READING, U.K. -- NMS Communications (NASDAQ: NMSS), a leading provider of communications technologies and solutions for converged and mobile networks, today announced that Celtel, one of the largest multinational mobile operators in Africa, is broadening the use of NMS's AccessGate(tm) backhaul optimisation solution (http://www.nmscommunications.com/accessgate) to reduce operating expenses as its subscriber base continues to flourish.

"We are seeing overwhelming subscriber growth throughout Africa," said Nick Schild, group procurement director at Celtel. "By deploying AccessGate, we are able to reduce OpEx on satellite backhaul links and increase the amount of traffic on our existing link capacity, while maintaining the high quality of service that is a Celtel hallmark."

NMS's AccessGate solution has been specifically designed to optimise the transport of GPRS/EDGE voice and data traffic over wireless networks, enabling mobile operators to roll out new services to their subscribers more rapidly and cost-effectively. AccessGate reduces backhaul traffic without degrading performance or voice quality, and AccessGate integrates seamlessly with existing terrestrial leased line, satellite and microwave-based RAN infrastructures.

"Mobile operators are continually seeking ways to reduce operating expenses while maintaining the quality and performance of their networks. Since backhaul expenses can frequently represent 20-30 percent of total recurring network OpEx, reducing the number of dedicated backhaul connections can help operators save a significant portion of their operating expenses," said John Orlando, chief marketing officer for NMS "NMS's AccessGate drastically reduces these operating expenses and serves a vital role in allowing mobile operators to meet the future demands of their customers and the challenges of their competitors."

Celtel International B.V.