Feb 5 2003

MTN Nigeria has completed the rollout of its digital microwave transmission backbone.

The backbone, named 'The MTN Y'helloBahn', was constructed through an investment of US$120 million by MTN and can enable up to 1,900 voice calls at the same time. Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, formally finalised the completion of the project in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Lokoja was the first capital of Nigeria, the point at where the northern and southern axis, respectively, of the transmission backbone, meet.

MTN Nigeria's microwave backbone spans 3,400 kilometres, and stretches from the north to the south-east and south-west respectively. The backbone covers major Nigerian towns and many smaller towns, villages and communities. In all, well over 120 towns and communities are linked by Y'helloBahn and many communities will have access to global information and technology for the first time. In addition, the backbone will enable MTN Nigeria to provide coverage on a growing number of highways in Nigeria.

Says Adrian Wood, CEO: MTN Nigeria,"Y'helloBahn was built by Nigerians for Nigerians. A nation-wide transmission backbone has not existed in Nigeria before now. Prior to building the microwave backbone, MTN Nigeria relied on satellite transmission to link inter-city transmissions. MTN is clearly demonstrating that it is in Nigeria for the long haul and that its development is inextricably linked to the growth and development of our great country."
 

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