ALLEN, Texas -- Xtera Communications, Inc., a leading global provider of optical and IP networking solutions, was awarded a contract by TOGO TELECOM to deploy a high capacity optical network across Togo, West Africa. Phase I of the work was completed in January 2010. When completed, this deployment will migrate the current Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) long-distance domestic network to a new optical layer relying on advanced broadband optical amplification technology for higher capacity and optical protection, providing enhanced network resilience and availability. Furthermore this migration from SDH to Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) network infrastructure is an opportunity to reduce the number of intermediate sites and simplify the backbone network configuration.

The new network will also create an express, high-capacity, reliable backhaul system, connecting landlocked countries in the west sub-Saharan area to international submarine cable systems via TOGO TELECOM's cable landing station, which is part of the West African Cable System (WACS).

"TOGO TELECOM's advanced nationwide optical network combined with the WACS infrastructure will offer landlocked countries in the sub-region and Togo access to the rest of the world," said Sam P. Bikassam, General Manager of TOGO TELECOM. This will free landlocked countries from the exclusive use of microwave radio systems and satellite connectivity for international communications, enabling them to offer more reliable, higher capacity broadband services to their residential and business customers. "Xtera was instrumental in our migration to a higher capacity optical layer relying on Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology."

Xtera Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: XCOM)