1 November 2002 -- The Cyprus Telecommunication Authority (CYTA), based in Nicosia, Cyprus, has awarded Siemens IC Networks a contract worth about EUR9m to set up its optical backbone network. This includes a framework of a 3-year supply agreement and relevant maintenance and support agreements.
IC Networks will supply the TransXpress Infinity WLS and TransXpress Waveline Metronet DWDM equipment. To monitor and control the optical backbone, CYTA will use Siemens' TransXpress Network Management System (TNMS) management platform.
The optical backbone network is based on ADVA Optical Networking's DWDM technology. Siemens resells ADVA's Fiber Service Platform (FSP) products, including the FSP 3000, under the TransXpress Waveline MetroNet name through a strategic and long-term partnership between the Siemens and ADVA.
The telecom market in Cyprus is soon to be liberalised. In preparation, CYTA says it is basing its approach on a future-proof solution offering high bandwidth. Voice and data services will be transmitted over the DWDM platform, making it possible to quickly accommodate new transmission capacity requirements.
CYTA is a corporate body responsible for the provision, maintenance and development of telecoms facilities, both local and overseas. It is currently being converted into a private company. CYTA has developed an extensive submarine fibreoptic cable network, which connects Cyprus with Greece, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, the Black Sea and the Balkans.