WiMAX solutions developer Alvarion Ltd. (Nasdaq: ALVR; TASE: ALVR) today announced three contracts in three countries on three continents - Norway, Nigeria, and Papua-New Guinea.
In Nigeria, Alvarion won a contract from Mobitel Ltd. to provide its BreezeMAX solution nationwide. The initial rollout for 20,000 subscribers is scheduled for the third quarter in Lagos, the capital Abuja, Port-Harcourt, and Warri. The first phase of the contract is worth $7 million.
The second phase of the project will expand coverage to 18 other states in the country, including Kano, Kaduna, Oyo and Edo. Alvarion notes that the internet penetration rate among Nigeria's 150 million people is less than 1%.
Alvarion president and CEO Tzvika Friedman said, "This win reiterates Alvarion’s leading position in the WiMAX market with a strong portfolio of WiMAX solutions. Being selected by an innovative operator as Mobitel is another proof point of Alvarion strength in emerging markets as we continue to focus on abundant opportunities in these underserved regions."
In Norway, Alvarion will supply its Mobile WiMAX solution to Hafslund Telekom AS for deployment in southern Norway, in a follow-on turnkey contract. Alvarion’s local partner for this project is Nera Telecommunications Ltd. Alvarion did not disclose the size of the deal.
In Papua-New Guinea, Telikom PNG Ltd. is deploying the country's first mobile WiMAX network using Alvarion’s Mobile WiMAX 4Motion solution. Alvarion’s local partner for this project is Telrad Networks Ltd.
Government-owned Telikom PNG deployed the first network in the capital, Port Moresby, for 1,500 users earlier this month. It will deploy the second network in Lae, on the north coast, during the second quarter of 2009. By the end of the year, the network will achieve nationwide coverage for 55,000 users.
Alvarion notes that the Internet penetration rate among Papua-New Guinea's 6 million people is less than 2%.
Alvarion's share rose 2% in premarket trading on Nasdaq to $2.98. The share rose 5.6% by mid-afternoon on the TASE to NIS 12.13.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 2, 2009
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