SHENZHEN, CHINA — Entel S.A., the largest communications operator in Bolivia, has chosen ZTE Corporation, a global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, to build the first large-scale FTTx network in Bolivia covering all four regions, offering fast broadband connectivity to consumers and businesses across the country.
Entel will deploy ZTE’s ZXA10 C300 next-generation, large-capacity, high-density and convergent full-service access platform to meet the requirements for rapid construction and smooth evolution of networks. The ZXA10 C300 platform supports smooth upgrade to NG PON and WDM PON technologies. When completed, Entel’s FTTx network will cover most areas of Bolivia, reducing the digital divide between different regions.
Entel is the largest communications operator in Bolivia, ranking number one in the wireless market. Entel has about 4 million terminal users, and provides GSM, UMTS, 700 MHz LTE, and other wireless services. Through the FTTx project that will be launched this year, Entel will greatly improve the wired broadband access services.
Improving Bolivia’s Broadband Penetration Rate
“With advanced technical solutions and extensive commercial experience, ZTE is a global leader in FTTx solutions,” said Zhu Yongxing, general manager of ZTE’s fixed network product line. “We will help Entel provide better broadband services for customers to achieve sustainable growth and improve its competitive strength in Bolivia. In addition, we will help Entel roll out broadband services to most areas of the country, improving the country’s broadband penetration rate for the benefit of citizens.”
Before this project, ZTE built the two largest GPON networks in South America: the nationwide GPON network of ANTEL in Uruguay and the nationwide FTTH network of ETB in Colombia.
ZTE is one of the leading providers of fixed network equipment globally. A report of OVUM, a well-known market research company, shows that ZTE shipped 4.78 million lines of GPON products between the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, an increase of 23.6 percent compared with the preceding period. ZTE was the fastest-growing major vendor in that period.
