Aviat Networks Nominated for Best Network Improvement Award at AfricaCom 2010

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviat Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVNW), a leading wireless expert in advanced IP migration solutions, announced it is a finalist for the Best Network Improvement award at the AfricaCom 2010 Congress and Exhibition (www.africacomawards.com/categories/shortlist_2010) for an implementation on the continent of Africa.  Aviat Networks was nominated for work on the rollout of its TRuepoint 6500 microwave radio platform for operator MTN Nigeria's backhaul network across Nigeria. The winner will be announced at a gala awards dinner on the evening of Nov. 11 at the 3rd annual AfricaCom Awards.  Recognized as Africa's premier communications congress and exhibition, the show will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa from November 10-11, 2010. With its subscribers increasing rapidly on a semiannual basis, MTN Nigeria needed to get ahead of the curve on network capacity. For example, from December 2009 to June 2010, MTN Nigeria added 4.3 million subscribers, bringing its subscriber base to an overall total of 35.1 million, according to published reports. From December 2009 to June 2010, Aviat Networks increased network capacity by the equivalent of 20 million mobile subscribers when MTN Nigeria took final acceptance of the network improvement project comprising more than 250 links and in excess of 3,000 TRs of TRuepoint 6500 radios. Overall, these radios deployed in a 7+1 configuration increased bandwidth of MTN Nigeria's backhaul network by 500 terabit/sec.

"Aviat Networks and MTN Nigeria have worked on adding capacity to one of the world's fastest growing telecom markets what with Nigeria's explosive growth in wireless voice and data traffic," says Trevor Burchell, vice president of sales and service, Africa Region, Aviat Networks. "By collaborating closely on this network improvement project, we were able to improve capacity by more than five times the current rate of customer acquisition."

With the smallest footprint of any digital trunking radio and a choice of eight or 16 RF channels maximum capacity, the TRuepoint 6500 has been capable of being leveraged to maximum effect to service the 3,400 kilometers of MTN Nigeria's backhaul network. TRuepoint 6500 offers an ultra-compact, high-capacity throughput capability on a very economic cost-per-byte basis. Built-in Cross Polarization Interference Cancellation (XPIC) with Cross-Polarization Improvement Factor (XPIF) doubles capacity without additional frequency licensing expenditure, offering an opportunity to contain capital expenditure.

For long-haul backbone applications, TRuepoint 6500 offers a very high system gain capability with +32dBm transmit power, low receiver threshold levels and built-in space diversity. Thus, longer distances can be accommodated between hops with a decreased backhaul footprint. In addition, Aviat Networks set up a spares parts management service (SPMS) for MTN. The SPMS is set up at 20 key locations around Nigeria to ensure MTN gets critical spares within four hours and other necessary parts within 48 hours.

To speak with an Aviat Networks representative during the show, please see us at Booth A3A of the Cape Town International Conference Centre. At the booth, there will also be interactive product demos for Aviat Networks IP backhaul, WiMAX, TRuepoint 6500 and network services solutions.

About Aviat Networks

Aviat Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNW), previously known as Harris Stratex Networks, Inc., is a leading wireless expert in advanced IP network migration, building the foundation for the 4G/LTE broadband future. We offer best-of-breed wireless transmission solutions including LTE-ready microwave backhaul and a complete portfolio of essential service options that enable wireless public and private telecommunications operators to deliver advanced data, voice and video and mobility services around the world. Aviat Networks is agile, adaptive and anticipates what's coming, to help our customers make the right choices. Our products and services are designed for flexible evolution, no matter what the future brings. With global reach and local presence on the ground, we work by the side of our customers allowing them to quickly and cost effectively seize new market and service opportunities while managing migration toward an all-IP future. For more information, please visit www.aviatnetworks.com or join the dialogue at www.twitter.com/aviatnetworks.

SOURCE Aviat Networks, Inc.