RAD Brings the Internet to Libraries in Rural Latvia

Lattelecom, Latvia's leading provider of communications services and solutions, was selected as the integrator for a state-sponsored project to bring the Internet to public libraries throughout Latvia. The project is being co-financed by the Latvian government and a $16 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

 

The “Third Father’s Son” initiative is providing free Internet access to all Latvian municipal public libraries, with the goal of turning the venues into public culture, education and information centers. The project consists of connecting 874 libraries to a high-speed data network, installing Wi-Fi hubs to provide connectivity for 4,000 new computers and training 1,800 librarians in Internet skills.

 

Lattelecom chose to deploy the ASMi-54 G.SHDSL.bis Ethernet modem from RAD Data Communications for cost-effective delivery of high bandwidth over existing copper wires to support library Internet access.

 

"Symmetrical service, reliable performance over long copper lines and RAD's ability to supply equipment on a tight deadline were the reasons for choosing ASMi-54 modems,” said Maris Petrovskis, Network Development Director of Lattelecom. “Although the RAD deployment was part of a big project it was very important since Lattelecom had strict obligations to the customer to complete the project in an agreed time schedule,” he added.

The ASMi-54 modems extended the Ethernet network from the Lattelecom Ethernet/MPLS backbone to 11 libraries in rural areas of Latvia. In each library, between two and 10 computers points are supplied with high-speed Internet access via a Wi-Fi hub connected to the data network.

 

The ASMi-54 G.SHDSL.bis modem uses multi-pair bonding to extend up to 2.9 km Ethernet service up to 22.8 Mbps over 8-wire (4 pairs), 11.4 Mbps over 4-wire (2 pairs) and 5.7 Mbps over 2-wire (1 pair). The modem can also drive Ethernet up to a maximum range of 8 km at lower throughput. The ASMi-54 is equipped with four Ethernet ports and an integrated switch.

“Now we can see RAD's modems as a solution for Lattelecom to extend the range of highspeed Ethernet services over existing copper lines,” Petrovskis said.

 

“The ASMi-54 modem is a cost-effective solution providing a fast data rate while offering high reliability,” said Victor Belov, general manager of DAN Communications, RAD's partner in Latvia. By deploying the ASMi-54, Lattelecom was able to leverage existing copper infrastructure to provide the libraries with Internet access, he added.

Lattelecom is the leading electronic communications service provider in Latvia, offering integrated electronic communications and IT services, as well as telecommunications, network design and installation services. Lattelecom also provides data transmission and IT infrastructure solutions, Internet and contact centre services, as well as outsourced business process services. The Lattelecom Group is made up of six companies – Lattelecom, Lattelecom Technology and its subsidiary, the Baltic Computer Academy, Lattelecom BPO, Citrus Solutions and LSS.