24 June 2004

Naps Systems will deliver 22 autonomous solar electricity systems to Siemens for Uganda Telecom’s cellular network extension project, which is part of the Northern Uganda reconstruction program. The investment is financed by Nordic Development Fund (NDF).

The Northern Uganda Reconstruction Program is a part of the Government of Uganda’s efforts to ensure that the Northern part of the country is able to catch-up with the rest of the country's development agenda and programs.

The Program has a telecommunications component, and Uganda Telecom together with NDF awarded the contract of this component to Siemens mobile Networks, Nordic and Baltics. The contract includes turn-key supply, installation and commissioning of SDH and PDH microwave solutions including planning, civil works, power supply, MUX and switching.

The telecom network is based on SDH and PDH microwave spurs transmitting TV, speech and data signals from Bugiri at the lake of Victoria up to Gulu and Arua in the northern part of Uganda.

Due to lack of electrical power in the area, the utilization of solar modules as power supply was required. Furthermore, the technical and operational requirements to the solar electricity system itself were especially high, due to the changing weather conditions.

After an evaluation of several suppliers, Siemens mobile Networks chose Naps as their sub-supplier of solar electricity. The decision was based on factors such as technical compentence, professionality and the availability of local service and maintenance in Uganda.

The delivery from Naps comprises 1216 pieces of 100 Watt solar modules, 22 heavy-duty charge controllers, and battery banks totalling 24.900 Ah. These 22 telecom stations run completely on decentralized solar power systems supplied by Naps.

The solar electricity systems power all components on the relevant microwave sites. When operational by the end of 2004, the telecom network will provide phone and TV service to the major cities in the northern Uganda.