BH Telecom selects Nokia Siemens Networks to build an optical backbone network in Bosnia and Herzegovina

(14 apr 2008) - New optical network from Nokia Siemens Networks to strengthen BH Telecom product strategy with increased transmission capacity to capture rising data traffic

Espoo, Finland / Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Bosnia and Herzegovina’s biggest operator of mobile and fixed networks – BH Telecom - will use Nokia Siemens Networks’ flexible, high-capacity fiber-optic platform to strengthen its leading market position and expand its services to customers. BH Telecom is the first operator in the country to implement Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology.

“We are actively working to expand and strengthen our solutions portfolio and value propositions for the Bosnian market. A reliable, high capacity network from a vendor who understands the importance of rapid deployment is the cornerstone on our way to provide capabilities for UMTS and VoIP technology in near future,” said Nedzad Residbegovic, General Manager of BH Telecom. “We are confident that this step gives us the possibility to strengthen our number one position in the Bosnia and Herzegovina market and to provide best-of-breed customer solutions.”

Nokia Siemens Networks’ DWDM network based on the SURPASS hiT 7300 platform will provide BH Telecom with a scalable and cost effective transport backbone, anticipating the future transmission volumes from the emerging data traffic. It also will prepare the operator for the transformation towards Next Generation Networks.

The deliveries are planned for the second quarter of 2008. Nokia Siemens Networks also will provide BH Telecom with an advanced network management system for next generation optical networks (TMNS), as well as network implementation and training services for BH Telecom’s staff, to ensure network launch within agreed timeframes and the highest possible quality.

The new network will give BH Telecom a very strong leading market position and provide the possibility to increase data transport capacities to carrier customers. For end users, it will mean a flexible bandwidth and quality services like Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The installation of this optical backbone network marks an entry of the DWDM technology to Bosnia and Herzegovina and helps Nokia Siemens Networks demonstrate its leadership in transforming the market towards data transport and Next Generation Networks, including the core network.

The network also features the new technology of reconfigurable optical add/drop Multiplexing (ROADM), which helps shorten the implementation time.

“With the SURPASS hiT 7300 Nokia Siemens Networks has proven its leadership in next-generation metro long haul and ultra long haul optical networks also in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Hannu-Tapani Hirvonen, Sales Manager for Bosnia and Herzegovina at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We are delighted to expand our long and successful relationship with BH Telecom through the delivery of a scalable and cost-effective end-to-end-solution.”

Nokia Siemens Networks holds the number one global market position in DWDM and is a global market leader in leading-edge long-haul and ultra long-haul ROADM.