VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 20, 2016) - LITE ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (the "Company") (CSE:LTE)(OTC PINK:LTCCF), an integrated fibre optic solutions provider, today announced that it has received the first purchase order valued at $2,005,877 Rand (approximately $132,575 USD) for its proprietary Lite X Tend™ solution from Vodacom, South Africa through the Company's certified sales and installation partner, Brite Access (Pty) Ltd., formerly known as Nulani (Pty) Ltd. This initial purchase order will provide product to connect the first 1,125 homes of an overall 270,000 home connectivity initiative undertaken by Vodacom which is expected to be completed within the next three to five years. The Company anticipates that it will receive further purchase orders as Vodacom has indicated that it will use the Lite X Tend™ solution for this aggressive fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) rollout.
This order includes the use of a specially designed home-drop solution, which was a collaborative design by the two companies and manufactured exclusively by Lite Access Technologies. Vodacom, South Africa, has both approved and standardized on the Lite X Tend™solution for last-mile connectivity as it reduces significant costs and complications associated with "last mile" home connections.
The Lite X Tend™ solution was designed to alleviate technical issues associated with last mile home connections. Due to the design and construction of the technology, the need for skilled fibre optic splicers and technicians is now no longer required and, in fact, enables do-it-yourself home owner installations. Current competitive offerings still require technicians and fibre optic fusion splicers to complete installations thus adding unnecessary costs and increased time to deployment for last mile home connections.
Mike Plotnikoff, CEO of Lite Access, states, "Necessity has always been a key driver of innovation. We are exceptionally pleased that, working with our new partners at Brite Access to solve the challenges faced by Vodacom, South Africa, we have been able to create together the revolutionary Lite X Tend™ last mile solution. Now, for the first time in our industry, and without the need for the specialized splicing expertise normally required, a home or building owner can install where they like, how they like and have total control of the installation." Mr. Plotnikoff further added, "Importantly, the fibre optic boom is in its early stages and this new product gives Lite Access a significant competitive advantage in the vast market of last-mile initiatives planned around the world. We have already seen significant interest in our Lite X Tend™solution outside of South Africa and fully expect this offering to become a cornerstone of our product portfolio."
Brite Access Managing Director and founding member, Ettienne Knipe, commented, "South Africa and Africa are virgin territories wanting to adopt innovative technologies from First World countries. Our partnership with Lite Access is a prime example of this as South Africa and Africa jump right to the digital age."
About Vodacom
Vodacom is a leading African mobile communication company providing a wide range of communication services including mobile voice, messaging, data and converged services to over 61 million customers. From our roots in South Africa, we have grown our mobile network business to include operations in Tanzania, DRC, Mozambique and Lesotho. The mobile networks cover a total population of approximately 200 million people. Through Vodacom Business Africa (VBA), we also offer business managed services to enterprises in over 40 countries across the continent. Vodacom is majority owned by Vodafone (65% holding) one of the world's largest mobile communications companies by revenue.
About Vodafone
Vodafone Group Plc is one of the world's leading telecommunications groups, with a significant presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific through the company's subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments.
About Lite Access
Lite Access is a world leader in Microduct and fibre optic technologies. Using its specially designed and innovative micro-trench and micro-drill methods of deployment, Lite Access' proprietary Microduct technology extends a network provider's ability to deliver true broadband connectivity directly to end-users, such as homes, government and educational institutions, and emergency response facilities. Providing a full portfolio of fibre connectivity solutions for many types of Telecom infrastructure, Lite Access has successfully deployed thousands of kilometres of Microduct networks throughout North and South America, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia.
Lite Access' products have been deployed in many high profile communication networks including the Whistler 2010 Winter Olympic facilities, builds within the state of New York including Central Park, the Las Vegas strip and surrounding areas of Nevada, fibre to the home at Stanford University and numerous other locations around the globe that have adopted Lite Access as the "solution of choice" for future proof fibre optic connectivity.
About Brite Access
Brite Access (Pty) Ltd is a turnkey solutions company, headquartered in Johannesburg, that specializes in fibre optic networks solutions including planning, civil works, project management and fibre works. Brite Access also endorses micro trenching as a standard and therefore the initiative to promote and market the Lite Access micro ducting product range.