HanseNet, Huawei to deploy FTTB network

Chinese vendor Huawei has announced it has completed the first phase of a fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) network in Hamburg for German broadband provider HanseNet. Deployment of the network began in June 2008 and once completed, will support a data rate up to 100Mbps download and an upload of up to 10Mbps. In November 2008 50 buildings were connected to the network and the second phase will see fibre-optics added to another 500. Stefan Bachthaler, network director at HanseNet, commented: ’Thanks to Huawei’s deep understanding and expertise, we believe that our FTTB network can enable our customers to enjoy rich services via ubiquitous broadband.’ According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, HanseNet was the country’s fourth largest broadband service provider at the end of 2008, with a subscriber base of 2.34 million, representing a market share of 10.46%.