Access Communications Ltd and Athonet build Malawi’s first LTE broadband wireless network in record time

TRIESTE, Italy - April 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Access, a mobile operator in Malawi, and Athonet, a provider of software-based mobile infrastructure, have implemented the first LTE network in Malawi. In a country with a very low rate of Internet access and where broadband is rare, such an innovative mobile broadband service contains great promises and represents an excellent case study to be replicated in other countries as a remedy for digital divide complexities.

Leveraging Athonet’s technology, an LTE ultra-broadband network has been implemented covering Blantyre’s business district, ensuring data, live video and voice services with very low latency. The initial service offering has been oriented towards clients that require high-speed Internet access and voice services, evolving to cover larger areas of the country and consumer needs.

Such a rapid and cost-effective rollout was possible thanks to:

- Athonet’s distributed LTE Virtual Mobile Core Network (EPC) that runs on standard IT servers or in the cloud and provides guaranteed very low latency, highly reliable ultra-broadband service in a cost-effective manner using a fully virtualized software approach;

- Access’ longstanding experience in rolling out mobile and IP networks and serving Internet-hungry mobile customers in a cost-effective manner.

- Athonet’s experience in integrating complete end-to-end networks.

“Provision of cost effective scalable data and voice services by the telecommunications sector is directly linked to increased GDP”, said Faizal Okhai, Chief Executive Officer at Access. “We feel that the introduction of 4G LTE services in Malawi will serve a latent demand for high quality ultra-broadband Internet for corporate and individual consumers.”

“Internet can be a fundamental driver for growth in Africa and we are proud to be Access’ partner in making ultra-broadband Internet accessible to businesses and consumers in Malawi”, said Massimiliano Gianesin, Athonet Head of Operations. “Our software approach to infrastructure means that mobile networks in developing countries can be deployed very rapidly and cost-effectively both in terms of CAPEX and OPEX, avoiding the complexity of legacy products and simplifying operations.”

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Access is a Malawian mobile telecommunications company. Access offers both mobile and fixed voice and data telecommunications services in Malawi. Access launched a wireless network in September 2010.  Further information is available at www.access.mw.

Athonet is an Italian company specialized in the field of mobile network infrastructure where “the software is the network”. Athonet has created a unique compact, cost-effective and transportable Mobile Core solution for LTE/UMTS/WiFi networks dedicated to serving mobile operators, professional users, public safety, large enterprises, campuses and MVNOs. Athonet’s product, PriMo, has been fully built in-house to virtualize and increase the performance of the Mobile Core running on standard IT servers. PriMo has been successfully used by operators, government and private clients in real-world mission-critical conditions.