New Ugandan operator signs up with Alcatel

The turnkey network Alcatel-Lucent is deploying will enable the telecoms operator to introduce its services in Uganda in time for the Summit of the 53 Heads of States of the Commonwealth Countries, which will take place in November. Hits Telecom Uganda will be able to quickly expand its GSM offer throughout Africa and position itself as a best-in-class telecom service provider, focusing on excellent quality of services.

Ahmed Darweesh Bin Dagher Al Marar, Chairman of the Board of Hits Telecom Uganda, says, "This project is also supported by International Investment House, a leading investment company in emerging countries and has mandated 1COM to manage the operations of Hits Telecom Uganda. 1COM is a European based company specialised in telecom management, consultancy and all related services.

"Hits Telecom Uganda, which benefits from access to a broad radio spectrum, will be extending its coverage to new markets, including semi-urban and rural areas of Uganda, while focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This is the cornerstone of the Hits philosophy; the firm belief that everyone in Uganda should have access to high-quality wireless network services at an affordable price, providing optimum value."

He further noted that this new GSM network will contribute to Uganda's overall telecommunications infrastructure, making it one of the many countries in Africa investing in new solutions to enhance its communications infrastructure to better serve people in these countries, particularly in the rural areas, where there is a critical need for wireless connectivity.

Under the agreement Alcatel-Lucent will supply a full end-to-end GSM network as well astransmission solutions with microwave systems to optimise the transmission of voice and data traffic from the base stations to the core network. Alcatel-Lucent will be responsible not only for complete network design and deployment, including OSS/BSS integration, but also will help Hits Telecom Uganda manage and maintain the network by providing a suite of managed services. Alcatel-Lucent will also supply its IP routing solution to provide massive scalability and critical Quality of Service features while simultaneously reducing operational complexity.