Hughes Providing Satellite Based GSM and CDMA Backhaul in Madagascar

Hughes Network Systems has announced the successful conclusion of extensive integration testing of the Hughes broadband satellite platforms in providing cellular backhaul links for Telma Madagascar. The Hughes HN and HX platforms were integrated with several manufacturers' GSM and CDMA equipment and Telma has now placed these links into active service.

After a competitive evaluation, Telma had earlier purchased both Hughes HN and HX series network operating centers (NOCs) and 300 broadband satellite terminals, which are used to deliver rural telephony, corporate telephony, Internet access, intranet, and wireless backhaul services. The CDMA links support residential and payphone services, while the GSM links support mobile services.

"Demand for cellular service continues to grow worldwide, and our HN and HX satellite solutions are a cost-effective and rapid answer to reaching customers in more remote or difficult coverage areas," said Soheil Mehrabanzad, assistant vice president of Middle East/Africa region. "We are proud to have been selected by Telma to help expand their cellular footprint throughout Madagascar."

Telma (formerly the national telecoms operator, Telecom Malagasy) ended the first half of this year with an estimated 78,000 subscribers according to figures from the Mobile World service - giving them a market share of just under 6%. The local market is dominated by Orange Madagascar which has a 65% market share.

Posted to the site on 11th November 2007