US-headquartered wireless backhaul specialist Ceragon Networks Ltd has been selected by MUNI S.A, a mobile operator in Equatorial Guinea, to modernize and expand its network to deliver 4G services covering the country’s mainland and its island capital.
With this project, MUNI S.A aims to achieve nationwide mobile broadband service coverage, bringing better digital services to the people of this remote area. In support of this goal, Ceragon has deployed the longest-known microwave backhaul link – at least three or four times the length of typical microwave long-haul links.
The 4G long-haul microwave link spans 240km over the Gulf of Guinea, from the mainland shore to the island (typical microwave long-haul links only span as far as 50 - 70km). Ceragon says that the IP-20 platform delivers reliable and durable 4G backbone capacity over sea water and challenging climates, such as those present in Africa’s tropical ocean seashore, and, the company adds, excels in overcoming harsh high frequency microwave signal propagation challenges in these conditions.
In addition, Ceragon’s involvement means that the 4G network will utilize significantly fewer resources, such as energy consumption and real estate on towers – a key concern when deploying a network in a resource-scarce African landscape.
The project is valued at $3.4 million. Ceragon expects the project to be completed within 2019.
