Cambridge Broadband Wins African Backhaul Contract

Africa's MTN Group has chosen Cambridge Broadband Networks as a preferred supplier for backhaul infrastructure. Cambridge Broadband Networks' VectaStar point-to-multipoint wireless transmission platform has already been commercially deployed by MTN's operating companies in Cameroon and Rwanda, and network planning is at advanced stages in other countries.

Currently, MTN is using VectaStar to backhaul traffic from its 2G, WiMAX and 3G networks, as well as providing broadband Internet access services to businesses.

Cambridge Broadband Networks has been selected as a preferred supplier owing to VectaStar's support for multiple applications and traffic types, including IP, Ethernet, TDM, and ATM; its in-built traffic management and optimisation; and its contribution to reducing operational and capital expenditure. Where MTN has been using VectaStar instead of point-to-point microwave links, it has already realised significant cost reductions.

VectaStar's traffic management techniques, including statistical multiplexing and Abis optimisation, enable each operating company to make best use of their available spectrum, whether in the 3.5GHz, 10.5GHz or 26GHz band, or any combination of bands. This frees up spectrum to be used for other services, and makes it easy to offer access services alongside the backhaul network.

Bjorn Krylander, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Broadband Networks, comments: "We are delighted that the level of performance that VectaStar has achieved with MTN in Cameroon and Rwanda has resulted in this level of visibility and sanctioning at a Group level. MTN South Africa is currently in the final stages of the pilot project and once successful will be looking at deployment next year. We look forward to continuing to work with the MTN Group companies throughout Africa and beyond."

Posted to the site on 19th November 2007