Africa’s first 4G LTE network in the 800 MHz frequency band to deliver services such as video conferencing and multi-user Internet gaming in Dar es Salaam, with plans for expansion during 2012
Paris, June 6, 2012 – African telecommunications operator Smile Telecom Holdings Ltd (Smile) has launched a new service in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, enabling the delivery of lightning-fast mobile broadband services including live video chat and TV streaming, thanks to 4G LTE technology supplied by Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU).
The network will be the first in Africa to provide 4G LTE service in the 800 MHz frequency band, providing businesses and consumers with super-fast, high-quality Internet access, initially in the principal commercial city and major seaport of Tanzania. Smile’s intention is to offer ubiquitous coverage as soon as possible.
Following a limited pilot launch in April, 4G LTE services have been rolled out by Smile in several districts of Dar es Salaam, including Mikocheni, Massani Peninsula, Oysterbay and Sinza. Businesses and consumers there can now enjoy mobile broadband speeds of up to 4 times as fast as 3G, which can support video conferencing and other business applications, streaming television programs and films without interruption and accessing other content-rich social media services. Broadband routers are used to access the services and have been installed in homes, offices and public places, such as shopping malls and Internet cafes. Smile plans to extend coverage through Tanzania in 2012, followed by the launch of similar services in the other three countries where Smile currently operates.
Tom Allen, Chief Operating Officerof Smile said: “Smile is constantly introducing new innovations to expand the range of services we can offer our customers. Broadband has a significant impact on socio-economic development and through our presence in the country we hope to play an important role in improving the livelihood of Tanzanians. There is huge demand for Internet connectivity in Tanzania and working with Alcatel-Lucent we are able to provide our customers with faster, better quality connections, resulting in ever more compelling services to satisfy their demands.”
Daniel Jaeger, Vice-President of Alcatel-Lucent activities in Africa said: “Alcatel-Lucent has extensive expertise in delivering comprehensive mobile broadband services to meet the needs of many communities. We have a solid understanding of Smile’s needs and those of their customers. Our 4G LTE technology brings broadband services to many people that haven’t had access to such services in the past, helping drive economic growth in Tanzania and unlocking new revenue streams for Smile.”
As global demand for Internet services continues to rise, Alcatel-Lucent is providing operators such as Smile with a clear, efficient broadband evolution path. Alcatel-Lucent’s innovative lightRadio™ portfolio is designed with this in mind, and provides a framework for wireless networks that offer lightning fast data speeds while reducing operating costs and power consumption.
Smile’s core platform is to be integrated with Alcatel-Lucent’s network equipment operating in the 800 MHz frequency, which will result in lower capital costs to rollout because it is already in commercial service in Europe. As a result, it is capable of supporting a wide and growing variety of LTE devices, including routers, dongles, handsets and tablets already on the market.
About Alcatel-Lucent and 4G LTE
With more than 20 LTE contracts for commercial deployments including two of the largest LTE network roll-outs, and engagement in more than 70 LTE trials worldwide, Alcatel-Lucent has established a strong global leadership position in 4G LTE. Please visit our website to learn more about our 4G LTE solution.
About Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU)
The long-trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments around the world, Alcatel-Lucent is a leading innovator in the field of networking and communications technology, products and services. The company is home to Bell Labs, one of the world’s foremost research centers, responsible for breakthroughs that have shaped the networking and communications industry. Alcatel-Lucent was named one of MIT Technology Review’s 2012 Top 50 list of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” for breakthroughs such as lightRadio™, which cuts power consumption and operating costs on wireless networks while delivering lightning fast Internet access. Through such innovations, Alcatel-Lucent is making communications more sustainable, more affordable and more accessible as we pursue our mission – Realizing the Potential of a Connected World.
With operations in more than 130 countries and one of the most experienced global services organizations in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The Company achieved revenues of Euro 15.3 billion in 2011 and is incorporated in France and headquartered in Paris.
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