Ethernet exchange operator CENX is to provide a 4G LTE wireless backhaul platform to support LightSquared’s deployment of a 4G LTE wireless broadband network across the US. CENX hopes its OSS platform will support LightSquared’s bandwidth requirements helping to drive the lowest cost per bit and leading to higher profitability. Ethernet backhaul can integrate multiple access providers across a region, offer a path to a multi-class of service and support systems for monitoring backhaul and SLAs that are Ethernet ready. To read Capacity’s full coverage of this story click here.
Malaysian operator Maxis Berhad has partnered with Alcatel-Lucent to deploy 100G in Maxis’ core network. Alcatel-Lucent claims that this will be the first 100G single carrier with optical coherent technology system commercially deployed in Asia Pacific. “The deployment of this optical network solution transforms our core transmission network; much like upgrading from a normal trunk road to a super highway, allowing users to enjoy faster and seamless high capacity connectivity within Peninsular Malaysia,” said Mark Dioguardi, Maxis’ CTO. The deployment aims to address the growing bandwidth requirements across the country.
Elephant Talk Communications, a software and services provider to the business and financial industries, has announced a joint venture with MECO Holding to launch mobile venture network enabler (MVNE) platforms in Europe and Canada. MVNE platforms will initially be built in Italy, Germany and the UK with expansion to Switzerland, Portugal, France, Greece, Ireland, Austria and Canada over the coming years. Martin Zuurbier, CTO of Elephant Talk Communications said: “Our new joint venture creates a significant opportunity for Elephant Talk to increase its revenue base in the higher margin MVNE platform business.” The total investment from this joint venture will be up to $50 million with Elephant Talk holding a 51% interest.
Telecom Egypt’s TE North cable system has become the first cable across the Mediterranean to provide commercial service of the newest 40G technology. The Egyptian incumbent has partnered with equipment and solutions provider Alcatel-Lucent to use its technology, and announced the TE-North cable has been provisioned with 40Gbps wavelengths across the Mediterranean and is in full service. The cable, spanning 3600km, connects Abu Talat, Egypt with a branch in Pentaskhinos, Cyprus as well as other branching units for further expansions in the Mediterranean. To read Capacity’s full coverage of this story click here.
Luxembourg’s state-owned telco, P&TLuxembourg, has announced that its ultra high-speed internet, LuxFibre, will be available in the country from September 2011. When the network is launched approximately 85% of homes will be able to connect at speeds of up to 30Mbps and approximately 25% will be able to connect as speeds of up to 100Mbps. Luxembourg’s government has set a target to provide all households in the country with access speeds of 100Mbps by 2015.
Indian operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and ZTE have entered into a strategic partnership to improve broadband services in India. ZTE will be responsible for deploying ultra high-speed ADSL2+ and next generation VDSL2+ broadband devices across BSNL networks. “In today’s world, internet access and broadband penetration is an integral part of a country’s growth and progress,” said Cui Liangjun, CEO of ZTE India. ZTE had already deployed over 3 million subscriber broadband units for BSNL and, with this addition, will now operate 40-45% of BSNL’s market share.
SRT Communications, a US telco operating in North Dakota, has announced its plans to partner with Zhone Technologies to expand its network to support Microsoft Mediaroom. The US operator wil use Zhone Technologies’ MXK multi-service access node (MSAN) combined with Microsoft Mediaroom to deliver IPTV and video services, which will be delivered through ADSL2+ and FTTH networks.
Satellite operator SES and satellite technology provider Newtec have signed an agreement to add next-generation technology to the European satellite broadband network ASTRA2Connect. SES and Newtec already work together to deliver broadband and VoIP services to 80,000 homes and businesses across Europe, which offer download speeds of up to 6Mbps using Newtec’s Ku-band terminals. The upgraded Ka-band terminals will provide higher download speeds of up to 10Mbps. To read Capacity’s full coverage of this story click here.
