NEC to provide iPASOLINK series to Belgacom-Cassidian consortium to enhance Belgium's public safety network ASTRID
Replacing ASTRID's current microwave transmission equipment with NEC's iPASOLINK series will increase its availability to users in extreme weather conditions.
NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) announced today the completion of a
contract to provide its iPASOLINK(1) series to the Belgacom-Cassidian
consortium, which will replace one of the major building blocks of the
Belgian radio communications network ASTRID.
Replacing ASTRID's
current microwave transmission equipment with NEC's iPASOLINK series
will increase its availability to users in extreme weather conditions.
NEC's iPASOLINK series also provides the necessary capacity to handle
the rapidly increasing traffic demanded by new data applications. The
hybrid radio architecture of the iPASOLINK series ensures the smooth
transition from traditional TDM (Time-division multiplexing) based
communication to the next-generation IP based communication. The new
equipment will consist of iPASOLINK 400, iPASOLINK 1000 and the
management system MS5000.
Under the overall ASTRID contract
completed by the Belgacom-Cassidian consortium, consortium partner
Belgacom will deliver NEC's microwave equipment, installation services
and the 1st line of integration and maintenance. Cassidian - which is
part of the consortium - and NEC will be responsible for the
installation and configuration of the new microwave network monitoring
system, maintenance and training.
The nationwide TETRA
(terrestrial trunked radio) network in Belgium serves approximately
60,000 end users of public safety, disaster recovery, security services
(police, fire, health & ambulance services) and several utility and
public transport companies.
"Providing public safety is a vital
service and NEC's iPASOLINK fully meets our requirements for microwave
equipment that can handle even severe weather conditions and stay ahead
of the rapid technological evolution in radiocommunication," said Kris
Verheye, vice president, corporate market enterprise business unit,
Belgacom.
"NEC's microwave technology has always been at the
forefront of new developments and its advanced capabilities allow the
Belgacom-Cassidian consortium to run a stable service at all times,"
Michael Stueckmann, managing director, NEC Deutschland GmbH responsible
for all activities within DACH & Benelux.
(1) The iPASOLINK
series was launched in September 2010. NEC has supplied more than
110,000 units for nearly 100 operators spanning 55 countries, across
Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Source: JCN Network
