The most recent work on the project centered on the upgrade of 17 of IT&E’s links to the base stations, or Hops. As a result, the upgrade increased the reliability of IT&E’s 3G base stations as well as increased the backhaul capacity of IT&E’s 3G data and voice network.
According to the regional executive director of IT&E’s network, Mar Santos, the upgrade of 17 Hops is just the first phase of Guam’s 3G Backhaul. The process entails the replacement of previously unlicensed microwave radio links that connect Guam’s 3G base station to IT&E headquarters in Harmon.
Santos credited IT&E’s Jun Baysa, Pete Lujan, Guam wireless operations, Guam switch operations, Saipan network services, for working with NEC, Pacific Micronesia Tower and NESIC to complete the project.
“It took the combined efforts of everyone involved to make Phase 1 a success. Everyone really came together and put forth an enormous amount of effort on this project,” he said.
IT&E wrapped up the first phase of the project on January 28, but additional upgrades are currently underway. The second phase of the project began in December 2010 as IT&E and NERA initiated the frequency coordination and survey works of an additional 29 hops in the north and south of Guam.
“We actually started the 29 Hops last December and we expect to complete the 29 hops or Phase 2 by end of August 2011,” said Santos.
For more information about IT&E’s coverage and services, contact IT&E Customer Care at (671)-922-4ITE (4483) at IT&E Customer Service in Harmon.
