FEBRUARY 1, 2007 -- Alcatel-Lucent (search for Alcatel-Lucent) has signed a series of new contracts with Globacom, Nigeria's second national operator, to deploy nationwide fixed and mobile networks as well as next-generation IP/MPLS and optical network equipment.
The project, part of a major network development and IP transformation, will enable Globacom to extend its network capacity and performance and support the delivery of voice, high-speed Internet access, and broadband multimedia services such as video-on demand (VoD), videoconferencing, and broadcast video. The overall value of the new contracts amounts to $600 million.
Per the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will deploy a new DWDM (search for DWDM) optical transport network that will increase the capacity and extend the reach of Globacom's existing infrastructure, broadening its service offering to new areas. Crossing more than 40 cities in Nigeria, the new network will be the African continent's largest DWDM backbone.
Globacom has selected Alcatel-Lucent's 1626 Light Manager (LM) multi-reach DWDM equipment and data-aware Optical Multi-Service Node (OMSN) systems. The Alcatel-Lucent 1350 management suite will manage all the optical networking equipment. Furthermore, Alcatel-Lucent will be in charge of the installation, commissioning, and integration of the equipment.
Globacom will transform and migrate its data networks onto an IP/MPLS network, leveraging Alcatel-Lucent's IP and data-aware optical multi-service solutions. The nationwide converged network will support broadband data services both for GPRS and 3G UMTS as well as for future multimedia evolutions in Nigeria. The project, which is part of a global network evolution to IP, will also enable the operator to establish and guarantee end-to-end quality of service, optimize its networks performance, and support new multimedia services.
Globacom will also deploy Alcatel-Lucent's next generation network (NGN) portfolio to expand its mobile network. Alcatel-Lucent's NGN portfolio will enable Globacom to reduce the operating costs of its mobile GSM core network while optimizing its costs for the introduction of 3G/UMTSIservices, ensuring long-term investment protection in preparation for the introduction of IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS), say Globacom representatives.
Finally, Alcatel-Lucent will expand Globacom's national mobile network capacity from its current 12 million subscribers to 35 million by the end of 2007. This covers Alcatel-Lucent's multi-standard radio access, core network, and transmissions equipment. Alcatel-Lucent will also enable Globacom to triple the capacity of its call center and handle both fixed and mobile customers.
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