MTN can scale capacity both rapidly and cost-effectively, allowing it to meet current and future subscriber needs."

Posted to the site on 20th October 2005