Harris Stratex Networks’ new network operations center in North Carolina, designed to provide managed network services, got a new tenant today. Open Range Communication, a rural WiMax-based wireless broadband provider, has signed a five-year agreement for NOC managed services.
Using Harris Stratex’ NetBoss XT integrated services assurance technology, Open Range will reduce its operational expenses while allowing itself to concentrate on product innovation and development. Harris Stratex opened its new NOC in July.
Bill Beans Jr., founder and chief executive officer of Open Range, said Harris Stratex is providing his company with a comprehensive, cost-effective suite of technologies and services. “And they’ve demonstrated expertise and flexibility as a business partner,” he said.
Harris Stratex’ managed NOC services are designed to manage and monitor multi-vendor, multi-protocol network infrastructure, including 4G/WiMAX access, wireline, transport and IP network technologies, as well as network elements providing energy, security and surveillance controls. It provides operators like Open Range around-the-clock network surveillance, performance monitoring and trouble-ticket management for voice, video and data networks. Network operations services are conducted in a secured environment with 24-hour on-premise security and are backed up by other network monitoring at other Harris Stratex facilities.
“Open Range has secured $374 million in private and federal funding for its high-speed mobile WiMAX network, enabling the operator to launch affordable high-speed broadband Internet and voice services to more than six million U.S. citizens,” said Harald Braun, president and chief executive officer, Harris Stratex. “With a network of this size and stature, service continuity is critical. By harnessing our managed network services expertise, we’re tackling the tactical network functions, allowing Open Range to focus on delivering innovative services that attract and retain customers, and open up additional revenue streams.”
Harris Stratex Global Network Services (GNS) business provides an end-to-end portfolio of extensive managed network services. Managed network services offerings are tailored to meet customers’ specific service-level agreements that meet their business needs and contractual agreements to provide seamless service to their end-users.
With tools and processes that are eTOM compliant to meet standards for all telecommunications service providers, Harris Stratex’ proactive approach to service assurance and its redundant architecture will help Open Range minimize downtime and provide exceptional customer satisfaction, said Michael Pangia, senior vice president and chief sales officer, Harris Stratex. The Harris Stratex NetBoss portfolio has more than 200 deployments in 35 countries.
Open Range is using WiMAX technology to deliver wireless broadband to unserved and underserved rural American communities. Open Range plans to deliver portable and eventually mobile voice and Internet services to customers within its robust WiMAX footprint. Within the next five years, Open Range intends to serve 546 communities, making its services initially available to approximately 6 million people.
