Airspan Networks, a provider of WiMAX-based broadband wireless access networks, has announced that Cooperativa de Teléfonos Automáticos Santa Cruz De La Sierra Limitada (COTAS), the second largest Bolivian telecommunications provider, has selected its WiMAX solutions for a next-generation broadband network deployment across major cities in Bolivia.
Operating on the 3.5 GHz spectrum, the network will deliver broadband data and other high-end IP applications to consumers using Airspan's WiMAX solution, which incorporates the WiMAX Forum Certified MicroMAX & HiperMAX platforms. The 4G network will cover the regions of Santa Cruz, La Paz and Cochabamba with HiperMAX base stations, while the MicroMAX base stations will be used for another five cities - Sucre, Tarija, Trinidad, Oruro and Potosí.
Bolivia has one of the lowest regional broadband penetration rates, only 10.4% of her 9.6 million people, leaving a huge demand among consumers for high-speed connectivity. As one of the least developed South American countries, Bolivia is making great strides to improve economic growth and decrease the Digital Divide.
"Airspan is proud to have been selected by COTAS for this project and to emerge as the vendor of choice from a pool of fierce competition. We look forward to working with COTAS on this network and to our continued partnership as their network needs continue to grow," stated Amit Ancikovsky, Airspan's President of Sales and Products.
Kurt Klein, Planning and Engineering Manager of COTAS, added, "Airspan's equipment is enabling us to reach a broader range of customers and to provide them with improved connectivity and applications. We are especially happy to have equipment that can overcome some of the rugged terrain challenges we face in Bolivia. HiperMAX is a robust and reliable solution that can reach both our urban as well as our rural customers. We are hopeful that by bridging the Digital Divide, we can help improve the quality of life and the overall economic situation in Bolivia."
* COTAS (with HQ in Santa Cruz de la Sierra) offers PSTN and cable TV services in Santa Cruz as well as long distance, data broadband, Internet, ADSL and satellite services countrywide. It was founded in 1960 as a co-operative, with a social model that was rapidly implemented by other operators in other departments in Bolivia.
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