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04.02.2010 Feature Article

The new Nigeria’s wireless network

The new Nigerias wireless network
04.02.2010 LISTEN

Gateway Communications Nigeria, a telecommunication headquartered in Lagos, on 29th January 2010, announced a contract with Cambridge Broadband Networks to create the Nigeria's largest point to multipoint broadband wireless network. Gateway will use Cambridge Broadband's industry leading VectaStar II platform to provide 130 hubs and 5000 terminal stations that will deliver last mile broadband connections across Nigeria.

Gateway Communications are building a pan-African, MPLS network that covers every major African city and has acquired 10.5GHz spectrum licences for point to multipoint in Nigeria to further the project. The company will roll out wireless broadband services across 10 Nigerian states in 2010, with Port Harcourt and Abuja scheduled to go live in March. It is anticipated that a further 26 states will go live through 2011. The deal follows Gateway's successful roll out of its award winning AirlinkTMand MetroLinkTM wireless broadband services, using 10.5GHz solutions in Lagos.

“Being able to connect to our enterprise, customers in their own premises and control the last mile ensures that all Nigerian business will now be able to benefit from carrier grade solutions, no matter what their size,” said Guy Clarke, Managing Director, Gateway Nigeria. “And Gateway has an aggressive roll-out plan for last mile access for their wireless broadband networks in 2010 and 2011. We needed an efficient, reliable and high capacity solution that could be deployed quickly, and CBN's point to multi point solution met those requirements”.

AirLinkTMand MetroLinkTM are new high speed broadband wireless access (BWA) solutions that Gateway believe will revolutionize how Nigerian businesses use their online applications, their ability communicate at higher speeds with connected Nigerian businesses and their access to the Internet. Both are currently available in Lagos and will, over the next few months, be delivered to all major metropolitan areas across Nigeria.


Gateway's BWA products take the limits off traditional fixed line networks, and allow all sizes and sectors of business to access high speed data services wirelessly, and with total security. Designed for fast installation and low cost of maintenance, Gateway's AirLinkTMand MetroLinkTM products and scalable and efficient, and flexible enough to service their international bankingcustomers as well as Nigeria's growing number of dynamic small enterprises.

“The agreement with Gateway perfectly illustrates the clear benefits of Cambridge Broadband's VectaStar II solution,” commented Graham Peel, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Broadband Networks. “This latest mass deployment provides further validation of the technology and CBN's ability to deliver.”

Charles Urhoboghara writes from 18, Isaac John Street, G.R.A., Ikeja - Lagos. Tel: +234 (1) 496 7558. Mobile: +234 (0)803 344 8235. www.africapractice.com

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