CURITIBA, Brazil -- Copel, the regional telecom operator in Parana, Brazil, will soon deploy a 3,000 km optical fiber network to offer high-speed, affordable data services to consumers. The operator has selected Nokia Siemens Networks' optical networking equipment to increase its network capacity and bring down the cost of providing internet access to bridge the digital divide in the state.

"Brazil has a low fixed-line broadband penetration of six percent, compared to the Latin American average of 11 percent. In our attempt to increase broadband penetration and serve a larger number of users, it's crucial to keep prices low, especially in the under-served areas," said Antonio Carlos W.R.de Melo, Transmission and Infrastructure Engineering, Copel Communications. "With the help of Nokia Siemens Networks' optical networking leadership, we are building one of the most advanced and future-proof optical networks in Latin America to achieve this goal."

"As Brazil prepares to put its national broadband plan into action, there is much to be learnt from Copel, which has consistently aimed to offer affordable data services while continuing to be profitable," said Aray Chagas, head of customer business team for local operators at Nokia Siemens Networks. "With its latest project, Copel takes another step closer to its goal of ensuring internet access for all. Nokia Siemens Networks fully supports Copel in its aim to bridge the digital divide."

Under a two-year frame contract with Copel, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its hiT 7300 Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) solution*. Additionally, Copel's network will be equipped with the photonic cross-connect** technology to reduce the cost of carrying data and ensure network scalability to meet future demands.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide Copel its optical network planning tool TransNet*** to optimize the rollout, and reduce operating costs and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) significantly. Apart from providing its Telecommunication Network Management System (TNMS), Nokia Siemens Networks also provides related services including network installation, commissioning, training and support.

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