fSONA provides mobile backhaul to Touch customers in Lebanon

fSONA Networks, manufacturer of free-space optical (FSO) wireless communications equipment, says Touch (formerly MTC Touch) will use the SONAbeam 1250-M free space optical wireless links to provide mobile backhaul connectivity, enabling Touch to deliver 4G LTE services to its customers in Lebanon. Touch manages one of Lebanon’s two existing mobile networks, Mobile Interim Company 2 (MIC2).

With the first phase of the project underway, this newly adopted optical wireless technology is being installed throughout Beirut, Lebanon. Multiple links will continue to be deployed in the greater Beirut area over the coming year.

SONAbeam optical wireless allows Touch to move forward quickly with modernizing the mobile network in Lebanon without the delays associated with trenching fiber-optic cable or negotiating spectrum frequency use for microwave links, fSONA asserts. Furthermore, SONAbeam transceivers easily integrate with equipment from other mobile supplies due to their standard interfaces and compatibility with existing network management systems, the company adds.

“As a leading telecom player in the market, we are keen to stay at the forefront of technology. Touch is the first mobile operator to use this new technology in the region. The introduction of fSONA to Touch network will help in providing high bandwidth especially for the sites that are facing microwave spectrum congestion in the Beirut area,” said Wael Ayoub, COO of Touch.

Using a free-space optical link like SONAbeam eliminates the costs of digging up streets and sidewalks required to install fiber-optic cable while also avoiding recurring costs, according to fSONA. Unlike non-optical wireless approaches, the SONAbeam is immune to electro-magnetic (EM) and RF interference which means no licensing is required. SONAbeam’s laser technology operates at a wavelength of 1550 nm, which provides a broad spectrum of safety and performance advantages. The SONAbeam’s high-powered laser transmitters are able to penetrate heavy rain, snow and fog far more effectively and consistently than any other available FSO technology, the company claims.

For more information on free-space optical systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyers Guide.