- Ericsson and the City of Johannesburg build next-generation fibre optic network
- Network leverages Ericsson's Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) to deliver faster and more reliable broadband services
- Consumers and businesses in the City of Johannesburg will enjoy the benefits of broadband along with tailored applications At an official ceremony held today in Westbury Secondary School, Martindale, Johannesburg, Ericsson, the world's leading provider of telecommunications technologies and services, appraised several top ranking officials from the City of Johannesburg and media of the current status of the Johannesburg Broadband
Network Project - an initiative to connect the City of Johannesburg
The project is being implemented through Bwired, an Ericsson initiative formed specifically for this purpose. Upon completion in 2013, the network will cover all 8 regions in Johannesburg providing broadband technologies to the City offices and enabling, alongside a variety of relevant access solutions, true triple play. Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo said "We are excited about this initiative with Ericsson and the immense opportunities and benefits it provides to our citizens. We are delighted with the quality of the deployment to date and are looking forward to the new era of enormous socio-economic growth that this project will lead our city to."
During the update, the transformative power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the development of society was illustrated with the aid of interactive demonstrations. The live demos showcased some of the applications that the citizens of Johannesburg will benefit from the broadband network once fully complete. For example, from the student who accesses specialized educational resources, to the field nurse who consults with a distant medical team, the possibilities provided by this network will know no boundaries.
According to Lars Linden, the Head of Ericsson in sub-Saharan Africa, "Broadband services are recognized as one of the most critical pillars in the development and improvement of society. This project will significantly change the way the citizens of Johannesburg live and do business, and the partnership is a source of great pleasure and pride to Ericsson." The state-of-the-art optical network is based on Ericsson's Multi-protocol label switching solution, which provides increased flexibility and network scalability for the City while ensuring that the high requirements necessary for data transport are met. The network will enable the transport of any kind of data, video and voice – including dark fibre, lit fibre, internet and mobile backhaul, and will even allow for the future implementation of IPTV services.
Musa Nkosi, CEO of BWired added, "We believe that the network will signify a momentous development for this city and will go a long way in bridging the digital divide. In the past, we have had several conferences discussing how to close this gap between rich and poor yielding no great result, now we can say with confidence that Bwired has that answer and this initiative is that bridge." The diverse range of services supported by high-speed broadband, make this the first true Digital City in sub-Saharan Africa.
More information on Bwired: http://www.bwired.co.za/index.html
Ericsson chosen as total solution provider for the first Greek Digital City: http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/releases/2011/03/1499009
ICT a catalyst for more sustainable development: http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/releases/2011/04/1506393
Vestberg at shareholder meeting: "Telecom important for society": http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/releases/2011/04/1506084
Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room: www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices. Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the "prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
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