Mobitel Secures WiMax Infrastructure

Mobitel has contracted Alvarion to deploy a WiMax network in 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 third quarter of this year, 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.
Johnson Salako, president of Mobitel, said it 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. 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,” he said.
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%.