South Africa : South African communications giant Mobile Telephone Networks Ltd (MTN) has enlisted AIRCOM International to provide consultancy services as it rolls out its nationwide 3G network whilst continuing to provide a quality service to its customers on its 2G network. AIRCOM will provide network quality benchmarking services for MTN South Africa over the next two years.

The contract involves drive-test benchmarking and analysis of network quality data (2G and 3G), enabling MTN to quickly identify areas of its network requiring further optimisation. The nationwide service will use RANOPT, AIRCOM's radio network optimisation and analysis tool to present the drive test results in accordance with MTN's pre defined KPI's and customised requirements.

"South Africais proving to be an extremely competitive region as regulatory changes shape the market and network technologies evolve. MTN South Africa's ability to fine tune its network using the findings and recommendations of our consultancy services is an excellent example of how AIRCOM is working closely with global operators to meet growing customer demand for improved network quality," said Graham Kemp, Managing Director, AIRCOM South Africa.

"Our consultants have already driven more than 45,000 kilometres to collect data for network analysis, allowing MTN to identify areas for further improvement, while monitoring overall network performance in a more efficient manner," Kemp continued.

"After reviewing several tender responses, it became obvious that the reporting and top-drawer consultancy services offered by AIRCOM International would provide the best solution for MTN", said Thaigan Govender, Senior Manager: Network Optimisation, MTN South Africa. "With its efficient loading of test drive data, faster data set identification and flexible analysis mechanisms, I am confident that AIRCOM will help MTN maximise the optimisation of our network.

According to a recent analyst report Africais the fastest growing region in the global cellular market. Cellular connections passed 200 million in the first quarter of 2007 to reach a penetration rate of around 21 percent. Strong opportunities for growth are expected in the various sub-regions of Africa. South Africarepresents 94 percent of the installed base in Southern Africawith a penetration rate of around 75 percent in 2006.

MTN owns and operates 21 GSM networks in Africa and the Middle Eastand has a long standing relationship with AIRCOM dating back to 1995.

RANOPT

RANOPT is a radio network optimization tool designed to facilitate the loading and analysis of data from 2G, 2.5G, 3G and 3.5G networks. Its flexibility allows for new data formats and parameters to be readily supported. Data can be automatically loaded into a common database allowing in-depth analysis. This tool allows operators to pinpoint problem areas, drill down for detailed analysis and unearth network problems that require corrective action.