DragonWave Inc., a supplier of packet microwave radio systems for mobile and access networks, announced that Videotron, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., will be deploying the Horizon Compact packet microwave solution to deliver high capacity backhaul for its HSPA network, bringing consumers and small businesses an unprecedented level of advanced mobile communications services in several major Canadian markets.
Videotron, an integrated communications leader, offering cable television, interactive multimedia, Internet access, cable telephony and wireless telephone service, is entering a very exciting chapter in its history. After winning 17 spectrum operating licenses last year, Videotron is currently building out a leading-edge HSPA network in order to offer new advanced services including mobile television and wireless high-speed Internet access.
“Videotron is in a unique position to offer an unmatched level of technology and content integration for Canadian consumers and small businesses,” said Sylvain Lafrenière, General Manager, Wireless Operations of Videotron. “Since our network is being designed using the latest technology, and will be readily upgradeable to 4G, we were looking for a solution that would allow us to evolve our infrastructure simply and cost effectively. The Horizon Compact meets these requirements and will enable us to future-proof our backhaul network with a high capacity packet-based solution that offers much greater performance, efficiency and scalability than traditional microwave systems.”
A carrier-grade packet microwave product, the Horizon Compact operates in bands from 6 to 38 GHz and is capable of delivering scalable backhaul capacity from 10 to 800 Mbps. This ultra-low-latency Ethernet-based solution is extremely easy to deploy and operate, with a full suite of network management options, and is highly reliable offering 99.999% service availability in next-generation IP networks. Combined with a comprehensive software-driven feature set, the Horizon Compact enables operators to fully exploit the cost savings that can be generated using Ethernet backhaul.
“Videotron has established itself as an industry leader, bringing consumers and small businesses the best in video entertainment, voice and data, and we certainly look forward to working with them as they extend their success into advanced wireless services,” said Peter Allen, President and CEO at DragonWave. “The Horizon Compact delivers several key advantages for Videotron including advanced traffic queuing, multiple protection options, all-outdoor deployment, and unmatched capacity and reliability.”
