Colombia's ETB Selects Alepo To Drive Wi-Fi Offload Strategy

As part of this implementation, La Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogota (ETB), Colombia’s principal communications service provider, has launched Alepo’s Wi-Fi Offload solution in Bogota to ensure consistent coverage across its fixed and mobile broadband networks.

This launch marks the second major milestone in the ETB and Alepo partnership, following the successful modernization of ETB’s ADSL network with Alepo’s AAA solution earlier in 2015.

With Alepo’s Wi-Fi Offload solution, ETB is able to broaden its next-generation data footprint with a combination of high-speed LTE and Wi-Fi Hotspot services. In doing so, ETB can deliver complete data coverage for its subscribers. Whether connected to ETB’s recently launched LTE network or – in absence of LTE coverage – offloaded to the operator’s expansive Wi-Fi hotspot network, ETB subscribers enjoy a consistent and convenient data experience.

“As part of ETB’s major multi-year transformation, we recognize that a multi-access network approach to IP-based services will give ETB subscribers the most comprehensive, cost-effective, and sophisticated customer experience possible,” said Daniel Federico Vásquez, CTO at ETB. “As a top technology provider and strategic partner, Alepo understands ETB’s vision for fixed and mobile broadband success and continues to deliver the solutions and services needed to work towards that vision.”

In order to enable LTE to Wi-Fi offload at ETB, Alepo integrated its carrier-class Wi-Fi Offload platform with ETB’s LTE Home Subscriber Server (HSS). Armed with subscriber profile information, the Alepo solution is able to authenticate ETB subscribers to the Wi-Fi hotspot without requiring them to manually log on to the Wi-Fi hotspot network at each use. The scalable solution employs open, standards-based interfaces, making ready to deploy in best-of-breeds network environments of any size.

“With our Carrier Wi-Fi solutions deployed at tier one operators around the globe, Alepo is bullish about Wi-Fi offload and Wi-Fi hotspot monetization,” said Ramiro Costa, Latin America Regional Director at Alepo. “With Alepo’s Wi-Fi Offload solution, ETB is assured of a tested and proven solution designed to ease OPEX, increase customer satisfaction, and adapt to the operator’s evolving business and network needs.”

Founded in 1884, La Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá (ETB) has contributed to the growth of Bogota and Colombia and has been witness of the country´s history across three centuries.

At present, ETB is undergoing a process of transformation, with the development of the Corporate Strategic Plan, which comprises six strategic programs (N-Play Services, 4G Mobile Service, Wi-Fi, Regional Empowerment, Customer Experience and Strategic Customer Management) being customer care the current focus of the company.

ETB is moving forward in the deployment of a Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network in Bogota that allows for higher speeds in the transmission of data and information. It also features Interactive Digital Television and launched 4G Wireless Service in October 2014, which enabled it to start competing in the fourth generation mobile telephony marketplace.