Telecom Lead Africa: Ceragon Networks has signed deals worth $28 million with two large customers in sub-Saharan Africa.
These long-term equipment and services orders are from existing customers who have deployed large scale high-capacity wireless backhaul networks throughout the sub-region, based on Ceragon’s Evolution and
Out of this, according to Ceragon Networks, an order of $15 million was received for the expansion of a mobile operator’s high-capacity network.
The other order of $13 million was received from an existing mobile customer for Ceragon’s short haul and long haul solutions as well as professional services. This operator continues to develop its 2G/3G network in one sub-Saharan country as it begins to expand into another.
The improved network quality will allow both mobile operators to offer voice and data services to millions of underserved subscribers who would otherwise not have had access to the services. Both projects are now under way and are expected to be completed over the next 18 months.
GSMA says sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest-growing mobile market in the world, with an average annual growth rate of 44 per cent since 2000. Mobile connections have jumped to 475 million, compared to 12.3 million fixed line connections, representing the highest proportion of mobile versus fixed line connections globally.
Ira Palti, CEO and president of Ceragon Networks, said: “The mobile market in Africa continues to expand, despite lengthening sales cycles due to macro-economic factors. Ceragon is well positioned to continue to play a significant role in network deployments in this region as existing and new customers favor comprehensive solutions providing cost-effective high-capacity and feature rich solutions with turnkey capabilities.”
