Fujitsu wins key role in PNG's $US500M telecoms upgrade

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 25 January 2007 06:36

IT Industry - Strategy

Fujitsu is to supply digital trunk radio and corporate IT network to Telikom PNG as part of a $US500 million expansion and upgrade of its telecoms network.


Fujitsu says it will become a major supplier and partner and that the first project it is likely to manage under the agreement will be the implementation of a new digital trunk system from Lae to Kimbe and on to Tomavatua (a radio path distance of 768 kms) in the New Guinea Islands. This implementation will allow the introduction of new digital services along a route which is presently served by a long-standing analogue system.

This project is likely to be followed by a phased upgrading of the trunk radio network linking major centres including Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka , Madang and Mount Hagen, followed by Wewak, Aitape and Vanimo, Kavieng, Alotau, Buka and Arawa.

David Waterhouse, CEO, Telikom PNG said "The upgrades are part of an extensive network modernisation and replacement program by Telikom PNG, which will allow us to introduce new and extended mobile phone services, improved Internet access and upgraded voice and data services to individual and corporate customers.

Fujitsu will also provide a new corporate IT infrastructure for Telikom PNG which will include the supply of third party equipment from vendors such as Cisco, IBM, HP and Microsoft. Fujitsu will work with the Telikom management team to provide world-class IT and back office solutions for the business.

The agreement with Fujitsu follows a worldwide tender process initiated by Telikom PNG in 2006, which, according to Fujitsu, is likely to produce agreements for a wide range of network equipment and implementation services over the coming months. "One hundred potential suppliers were canvassed during the RFP process, resulting in negotiations with fifty, and a final set of five contracts with eminent global suppliers, including Fujitsu."