The hub will allow Nigeria access to HNS' full line of VSAT products, including PES(TM), TES(TM), and HES(TM), to achieve unparalleled satellite communications connectivity. The hub provides a network solution for data/voice networks with low-cost data links between corporate headquarters and remote sites, as well as full mesh, demand-assigned voice links for intranetwork voice/fax connections.

"It is very important for NITEL to be able to provide both voice and data networks to fully support our varied customer base," stated Tayo Ekundayo, General Manager for Public Affairs, NITEL. "When commissioned, the HNS system will further enhance our capability in meeting the demands of our customers, no matter how geographically dispersed or remote their locations may be."

NITEL will be responsible for the operation of the shared hub as a service, while other operators will administer marketing and sales of sites for use of the hub. NITEL personnel will be fully trained by HNS in the installation, operation, and maintenance of the hub station as well as any expansion training needed for the new sites that will be added to the network.

"We are pleased that NITEL has selected HNS to supply this hybrid hub. HNS has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the African market and recognises Nigeria's potential to be a major market for telecommunications equipment and services," said Ernest Ndukwe, Managing Director of General Telecom, Plc, and HNS' representative in Nigeria.

The network is expected to be operational during the summer of 1998 and will become one of the continent's largest networks over the next two years. "NITEL's commitment to this technology demonstrates the viability of HNS solutions for Africa's telecommunications needs," said Andy Werth, president, HNS International. "From satellite systems to wireless networks, HNS offers solutions that fit the needs of private and public networks in rural or urban environments across the continent."

This contract is the second NITEL purchase of HNS equipment within a year. In 1997, NITEL purchased DAMA terminals to be integrated into the Intelsat network on Intelsat 601. The DAMA VSAT systems provide demand assignment of single channel per carrier (SCPC) circuits for voice and/or data communications paths; a cost-effective use of the satellite resource by sharing the capacity between Intelsat's entire global network of DAMA earth stations.

Other African customers include some of the continent's most progressive telecommunications companies: GABTEL, Gabon; ZAMTEL, Zambia; KPTC, Kenya PTT; SOTELMA, Mali; ONATEL, Burkina Faso; PTT, Republic of Benin; Ghana Telecom, Ghana, ZPTC, Zimbabwe; TELKOM, South Africa; SONATEL, Senegal PTT; and INTELCAM, Cameroon PTT.