MTN carries clients across SADC

"Metropolitan undertook a lengthy RFP process to ensure that the provider chosen to manage our voice and data traffic could not only offer an efficient and faster service overall, but could deliver full in-country support while offering us the ability to reach into the rest of Africa," says Gerhard van Rensberg, group technology services manager at Metropolitan.

"It was chosen as our preferred service provider, as not only can it deliver a true in-country terrestrial MPLS solution, which many other service providers are unable to undertake at present, but it also has a strong presence into Africa, which is important to us, considering we have further branch offices in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Lesotho and Swaziland."

Network support

The project, which is set to be completed by the end of September 2010, includes linking three branch offices in Botswana and 14 in Namibia to the head office in Cape Town. Angela Gahagan, managing executive at MTN Business said prior to the implementation of this solution, the client ran a point-to-point network, which was fully managed and maintained internally. "However, through our MPLS solution, we can offer the company full voice and data in-country support and management, ensuring a high quality of service and enhancing the speed and reliability of its network."

"As we have invested in in-country skills and support, as well as a full MPLS network in Africa, we are able to offer such organisations a far more cost effective solution that enables businesses to reduce CAPEX spending as they are able to leverage off the MTN business infrastructure. Furthermore, as the client is working with one service provider for the delivery and management of its network in Africa, it minimises administration complexities and enjoys single, consolidated support and billing structures," adds Gahagan.

"By building partnerships into Africa, we believe companies will succeed in their market extension and reach. We believe our MPLS offering is set to deliver strong communication links, together with solid returns to the company," concludes Gahagan.