MTN Rwanda 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."
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".
Equipment deployment is underway and will be completed in 2007.
Posted to the site on 3rd October 2007
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/26449.php