Network upgrade to increase Napier call capacity
19 July - Broadcast Communications Limited (BCL) is undertaking a major network upgrade into Napier that will
significantly increase telecommunications links into the Hawke's Bay region.
The upgrade will see new digital microwave equipment installed on three BCL transmission sites at Tataraakina near the
township of Tarawera on the Napier-Taupo road, on Mt Erin and in Napier. Completion is scheduled for November this year.
BCL Managing Director Geoff Lawson said the new Napier digital microwave radio (DMR) link will provide increased
capacity for broadcast, Internet, voice and data links into the Hawke's Bay region.
"This upgrade represents a major investment in new communications infrastructure that will significantly benefit the
Hawke's Bay by increasing communications options and enabling new services," said Mr Lawson.
Mr Lawson said the new DMR link into Napier will be based on digital microwave radio equipment from Fujitsu and deliver
capacity of 155 Mbps, equivalent to around 2,000 simultaneous voice calls. The new network also means capacity can be
quickly and cost effectively increased to meet future demand.
BCL is also building a new 155 Mbps DMR link into Gisborne that will increase communications capacity into the district.
In total, BCL is investing nearly $1 million in the two upgrades.
BCL, a member of the Transmission Holdings Limited group, aims to be an internationally acclaimed communications network
company specialising in wireless engineering, telecommunications and broadcast services.
Services include broadcast linking and transmission, wholesale broadband wireless access, carrier class voice and data
circuits, installation and co-location services, operations and maintenance and world-class engineering design
consultancy.