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Redline Communications has announced that Hotspot Business Solutions, a regional telecommunications provider in Tanzania, has selected Redline's RedMAX products for the country's first national WiMAX network.

Hotspot launched the first phase of its WiMAX network on Nov. 15,  delivering commercial WiMAX services to Dar es Salaam, the country's premier commercial centre, and Mwanza. The first phase will also include the deployment of a RedMAX network in Arusha in December. Hotspot expects to increase the number of its subscribers in these regions by up to 60% over the next two years.

The second phase of the Hotspot RedMAX deployment will begin in January 2008, and will bring WiMAX services to the capital city of Dodoma, as well as Morogoro and Zanzibar. With its six-city WiMAX network, Hotspot will be able to deliver high-quality voice, video and data Internet services to government agencies, corporations, educational institutions, and residents across Tanzania.

"This is a great milestone in Tanzanian history. By launching WiMAX in the region, we have become a catalyst for positive change," said Emmanuel Nyaki, chief executive officer of Hotspot. "With Redline's extensive experience installing OFDM and WiMAX systems, we will be able to quickly deploy our network and deliver revenue-generating broadband services. In addition, with Redline's solution, our network can support a much greater capacity of subscribers than with other technologies, allowing a much faster return on our investment - a return we hope to realize within the next eight to 10 months."

Hotspot selected Redline after a comprehensive review of four leading WiMAX companies. Under the terms of the agreement, the Hotspot WiMAX network will be closely managed and coordinated by RapidCloud Technology Ltd., a Premium Redline Certified Partner and major systems integrator that provides local logistical and post-sales operational support to the Hotspot and other RedMAX network installations in the East Africa region. Hotspot and RapidCloud have previously installed Redline's AN-30e to connect Hotspot's existing satellite network.

"Hotspot is the latest example of a company that has trialed Redline's products and chosen RedMAX for its widescale WiMAX commercial deployment in a fast-growing emerging market," said Kevin Suitor, vice president, marketing and business development, Redline. "We expect that with its professional network planning and solid business model, Hotspot will join the many RedMAX customers with commercial deployments that are already generating revenues to fuel the further expansion of their networks."

"Wireless broadband service providers must balance their customers' expectations of high-quality broadband service against the reality of its cost," said Malcolm Clark, managing director, RapidCloud. "With RedMAX, Hotspot meets its customer expectations, while avoiding expensive infrastructure investments, allowing for more growth and deployment opportunities."