Optus Telecom selects Nortel for next-generation optical and voice networks
In a move expected to drive new revenues and reduced capital and operating costs, Sydney, Australia-based Optus Telecom has selected Nortel Networks to supply next-generation optical and voice networks. The five-year supply and services agreement is estimated to be worth approximately $175 million.
Per the agreement, Nortel Networks expects to build a 10-Gbit/sec DWDM link between Brisbane and Perth, completing national rollout of Optus' DWDM optical network. Nortel will extend Optus' DWDM access into Australia's metropolitan areas, positioning the carrier to provide wholesale and business customers with new, revenue-generating services such as high-speed leased lines, managed wavelengths, Gigabit Ethernet and optical storage area networking, claim Nortel representatives.
Optus plans to deploy Nortel's OPTera Connect HDX and OPTera Connect
DX bandwidth managers to interconnect its long haul and metropolitan transmission networks.
In addition, Nortel plans to upgrade the existing Optus DMS voice switches to enable them for packet voice. Nortel expects to deploy a packet-based voice solution for Optus, including Nortel Succession softswitches. By packetizing its voice network, Optus would be positioned to deliver all of its current, high-quality telephony services while simplifying its network and driving cost reductions.
Under the agreement, the network will include Nortel Networks OPTera Long
Haul 1600 Optical Line System, OPTera Connect DX, and OPTera Connect HDX, connecting Australian cities over Optus' long haul infrastructure. Furthermore, Optus will use Nortel DWDM optics technology between line and terminal systems, which will provide further capital and operational benefits. Extending the optical network into and around Australian metropolitan areas will be OPTera Metro solutions, including OPTera Metro 5200 and OPTera Metro 4000 series multiservice platforms.
Nortel specialists will also work closely with Optus to assist in bringing new services to market.
Optus serves more than five million customers in Australia and provides a range of communications services, including mobile, national and long distance services, local telephony, international telephony, business network services, Internet and satellite services, and pay television. For more information, visit Optus at www.optus.net.au.
For more information about Nortel Networks (Ottawa), visit the company's Web site at www.nortelnetworks.com.