One of the major players in Lebanon’s Data Service Provider market, PESCO Telecom, has recently purchased WiMAX equipment from the Militas, California-based, Aperto Networks (News - Alert). This move was directed to increase their currently available products, which include wireless networks, ISPs and ADSL networks. The company has the license to operate 2.6 and 3.5 GHz spectrum, and currently uses different technologies to provide wireless service to its various market segments.

 

The range of products purchased include, PacketMAX base stations, subscriber units, and WaveCenter Pro element management system. “PacketMAX 5000 is the highest capacity carrier-grade base station on the market. And with Aperto's WaveCenter EMS product, PacketMAX lets us serve a huge number of customers with exceptional QoS and reliability,” said Wassim El Khoury, Network Expansion Manager at PESCO Telecom.

 

The target clientele are large corporate entities, who have numerous branches, for example, banks. The package is slated to include, with the wireless connectivity, video conferencing functionality and VoIP, as value-addition.

 

This is Aperto’s initial foray into the Middle Eastern market, although it has dealt with PESCO in the past. Aperto is looking to establish itself more firmly, and has other deals lined up as well. "The PESCO Telecom deal is part of a string of new customer wins for Aperto in the Middle East and highlights our commitment to the region," said Manish Gupta, Vice President of Marketing & Alliances for Aperto Networks and WiMAX Forum Board Member.

 

"The cost of deploying WiMAX (News - Alert) is a big issue facing the industry", said Daryl Schoolar, Senior Analyst with In-Stat. "Technology and interoperability aside, service providers are in the business of making money. They need solutions that are cost-effective and scalable."

 

PacketMAX is a high-capacity carrier that is also affordable for the service provider and conforms to various IEEE standards.