Kordia New Zealand wins Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award

Number 8 wire. That’s the stuff Kiwis use to solve problems which can’t be addressed via the usual.

And it’s a classic Kiwi ‘can do’ attitude that has enabled Kordia Solutions and its partner Cambium Networks to snap up a Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award.

The companies took out the Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation category for delivering broadband internet to isolated Pacific communities.

The award was presented to Kordia at a black tie dinner in London last week by the Global Telecoms Business publication.

Alan Turner, General Manager, Kordia Solutions NZ, says the company delivered broadband connectivity in constrained circumstances for communities in remote Papua New Guinea locations.

“Our Kordia Solutions South Island team came up with the concept of creating a stand-alone, containerised wireless transmission system called KorPower.

“KorPower provides off-the-grid power which in turn provides WiMax, WiFi, GSM or other platforms to enable people to access the internet and voice communications.”

KorPower is a joint venture with Cambium Networks and was launched in July 2012.

The first KorPower system was installed in Tabubil, Papua New Guinea, and uses Cambium’s WiMax protocol, Fixed Wireless Broadband equipment to deliver a cost-effective outdoor wireless broadband access network.

“The system has brought the internet to the region, enabling many people to join the digital world for the first time and providing the tools for its young student population to maximise their educational potential,” says Turner.

Telecommunications is an internationally competitive field, notes Drew Gilpin, Kordia General Manager Sales and Marketing.

“The focus on delivering innovative solutions in developed economies is one thing, but solving problems where infrastructure is constrained is quite another.

“This award demonstrates the flexibility and ingenuity that Kordia brings to bear in every situation – with the goal always to deliver cost-effective, highly reliable and fit-for-purpose connectivity solutions.”

Established in 2007, the Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards recognise innovative projects in the telecommunications industry globally, involving service providers and their technology suppliers.

Alan Burkitt-Gray, editor of Global Telecoms Business, comments: “Each year we’ve seen an industry working harder to deliver innovative services to customers worldwide. This wave of innovation is making a huge difference to the companies working in the industry and to all of us in business and as consumers.”