optus contract

Do we know if SSM are likely to get any of this?

From SMH online
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OPTUS has selected Fujitsu to support its multi-hundred million dollar 3G network expansion program.

The telco plans to reach 98 per cent of the Australian population by December 2009 in order to take on Telstra’s Next G mobile offering, which already claims coverage over 98 per cent of the population.

Fujitsu has been chosen to supply the longhaul radio systems, providing the digital microwave radio terminals used for backhaul transmission from remote areas.

Backhaul involves shifting data from remote locations, typically user uploads, onto the high speed network backbone.

Optus confirmed it had awarded Fujitsu the contract. It is understood the deal will involve more than 200 microwave links.

The deal puts Fujitsu back on the map as a telecommunications equipment supplier locally, after the Japanese IT firm faded away from the telco scene following the dotcom crash and the completion of its involvement with the build-out of Optus cable network back in the nineties.

Fujitsu has re-ignited its telco ambitions in Australia, building up a 50-strong telecommunications sales division and has the wide ranging experience of ex-Telstra senior executive Ted Pretty to draw on when needed. Mr Pretty is Fujitsu Australia’s non-executive chairman.

The company is eyeing opportunities around the national broadband network tender, which is expected to be contested by Telstra, Optus and a number of other bidders, although insiders concede that if Telstra, which has already locked in its supplier list, wins the deal, there won’t be any crumbs for Fujitsu.

Fujitsu is also chasing fibre-to-the-home construction deals with large property developers.

Earlier this month, Optus earmarked $315 million to extend the coverage of its mobile network from the current 96 per cent.

Optus today announced that revenue for the 12 months to March 31 increased 3.8 per cent to $7.76 billion.