PacketFront, the pioneer in open-access FTTH (Fiber-To-The-Home)
broadband networking, has signed a contract with Norway's largest
power utility company, Hafslund, to build an open access FTTH network
in 0stlandet, the area in and around Oslo. Hafslund is by far the
largest power utility company in Norway and this is considered one of
this year's most important contracts in the Norwegian telecom sector.
"This is a prestigious order, and we are very pleased that
Hafslund has chosen to work with us," says Martin Thunman, CEO of
PacketFront. "The fact that Norway's largest power utility company is
establishing an open access network sends a significant and very
powerful signal to other network owners, and will most likely have
repercussions throughout Europe. We are the market leaders in Europe
today, and this contract makes our position even stronger."
Today, the strongest trend among network owners is to give
end-users freedom of choice. Open access networks are built and
financed by the network owners, who then grant various service
providers access to the network. The network is thus open to all
service providers who wish to offer services through it, and does not
favor any of the competing parties. This is the situation that
guarantees households and end-users the best possible services and the
more competitive prices.
"We have been evaluating platforms and suppliers since last
autumn, and we feel confident with PacketFront in the access network,
as they are on the cutting edge in their segment," says Trond
Nedregard, the director of Hafslund Telekom's fiber network division.
"We have chosen the open network because our goal is to be the
acknowledged leader in networks, rather than compete in the areas of
television and multimedia. We believe that in the future it will be
all the more important to enable the customers to tailor their media
choices, and PacketFront provides us with that flexibility. We feel
that this is the broadband network of the future."
In the first stage, Hafslund will offer IPTV and other broadband
services to selected cooperative housing areas in Oslo. End users will
be provided with a wide variety of broadband services over the same
connection.
PacketFront's partner, NetNordic, will be responsible for the
integration of Hafslund's FTTH network. In addition, Datametrix will
be responsible for the installation of the core network.
About Hafslund
Hafslund is Norway's largest power company, as well as the second
largest security company in that country. Hafslund's strategy is to
simplify the everyday life of its customers with simple and
reasonably-priced services in energy, security and communication. In
2006, the company had sales of NOK 21.6 billion, and profits of NOK
11.6 billion. To find our more, visit: www.hafslund.no
About NetNordic
NetNordic specializes as a supplier of systems in the areas of
business communications and broadband networks, along with related
consulting services, installation and operation. NetNordic has
supplied triple-play solutions since 2002, with an emphasis on
operator-neutral networks. NetNordic, which was founded in 2001,
currently has 30 employees and sales, last year, of NOK 45.4 million.
NetNordic consists of a parent company and the Greenfield AS
consulting company, of which it has an 80 percent equity stake. The
company is owned by its founder, Tom Solberg, as well as by employees
and Board members. To find out more, please visit www.netnordic.no
About PacketFront
A pioneer of open-access broadband networking, PacketFront
develops advanced purpose-built solutions for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
networks. PacketFront enables fully automated networks where many
service providers deliver competing services over shared
infrastructure. As an industry leader, the company is committed to
advancing technical and business innovation for open-access networks.
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, PacketFront has offices in Boston,
Oslo, Amsterdam and Shanghai. For more information, please go to
www.packetfront.com
