Contracts, Networks, Backbones, Iraq, MENA: Iraq Telecommunications & Post Corporation (ITPC) has awarded Nortel a US$20 million contract to build a nationwide optical backbone.

The system will be designed to deliver high-quality high-bandwidth data, video and multimedia services for personal and business communications. Nortel was selected by ITPC, the country’s sole fixed-line operator, as prime contractor following a public tender process.

Under the terms of the contract, Nortel will supply a national optical backbone network that covers a distance of 5,000 km and includes 35 major cities. The network will be constructed using Nortel’s next generation DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) solution including Common Photonic Layer (CPL), Optical Multiservice Edge (OME) 6500 terminals with electronic dispersion management technology and Optical Network Manager for simplifying field operations. The resilient network comprises seven interlocking rings providing a bandwidth capacity of up to 160Gb/s per ring.

The new network will link to ITPC’s Iraq South Ring DWDM network, itself built by Nortel in 2004 as part of the US aid-funded Iraq reconstruction programme. The network delivers broadband optical services between Baghdad and Basra.

Iraqi Minister of Communications HE Mohamed Allawi comments: “This national project is vitally important to the many telecommunications projects underway that will help rebuild the capabilities of Iraq’s society and economy. We…are confident that the improved communications made possible by this network will help accelerate the reconstruction of our country.”

more info: www.nortel.com