African businesses benefit as Gateway Communications and Cambridge Broadband Networks combine to deliver high speed, secure and reliable wireless broadband for Africa.

Tom Tudor, Marketing Director with Graham Peel, CEO of CBN

Image Credit: Andy Lane/Global Telecoms Business

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London, June 17th 2009 - Gateway Communications, the leading supplier of telecommunications services across Africa, yesterday claimed the prestigious award for “Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation” in partnership with vendor, Cambridge Broadband Networks Ltd. The awards were announced last night at a black-tie Awards dinner in London.

The GTB Innovation Awards are designed to honour innovative projects involving telecoms operators and service providers around the world, in association with their vendors and suppliers. For the “Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation” Award, Gateway was assessed on a project that showed innovative contribution to the telecommunications sector.

The Award was given for Gateways’ Airlink and Metrolink products, which were launched in Nigeria in May 2008. The products are designed to revolutionise the way companies operating in West Africa access the internet and connect branch offices.

AirLink is the only true broadband internet service offering access at speeds up to 8Mbps which can be installed in 48 hours. MetroLink allows companies with multiple offices in a metropolitan area to inter-connect at high-speed using the same secure, dedicated and quick to install product. Because of the speed, security and low installation costs, it has proved to be an ideal solution for banks, consumer goods distribution centres and fuel stations.

AirLink and MetroLink are a step forward for corporate connectivity in Nigeria. With these two products, Gateway provides a broadband solution that beats anything currently on the market in terms of speed and bandwidth. Gateway plans to introduce both products in 11 major cities in Nigeria in the third quarter of this year as well as Ghana, Cameroon and Mozambique in the next quarter before expanding them into the rest of Africa.

Both AirLink and MetroLink run on a Cambridge Broadband Networks wireless access platform with an MPLS core, allowing customers to converge Internet, Intranet and Extranet connections all on the same single access with total security.

“I’m delighted,” said Peter Gbedemah, CEO Gateway Communications, “It’s very exciting to be part of the dynamic telecommunications sector in one of Africa’s fastest growing regions. Gateway Communications is continuing to see solid growth through increasing demand for connectivity across the continent especially in the most vibrant markets such as Nigeria. Through investment and innovation, Gateway is meeting ever-growing demand and this recognition for our Airlink and Metrolink products is an affirmation that our corporate connectivity solutions are revolutionising the way Africa’s businesses operate.”

Graham Peel, CEO, Cambridge Broadband Networks, commented, “It’s great to see one of our customers recognised with such a prestigious award. Gateway Communications has taken an innovative approach to delivering much-needed products, services and connectivity to its customers, so it’s a just award for them to win. With the huge demand for Internet bandwidth in Africa and around the world, it’s not surprising that Gateway Communications selected a scalable platform like VectaStar which is designed to meet the requirements of world-class operators today and the next generation networks they will build in the future, so it is able to continue offering innovative products and services to its customers and is able to grow with them.”

Congratulating Gateway Communications and Cambridge Broadband Networks, Alan Burkitt-Gray commented, “The Airlink & Metrolink project stood out, even though the competition was strong, and it just had to be one of the winners. Well done to all involved.”

About Gateway Communications
Gateway Communications own and operate the largest and most advanced pan-African telecommunications network. Our scale, reach and resources are unparalleled.

Gateway connect over 583 million people in over 40 African countries, working in partnership with the continents leading mobile phone operators.

Our business experts are creating prosperity across Africa by working closely with multinational corporations; in banking and finance, oil and gas, mining and construction, retail and distribution, airlines and other important sectors.

With more than 45 transponders of satellite capacity over Africa we manage more connectivity over the continent than any other operator. And with 24 dedicated teleports, access to multiple SAT-3 and SEACOM landing ports, 17 African offices and 450 local experts, we’ve got more on the ground support than any other operator.

Gateway is committed to developing long term communications solutions and investing for the long term in the communities where we operate.

We continue to be recognised for setting the standards for tomorrows communications in Africa.