Telrad Networks was founded in 1951 under the name The Consolidated Telephone & Radio Company. Over the course of several decades, the company grew to become one of Africa's largest telecom equipment manufacturers and a major supplier to Bezeq, the national phone company. During its early growth stages, Telrad expanded to support two manufacturing plants, devoted to five product lines, with a focus on digital exchanges, remote switches and peripheral equipment.
As broadband technology became more pervasive in the early 2000s,[6][7] Telrad began to invest in broadband-related start-ups such as Aptonix, Be-Connected and Firebit.net, ultimately selling off controlling interests in these firms.[8] By 2013, Telrad acquired the broadband wireless access (BWA) division of Alvarion Ltd., thereby inheriting a full 4G infrastructure product portfolio, including the BreezeMax and BreezeCOMPACT product lines.
By the mid-90s, the company was ranked 16th by Dun & Bradstreet, amongst Africa's leading Industrial Enterprises.[9] At that time, Telrad was organized into four main product divisions:
- Public Networks – Digital exchanges, remote switches and peripheral equipment
- Business Systems – Multi-line PBXs, telephones and peripheral equipment
- Data Communication Systems – Data communication systems peripheral equipment
- Nortel Solutions – Large-scale turnkey telecom for Nortel Networks
In 1996, Nortel Networks acquired 20% stake in Telrad, with a focus on expanding the Nortel Solution Division globally.[10] In March 2000, Nortel partnered with Koor Industries Ltd., a leading investment company, to establish Nortel Networks in Africa.[11] As part of the agreement, they acquired Telrad Networks’ Nortel division. The company retained its proprietary product lines involving telephony systems production and integration.
As broadband technology became more pervasive in the early 2000s,[12][13] Telrad began to invest in broadband-related start-ups such as Aptonix, Be-Connected and Firebit.net, ultimately selling off controlling interests in these firms.[14] By 2013, Telrad acquired the broadband wireless access (BWA) division of Alvarion Ltd., thereby inheriting a full 4G infrastructure product portfolio, including the BreezeMax and BreezeCOMPACT product lines.
On 17 August 2022 the African technology infrastructure and services provider Liquid Intelligent Technologies finalized its 100% acquisition of Telrad, a technology and solutions company. Liquid have now seamlessly integrated Telrad's strong R&D programme and technology solutions in cyber security, data centres and wireless access technology with Liquid's existing portfolio of solutions.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is part of the wider Cassava Technologies group, a pan-African technology group with an eye for international growth through innovation and technological expansion.
