17 November 2017

Siae Microelettronica's ALFOplus80HD millimetre wave radio will be used to boost multigigabit capacity in urban areas.

Siae Microelettronica has almost completed a project that it began earlier this year to deploy “state-of-the-art” wireless transport networks for a pan-African mobile operator. 

As part of a multimillion dollar contract announced in March, the Italy-based global wireless communication technology specialist is now due to start implementing microwave and millimetre wave radios for the operator’s new LTE backhauling deployments.

While it is unable to disclose its client’s name, Siae says the new transport networks will launch or extend 4G services in the cellco’s respective countries, thereby unifying its mobile offering across the region.

The firm’s teams started in the first half of 2017 and are on track to complete the ramp-up phase by December 2017.

The complete rollout will be accomplished over three years.

Siae says the installations involve all wireless transport technologies, including its AGS20 split mount platform, and full outdoor and trunk ALFOplus2 microwave radio for “high-capacity, pervasive coverage” in rural and urban areas.

The company is also using its ALFOplus80HD millimetre wave radio.

It expects this to boost multigigabit capacity in urban areas, maximising LTE performances in terms of latency and capacity for subscribers.

It adds that the operator can also use the same technology to expand coverage for its enterprise business.

As well as hardware, Siae is also supplying all services related to network design, optimisation, installation and commissioning.

“Hardware and services bundles offer stronger TCO model to operators,” says Nicola Bonzanino, the vendor’s international sales director, MEA.

“When the available infrastructures are limited and terrain adverse, microwave radio is the best fit to bring connectivity to remote areas, with fast deployment and immediate time to service.”