Aviat Networks Upgrades MTN Ghana's Microwave Backbone Capacity

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AFRICACOM -- Aviat Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNW), the leading expert in microwave networking solutions, today announced that it is deploying its STR600 ultra-high capacity microwave radio solution for MTN Ghana as a part of the upgrade of the leading African mobile operator's backhaul network to full IP capability. The STR600 links will form a critical element of the MTN Ghana backbone network, supporting a resilient, ultra-high capacity ring network delivering more than 1.8Gbps of data throughput.

Aviat's STR600 enables MTN Ghana to upgrade its existing Aviat Eclipse backbone network without having to deploy new all-indoor trunking radios. The STR600 radio is fully compatible with Aviat's currently installed Eclipse platform enabling equipment reuse while providing a significant increase in backbone capacity and minimizing upgrade costs. The new system combines increased bandwidth efficiency to make the most of MTN Ghana's licensed frequency spectrum with performance enhancing techniques to overcome possible transmission problems posed by the atmosphere over long microwave paths. STR600 is available in the 6, 7, 8 and 11GHz frequency bands.

"For many years, we have built our backhaul network using Aviat's Eclipse hybrid platform, and now we are migrating the entire network to IP," says Hendrik Vorster, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Ghana. "The STR600 enables us to significantly increase our backbone capacity while maintaining compatibility with our Eclipse installed base."

"A trend is underway in Africa for many mobile operators to decrease site infrastructure and optimize operational expenditure by deploying new split-mount trunk radio solutions as an alternative to traditional all-indoor radios. Our STR600 solution allows operators to drastically reduce, or eliminate, the need for large site shelters and air conditioning systems," says Stuart Little, director of solutions marketing, Aviat Networks. "Smaller shelters and less air-conditioning mean lower power needs, smaller generators and dramatically reduced diesel fuel consumption." STR600 also simplifies antenna installation (i.e., eliminating waveguide and pressurization systems) and, in many, cases reducing antenna sizes due to improved transmission power, thus decreasing the effects of wind on tower swaying. Little adds, "We are also seeing a wave of tower outsourcing across Africa, so smaller antennas directly equate to diminished leasing costs for operators."

Aviat Networks will showcase the STR-600 split-mount trunking solution in booth D01 of the Cape Town International Convention Center during AfricaCom.

About Aviat Networks

Aviat Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNW) is the leading global provider of microwave networking solutions transforming communications networks to handle the exploding growth of IP-centric, multi-Gigabit data services. With more than 750,000 systems installed around the world, Aviat Networks provides LTE-proven microwave networking solutions to mobile operators, including some of the largest and most advanced 4G/LTE networks in the world. Public safety, utility, government and defense organizations also trust Aviat Networks' solutions for their mission-critical applications where reliability is paramount. In conjunction with its networking solutions, Aviat Networks provides a comprehensive suite of localized professional and support services enabling customers to effectively and seamlessly migrate to next generation Carrier Ethernet/IP networks. For more than 50 years, customers have relied on Aviat Networks' high performance and scalable solutions to help them maximize their investments and solve their most challenging network problems. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Aviat Networks operates in 46 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.aviatnetworks.com or connect with Aviat Networks on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, MTN is a global telecommunications group, operating in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The countries are: Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN."

SOURCE Aviat Networks, Inc.