Sprint (www.sprint.com), Cisco (www.cisco.com), and Ciena (www.ciena.com) say they are implementing 40-Gbit/sec network capabilities on the Global Sprint Tier 1 IP Network using Cisco#439;s Internet Protocol over DWDM (IPoDWDM) technology. The implementation is designed to support the needs of Sprint customers in adopting next-generation services. Earlier this year, Sprint completed final testing of the 40-Gbit/sec IPoDWDM technology and enabled its first production 40-Gbit/sec circuit. The link used the Cisco CRS-1 with built-in transponders along with Ciena#439;s CoreStream Agility platform to transport the wavelength across the fiber-optic network.
Aurora Networks (www.aurora.com) says that its Fiber Deep products are being deployed by Vidéotron Ltd. as the Canadian carrier rolls out the next generation of its network architecture. The network will be deployed throughout greater Montréal, passing 1.8 million homes. By eliminating RF actives from the network, operators will typically halve their power costs and quarter their operational costs while gaining a ten-fold increase in narrowcast bandwidth per home, says Aurora.
ZTE Corp. (www.zte.com.cn) says it is exclusively developing Ethiopia#439;s nationwide network to cover 14 major cities in Ethiopia, including the capital city of Addis Ababa. Per the agreement, ZTE will help ETC establish two separate networks that will allow ETC to provide NGN and BTS related network services by deploying ZTE#439;s GSM bearer network optical equipment. ZTE will play a role in helping ETC to establish a metro network by deploying ZXMP M800 high-end optical transmission equipment and an access network by using the ZXMP M600, a CWDM system with Fixed Service Access Gateway (SAG).
Alcatel-Lucent (www.alcatel-lucent.com) has signed a new frame agreement with French alternative service provider Neuf Cegetel (www.groupeneufcegetel.com) for the deployment of a GPON FTTH network in Paris. The network will target more than 100,000 apartments. The project is part of an initiative led by the Paris social housing office OPAC to bridge the digital divide in the French capital. Neuf Cegetel will offer triple-play services that include 18 television channels that are HDTV-ready, high-speed Internet access, and VoIP. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide Neuf Cegetel with installation and commissioning services in addition to equipment.
Fiberail Sdn Bhd, Malaysia#439;s leading fiber-optic network operator, and Alcatel-Lucent have announced the expansion of Fiberail#439;s existing network. Alcatel-Lucent is also providing deployment and maintenance as part of the expanded contract. The increased capacity to carry voice, data, and video traffic over a single platform will help Fiberail address customer demand for applications such as Ethernet-based business services and triple-play residential services.
PMC-Sierra Inc. (www.pmc-sierra.com) has announced what it calls the industry#439;s first demonstration of 10-Gbit/sec IEEE 802.3av EPON. The demonstration�based on PMC-Sierra#439;s reference designs for 10G EPON, which include the PAS8001 for 10G optical line terminals (OLT) and the PAS9001 for 10G optical network units (ONUs)�was conducted at OptiNet China, in Beijing, China.
Sterlite Technologies Limited (www.sterlitetechnologies.com) has won two contracts with Indian telecom carrier Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL). The contracts, which are for fiber-optic cable and copper telecom cable, respectively, are worth a total $26.7 million. The first contract is for Sterlite#439;s RIBBON-LITE 96F ribbon fiber-optic cables, which BSNL will install in about 900 city sites across the country in the rapidly growing FTTX applications sector. The second contract is for a range of 10- to 2,000-pair copper telecom cables. These cables will also be installed at sites across India to support the nation#439;s growing demand for ADSL broadband as well as basic telephony in rural and urban areas.
BT (www.bt.com) is laying a new fiber-optic submarine cable between Orkney and the Scottish mainland to help bring its 21st Century Network (21CN) to the Northern Isles. The 70-km cable will run from Skaill Bay in Orkney under the Pentland Firth to Dunnet Bay, around 5 miles east of Thurso. BT has awarded the contract to independent marine engineering company Global Marine Systems Ltd. (www.globalmarinesystems.com). The carrier has already reached an agreement with Faroese Telecom to share part of a new fiber-optic submarine cable, which has been laid between the Faroe Islands, Orkney and Shetland, and the Scottish mainland.Opnext Inc. (www.opnext.com) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire privately held StrataLight Communications Inc. (www.stratalight.com). StrataLight designs, develops, and manufactures 40-Gbit/sec line-side optical subsystems and advanced dispersion compensation modules for the communications industry. Opnext will acquire StrataLight for a total consideration of approximately 26.55 million common shares and $30 million in cash. Upon completion of the acquisition, StrataLight Communications#439; shareholders will own approximately 29% of the combined company. The combination is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2008.