under-served areas throughout the country. Using Alvarion's BreezeMAX
solution in the 2.0 GHz, 2.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz frequency bands, Mobitel
will begin to offer voice and high-bandwidth data services, with the
key cities of Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Warri and Abuja being start
points.
Initial rollout of the WiMAX network is planned for Q3 2009, with
20,000 subscribers expected on the network during initial launch.
Alvarion will 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," said Johnson Salako,
President of Mobitel. "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."
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%.
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