CASE STUDY

3G NETWORK LAUNCH WITH AVIAT

ZAIN NIGERIA

CHALLENGE

Zain Nigeria, a major mobile services provider, needed to upgrade an

existing mobile network backbone and access links to increase Third
Generation (3G) data services for their expanding subscriber base.

“Our relationship with Zain

SOLUTION is based on mutual
esteem.”
Aviat Networks provided the solution technology; 180 backbone hops
Olawale Osimosu
will upgrade to TRuepoint® 6500, and 320 access links to Ethernet-
enabled Eclipse. Territory Manager
Aviat Networks

Zain Nigeria is a major mobile service provider in Nigeria, with 15 million customers
in 1500 towns and 14,000 communities. Zain Nigeria’s global-level services include
voice, text, and data; emergency support; and superior customer service.

They were the first commercial GSM provider in Nigeria launched in 2001. Previously
known as Celtel, they rebranded in 2008 as Zain Nigeria. Today, Zain’s goal is to
make telecommunications services available, accessible and affordable to all
Nigerians.

EXPANDING 3G SERVICES
In 2007, Zain realized that their existing nationwide network did not have the required
capacity for their planned expansion into 3G services. They needed to upgrade their
network to increase data capacity.

Zain’s network in Nigeria had been implemented using Aviat Networks TRuepoint
(4000 and 5000) access radios with MegaStar radio backbone links for Tellabs ADMs.
After exploring their options, Zain wanted to continue their positive relationship with
Aviat Networks.

Zain chose to update their network with two of the most advanced radios on the
market: the latest generation of TRuepoint, the 6500, and Ethernet-enabled Eclipse.

.
CASE STUDY

3G NETWORK LAUNCH WITH AVIAT

TRUEPOINT AND ECLIPSE SOLUTION

TRuepoint 6500 and Eclipse Ethernet are now being installed throughout Zain’s
Nigerian network. 180 backbone hops are being upgraded with TRuepoint 6500 trunk
radios.

TRuepoint 6500 provides up to 2.2 Gbits/ of capacity using a 14+2 protection

configuration. Its lower power consumption is also ideal for Zain’s diesel generator-
powered transmission locations, reducing operational costs.

320 access links are being upgraded using Gigabit Ethernet Eclipse radios. Eclipse
Zain Nigeria’s nationwide Aviat
has native support for both TDM and Ethernet data. With intelligent layer-2 switching, Networks’ network includes a
it incorporates carrier-class RSTP and link aggregation. Using link aggregation, link 3000 km backbone.
capacity can be boosted to 1.2 Gbit/s. Zain’s network will also benefit from Eclipse’s
advanced Quality of Service controls, which can separate and prioritize Ethernet T R U E P OI N T 6 5 0 0
traffic by service levels. The most compact trunking radio
available, supporting frequencies
SUPERIOR LOCAL SUPPORT from 4 to 13 GHz, TRuepoint 6500
meets your network’s demand for
Harris Stratex support and services made a vital difference for Zain Nigeria. Harris
ultra-high capacity backbone
Stratex has two Nigeria offices providing implementation and technical support
transmission.
tailored for Nigeria’s challenges, with great success. Zain claims that this strong
presence in Nigeria, combined with our advanced technical knowledge, was essential
E C L I P S E WI T H D A C G E F O R
to the network upgrade’s success.
E T H E R N ET
Eclipse enables optimized
RESULTS transport of all types of traffic,
Zain Nigeria is highly satisfied with the results. The Eclipse/TR 6500 upgrade, from low-capacity PDH to high-
purchased and installed for competitive rates, has improved their OPEX and expanded capacity Gigabit Ethernet, with
their service into next-generation 3G transmission. With the upgrade deployment innovative features that deliver
partially completed in December 2008, Zain has already seen a marked increase in high-end performance at a low
user traffic and improvements in revenue. cost of ownership.
With over 15 million subscribers in late 2008, Zain’s goal for Nigeria is to expand to 30 • The DAC GE module enables
million by 2011. To support this, they plan to expand their microwave backbone Eclipse for full carrier-level 3G
network, continuing their partnership with Harris Stratex. Ethernet data transfer.

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© Aviat Networks, Inc. 2010. All Rights Reserved.
Data subject to change without notice.
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