Alvarion Selected by Mobitel Nigeria for $7 Million First Phase Nationwide 802.16e Deployment

Alvarion has signed a turnkey contract with Mobitel to build a broadband network in Nigeria using WiMAX technology

Alvarion Ltd, the world’s leading provider of WiMAX and wireless broadband solutions, today announced it was chosen by Mobitel to provide 802.16e WiMAX services for under-served areas throughout Nigeria.

Using Alvarion’s BreezeMAX solution in the 2.0 GHz, 2.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz frequency bands, Mobitel will begin to offer voice and high-bandwidth data services to residences and businesses nationwide, with the key cities of Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Warri and Abuja being start points.

Initial rollout of the WiMAX network is planned for Q3 2009, with 20,000 subscribers expected on the network during initial launch. Alvarion will also provide a range of professional services including system integration, network deployment, field maintenance, configuration, training and local support services to ensure delivery of the network.

“This is a great opportunity for Mobitel to bring broadband services to remote parts of the country. The use of WiMAX technology together with our existing fixed line network allows us the possibility to offer converged services to our customers,” said Johnson Salako, President of Mobitel. “WiMAX provides a very good business case to roll out broadband infrastructure with a much lower upfront investment when compared to other technologies available in the market.”

During the second phase of the project, Mobitel and Alvarion will expand coverage to 18 other states in the country, including Kano, Kaduna, Oyo and Edo. The current population of Nigeria is estimated at 150 million people in 66 provinces with a very low internet penetration rate of less than 1%.