Long Distance Backhaul Contract Awarded
The Pan-African operator, Celtel has awarded a backhaul contract worth US$3 million to Ceragon Networks for services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ceragon's solution will enable Celtel Congo to cover large distances with fewer installations significantly reducing infrastructure costs.
"Celtel faced the challenge of finding a cost-effective solution that would reduce infrastructure costs while facilitating remote management for each area of service," said Thibeault De La Barre De Nanteuil, Chief Technical Officer at Celtel Congo. "Ceragon Networks is meeting the challenge with their FibeAir 1500HP, a long-haul solution covering distances greater than 43 miles (69 kilometers), which is mission-critical in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa's third largest country."
"We are pleased to extend our relationship with our long-standing customer Celtel Congo," said Ira Palti, President and CEO, Ceragon Networks Ltd. "Celtel Congo joins our growing global list of mobile operators that have acknowledged the benefits of Ceragon's advanced long haul backhaul solution for reducing capital investment, operating and maintenance expenses."
Congo has significant deposits of Tantalum (known locally as Coltan), which is used in the fabrication of electronic components used in mobile phones, although there are attempts to clamp down on the use of Tantalum from the DRC due to the damage mining causes to the habitat of the local mountain gorillas. Other more "acceptable" sources include Australia, Canada and Brazil. You can read more about Coltan and Gorillas.
The Mobile World subscriber database reports that Celtel ended last year with just over 1.8 million subscribers - giving the company a marker share of around 40%. Population penetration in the country is just 7%."
Posted to the site on 20th April 2007
