Why we selected Alvarion – Mobitel

Mobitel Nigeria Limited has given reasons why it chose the largest WiMAX deployment leader, Alvarion saying it is in the bid to roll-out its nationwide 802.16e.

This is coming as Alavarion said its customer base and deployment is in over 250 countries around the globe.

The world’s leading provider of WiMAX and wireless broadband solutions, recently announced that it has been chosen by Mobitel to provide 802.16e WiMAX services for under-served areas throughout Nigeria.

Using Alvarion’s BreezeMAX, according to the chief executive of Mobitel, Mr. Johnson Salako offers solution in the 2.0 GHz, 2.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz frequency bands, which his firm plans to commerce offering of voice and high-bandwidth data services to thousands of residences and businesses nationwide, especially in the key cities of Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Warri and Abuja.

The initial rollout of WiMAX network, he said, is planned for third quarter of 2009, with 20,000 subscribers expected on the network during initial launch.

Alvarion, he said, would also provide a range of professional services including system integration, network deployment, field maintenance, configuration, training and local support services to ensure successful delivery of the network.

“This is a great opportunity for Mobitel to bring broadband services to remote parts of the country. The use of WiMAX technology together with our existing fixed line network allows us the possibility to offer converged services to our customers,” he said.

Emphasising that WiMAX provides a very good business case to roll out broadband infrastructure with a much lower upfront investment when compared to other technologies available in the market.

“Given our ambitious goal for Nigeria, we need a strong and reliable partner with a proven track record to ensure our success and we believe Alvarion is best suited to accomplish this,” he said.

During the second phase of the project, Mobitel and Alvarion will expand coverage to 18 other states in the country, including Kano, Kaduna, Oyo and Edo. The current population of Nigeria is estimated at 150 million people in 66 provinces with a very low internet penetration rate of less than 1 per cent.

President and CEO of Alvarion, Mr. Tzvika Friedman, said his firm is very pleased to be selected by Mobitel for this contract.

“This will reiterate Alvarion’s leading position in the WiMAX market with a strong portfolio of WiMAX solutions. Being selected by an innovative operator as Mobitel is another proof point of Alvarion’s strength in emerging markets as we continue to focus on abundant opportunities in these underserved regions. Our proven WiMAX solution and feature rich offering will enable a sound business case for Mobitel to bring advanced broadband services to consumers and businesses in Nigeria,” Friedman concluded.

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