Magnet Deploys ADSL2+

DUBLIN -- In a deal worth more than EUR 50 million, broadband solutions provider and systems integrator Industria has been selected to roll out Ireland's first ADSL2+ network for triple-play digital service operator Magnet Networks.

Included in the agreement are the design and implementation of a full IPTV EPG platform, the supply of ADSL2+ access technologies, and TeleManagement Forum standard-based software provisioning.

The deployment enables Magnet to offer digital telephony, interactive TV, and Ireland's fastest residential broadband service of up to 24 Mbps. The company currently has transmission rights to about 100 TV channels, including the premium BSkyB channels, and an HDTV content trial. All systems are integrated using TM Forum NGOSS SID and eTOM processes running on the Industria broadband integration and management platform.

Using local-loop unbundling, the roll-out will extend in the coming weeks and months to cover much of Dublin, and is planned to reach the cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford by early 2006, bringing ADSL2+ access to some 2.6 million users, around 65% of Ireland's population.

Operating in tandem with its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network, the first phase of which was completed by Industria in December 2004, this could see Magnet become Ireland's largest broadband network operator.

Commenting on today's launch, Magnet CEO, Ingvar Gardarsson, said, "Industria has played an integral role in our roll-out from the outset, beginning with the lead-up to the deployment of our first fibre-optic network, and has shown a high degree of professionalism and ability to deliver innovative solutions complete and on-time."

According to Industria CEO Gudjon Mar Gudjonsson, "The selection of Industria as a turnkey contractor on the Magnet Networks' fibre and ADSL2+ roll-out is a significant acknowledgment of our technical excellence and ability to provide customer-tailored solutions, which is reflected in Industria's position as number one in the Irish market for broadband consulting."

Industria