Kirk LaughlinSTAFF REPORT
French equipment vendor Alcatel-Lucent has agreed to help Colombian telecom firm Azteca Comunicaciones with deployment of a nationwide optic-fiber network, a flagship program for Colombian government aimed at providing broadband services to 753 municipalities across the country.
As part of the deal, Alcatel-Lucent will supply point-to-point fiber broadband access technology and a combination of optical transport and Internet Protocol (IP) routing solutions.
The federal government’s broadband expansion program is designed to provide robust, high-speed video, voice and data connections to multi-tenant buildings, businesses, government offices and individual homes.
In other words, the fiber-optic network will bring high-quality TV, video, voice and high-speed data services to consumers and business users throughout Colombia.
The ‘National Fiber Optic Network Program’ is a flagship project from the ministry of information technology and communication (MINTIC). Its ultimate aim is to increase broadband coverage from the current 27.2 percent to 95.5 percent over the next two years. The Columbian government has reportedly set aside US$ 232 million for this ambitious program.
The part of the project to be handled by Alcatel-Lucent will connect 216 Colombian municipalities with the World Wide Web.
“The government of Colombia has set very aggressive targets for increasing the availability of broadband services throughout the country. Our collaboration with Alcatel will help us to ensure that this project is completed quickly and with exceptional quality,” said Alexandra Reyes, CEO, Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia.
Under the deal, Alcatel-Lucent is supplying a complete turnkey system comprising broadband access, IP routing and fiber optic technology, including its 7330 Intelligent Services Access Manager (ISAM) FTTN supporting point-to-point fiber access. In addition, Alcatel-Lucent will provide services such as installation, project management and technical support for two years as well as operation and maintenance of the network.
“We are deeply committed to helping connect underserved populations around the world, and appreciate the opportunity to engage in this ambitious effort to dramatically increase broadband penetration in Colombia,” said Osvaldo Di Campli, leader of Alcatel-Lucent activities in Latin America.
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