Siemens builds network operations center for Safaricom in Kenya

20.09.04

New customer service requirements are what prompted Safaricom to invest in a new network management system. In this context, the mobile communication group at Siemens (Siemens mobile) has built a complete network operations center for Kenya’s largest mobile communication provider and integrated a new alarm management system. In addition, Siemens will be installing a performance management system and linking the new network systems to both a workflow and service level agreement (SLA) management system.

With the new network operations center, which will be equipped with operator workstations and a video wall, Safaricom will be able to prevent network problems more frequently than in the past and repair any trouble spots faster. Michael Joseph, Managing Director at Safaricom: “Starting immediately, our customers will see both better quality and availability in our voice and data services. That will strengthen our competitive position.”

An important contribution is being made by the new alarm system that Siemens mobile installed in Safaricom’s mobile network – a task involving highly complex integration. Ten existing management systems, including seven from different manufacturers, had to be linked to the shared alarm management system. The Netcoolâ product suite from Siemens Certified Partner Micromuse was selected as the central alarm management application. The Netcool software proved to be a real asset and added value to the Siemens offer, as it can handle large volumes of alarms, thus enabling Safaricom to maintain service uptime as they roll out new services.

“With this project, which involved highly complex technology, Siemens has again been able to demonstrate its capabilities as an integrator of end-to-end solutions – not just at the infrastructure level, but also in connection with operation, support and network management,” explained Christoph Caselitz, President of the Networks Division at Siemens mobile.

Siemens served as the major supplier in building Safaricom’s nationwide mobile network. Among other things, Siemens supplied and installed the basic transmission and switching infrastructure, including 480 base stations throughout the country and 6 switches, each with a capacity of at least 400,000 subscribers.


Safaricom Limited is Kenya’s current leading mobile operator. It was formed in 1997 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telkom Kenya. In May 2000, the Vodafone Group acquired a 40-percent stake in Safaricom and assumed responsibility for managing the company. More: http://www.safaricom.co.ke


Micromuse Inc. (Nasdaq: MUSEE) is headquartered in San Francisco, California (U.S.A.), and is the leading provider of service and business assurance software solutions. The Netcool® software suite provides organizations with the assurance that their IT systems are supporting and driving profits 24 hours a day. Unlike traditional infrastructure management systems, Netcool solutions provide realtime end-to-end visibility and accurate troubleshooting from a business perspective. Micromuse customers include Cable & Wireless, Charles Schwab, Deutsche Telekom, Digex, EarthLink, GE Appliances, ITC DeltaCom, J.P. Morgan Chase, T-Mobile and Verizon. More: www.micromuse.com


The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (Siemens mobile) is one of the world’s leading full-line suppliers in the field of mobile communication, offering mobile phones, cordless phones, wireless modules and mobile infrastructure, as well as all radio and switching modules, consulting services and systems integration. The mobile communication arm of Siemens AG markets products and services in more than 120 countries, generating sales of €10 billion with a workforce of some 26,900 people in fiscal 2003 (September 30). Siemens mobile is the world market leader in prepaid solutions and digital cordless phones. More: www.siemens-mobile.com/press