Globecomm Systems has signed a contract with Atlantique Telecom to develop a network connecting seven GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks in seven central African countries.

Globecomm will design, integrate and deploy systems at the Atlantique Telecom main hub facility in Abidjan, Ivory Coast; at remote network nodes in Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger and Togo; and at Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications' primary gateway in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, read a statement from Globecomm.

The VSAT (very small aperture terminal) network will provide cost-effective voice and data traffic routing, as well as support the growth of Atlantique Telecom's subscriber base in Central Africa, according to the statement.

The technology to be employed will comprise a complex star-meshed network, and Globecomm intends to roll out its SatCell solution to enable high-quality service and efficient satellite bandwidth management.

The contract requires Globecomm to reduce overall operating costs for Atlantique Telecom with systems design, integration and installation. To successfully manage the project, Globecomm will design and manage a C-band transponder capacity on the Thuraya D2 satellite on behalf of Atlantique Telecom.

Atlantique Telecom is owned by Etisalat and has more than 4 million subscribers in seven countries.