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Harris Stratex Networks Awarded $1.9M Deal with Lintel to Expand Network Backbone for Africell in Gambia and Sierra Leone; Deployments to extend the reach of networks into remote areas across the two countries, as well as increase network reliability(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, North Carolina -- Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTX), a leading specialist in backhaul solutions for mobility and broadband networks, today announced it was selected by Africell Holding, a subsidiary of Lintel Holding, to expand its GSM networks in Africa. Harris Stratex Eclipse radios provide backhaul for next-generation, IP-enabled mobile base stations to support increased reach and capacity for Africell networks in Gambia and Sierra Leone. Deployments began in December for a contract valued at $1.9 million. With more than 1.3 million subscribers, Africell Gambia and Africell Sierra Leone lead their respective markets with 67 and 45 percent market share. Lintel deployments include 90 links of Eclipse high-capacity radios, which are optimised for networks with flexible, high-bandwidth capabilities and native gigabit Ethernet interfaces. The links extend network reach into remote areas across the two countries, as well as increase network reliability. The Eclipse platform, well known for a number of market firsts for TDM wireless transport, including Super-PDH transport and compact nodal networking, will enable Africell to achieve a stable, nationwide, independent backbone in both countries. To learn more about the Eclipse platform,please visit the Eclipse product page on the Harris Stratex Web site. Harris Stratex also will supply its advanced ProVision Element Management System. The ProVision system was developed specifically for managing microwave radio networks, and delivers advanced features for monitoring and controlling TDM and Ethernet traffic. It also provides a number of advanced features for monitoring and controlling TDM and Ethernet transport, such as end-to-end circuit provisioning, Ethernet utilisation reporting and RMON performance monitoring. For more information on the ProVision system,please visit the product page on the Harris Stratex Web site. Elias Arwadi, chief operations officer, Africell Holding, commented, "As the dominant market leader in Gambia and Sierra Leon, Africell is committed to expand into all rural areas and provide the same quality of service through a state-of-the-art national backbone. This investment, especially in the current economic climate, as part of a bigger ongoing expansion, is again a vote of confidence in the market potential of both Sierra Leone and Gambia." As an Eclipse customer for more than three years, Africell was quick to embrace Harris Stratex' comprehensive solutions because of the company's proven track record of providing high standards for customer service, technical expertise and reliable products. "We look forward to expanding our relationship with Lintel. Harris Stratex is fully committed to the African market with our local presence for both technical and post-sales support. Further, our Eclipse technology provides the ideal platform to support Africell as it rolls out new services to these two key markets," said Harald Braun, Harris Stratex president and CEO. Harris Stratex Networks has an extensive presence in Africa, providing on the ground technical support for the region's operators from its regional headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, and satellite offices across Africa. Deep knowledge of the local market and in-market technical support has been a key factor in developing Harris Stratex' close partnerships with the region's operators. About Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. is a leading specialist in backhaul solutions for mobility and broadband networks. The company offers reliable, flexible and scalable wireless network solutions, backed by comprehensive professional services and support. Harris Stratex Networks serves all global markets, including mobile network operators, public safety agencies, private network operators, utility and transportation companies, government agencies and broadcasters. Customers in more than 135 countries depend on Harris Stratex Networks to build, expand and upgrade their voice, data and video solutions. Harris Stratex Networks is recognised around the world for innovative, best-in-class wireless networking solutions and services. About Lintel Group The Lintel group of companies is engaged in the provision of GSM telecommunications services in West Africa since 2001. The group provides capital, management advice, marketing and partnering support, as well as other services. Africell Holding, Africell Gambia, Africell Sierra Leone, Africell RDC (Congo DRC), and Linfra are among its subsidiaries. About Africell Sierra Leone Africell Sierra Leone has achieved the first position in terms of market share in a record time and facing multinational operators. Plans are underway to achieve the country's widest coverage footprint by the second quarter of 2009. Africell Sierra Leone was awarded the very prestigious AWOL (All Walks Of life) Telecoms company of the year award for 2008. The secret recipe behind this success was a strategy of aggressive marketing and network roll-out. Aside from the growth in the subscriber base, Africell Sierra Leone major success was in winning the hearts and minds of the people in a record time and to become an inherent part of the Sierra Leonean society through a very active social agenda. About Africell Gambia Africell Gambia has held the first positioning in terms of market share since 2006 and has consolidated this positioning since with a large spread. This positioning was done through an aggressive and consistent marketing effort that is well adapted to the country's social settings in a way that Africell has become the nation's trend setter. Africell Gambia has won for two consecutive years (2006 and 2007) the GCCI (Gambia Chamber Of Commerce) award for Best Service provider and is also nominated for 2008; that in addition to many other awards including Best Customer Service. Trademarks ProVision is a registered trademark of Harris Stratex Networks. Eclipse and Super-PDH are trademarks of Harris Stratex Networks. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD |