Nokia Siemens Networks awarded at CommsMEA Awards

10 Dec 2009

Nokia Siemens Networks has been awarded the African Vendor of the Year award at the 2009 CommsMEA Awards. The award was presented in a ceremony on 7 December 2009 in Dubai. Nokia Siemens Networks was given the award based on its achievements with Vodacom Tanzania, Zain Nigeria and Leo Namibia.

Vodacom Tanzania selected Nokia Siemens Networks to provide a 3G network in the country. Within ten days, Nokia Siemens Networks had rolled-out the 3G and implementation of the 22 base stations and 120 sites.

Adnan Kureshy, head of marketing and communication at Nokia Siemens Networks MEA, on receiving the award said: "To be recognised for our achievements in a highly competitive market such as Africa is a privilege. Africa's low mobile penetration rate and developing demand for mobile services makes it a priority region for our business and we will continue to dedicate the necessary support and commitment the region deserves as it continues to grow."

Zain Nigeria worked with Nokia Siemens Networks to build 4,000km of fibre optic backbone infrastructure and supply microwave transmission equipment to deliver IP technology to address the problem of network capacity.

Phase one of the project was completed four months ahead of schedule in February 2009 using Nokia Siemens Networks' end-to-end Outside Plant turnkey solution. The resulting early roll-out is estimated to have saved Zain around US$7 million in reduced fibre leasing costs.

In July 2009, Zain Nigeria extended its contract with Nokia Siemens Networks to Phase two of the project - an additional 600km of the nationwide fibre backbone network. The operator's customer base is now the fastest-growing in Nigeria.

"At Nokia Siemens Networks, we'd like to thank our business partners for their faith and confidence in our tailored services and solutions. We'd also like to congratulate Zain Bahrain on their award for Telecoms Technology Investment of the Year for their vision in being the first to introduce LTE technology in the region and for entrusting us with its implementation for them," added Kureshy.

leo Namibia selected Nokia Siemens Networks in October 2009, to upgrade prepaid charging and mediation systems and expand 2G and 3G network. The 2G and 3G network coverage expansion will be undertaken using Nokia Siemens Networks' award-winning Flexi Base Station, which will enable faster roll out and help leo reduce its overall power consumption and operational costs.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as recently as 2006, Africa had under 22% mobile subscribers; a very low penetration rate with a high potential for growth.