DragonWave Inc., a global supplier of next-generation wireless networks, announced that Omnivision has standardized on DragonWave for licensed-frequency wireless backhaul as it expands its WiMAX service offering into markets across Venezuela. The first mobile WiMAX operator in Latin America, Omnivision introduced broadband data services of up to 6 Mbps to business and residential customers in Venezuela's capital city, Caracas, in 2007. Omnivision subsequently has initiated a nationwide expansion of its service footprint, with an announced target of 2.5 million subscribers by 2013.
"In the Horizon Compact, DragonWave offers a high-capacity, all-outdoor solution that enables us to very quickly and cost-effectively roll out services in new markets," said Dick Abanto, chief executive officer of Omnivision. "This is important because we plan rapid expansion to deliver seamless access and connectivity across Venezuela. DragonWave is an important element in this growth strategy."
Horizon Compact integrates and enhances the functionality of traditional wireless indoor and outdoor units in a single, 9-inch-square outdoor device for native Gigabit Ethernet microwave transmission. The DragonWave solution keeps Omnivision's capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX) in check, because there is no indoor backhaul equipment to buy, install or support.
"Omnivision has ambitious plans for growth, and we are proud that the company identified our Horizon Compact as the right solution for WiMAX backhaul," said Peter Allen, president and CEO of DragonWave. "This product was specifically designed to eliminate barriers to carrier Ethernet rollout, and more and more carriers around the globe are realizing its unique combination of CAPEX and OPEX benefits."
DragonWave's Horizon and AirPair products operate within both licensed and unlicensed radio frequencies in the 6 to 38 GHz range, ensuring interference-free performance for customers' traffic. The DragonWave solution provides scalable, ultra-low latency, wire-speed native Ethernet connectivity up to 1.6 Gbps full duplex. The system is extremely easy to deploy and manage, with a full suite of network management options, and is a highly reliable platform enabling 99.999 percent service availability.