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- Partnership will enhance connectivity and digital innovation
Nokia has announced an expansion of its partnership with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) to build a 5G mobile core network in Ghana. This new project builds upon Nokia’s existing role as a strategic technology partner for NGIC, which includes constructing Ghana’s first 5G network.
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The 5G network, designed as a shared neutral host, will allow NGIC to offer wholesale services to mobile service providers across the country, enabling these providers to deliver faster data speeds and improved network reliability to their customers.
Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President – MEA Market, Mobile Networks, Nokia said: “Partnering with NGIC on building the first 4G/5G Network as a Service (NaaS) in Africa is a great opportunity with strong purpose to serve the continent’s needs. This alternative network model is a smart approach towards smart CAPEX and OPEX investment, which will help MNOs introduce the latest technologies in a faster and more efficient way.”
The 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Core will enhance the security, resilience, and reliability of 5G services in Ghana. The agreement includes Nokia’s Cloud Mobility Manager (CMM) and Cloud Mobile Gateway (CMG), complementing the previously announced 4G and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) AirScale base stations. The network will be fully managed using Nokia’s MantaRay network management system. In addition, Nokia will provide its full suite of services for the project, solidifying its position as NGIC’s end-to-end network partner.
The collaboration between Nokia and NGIC will create an open-access, cloud-based 5G network offering a shared, secure, and environmentally sustainable solution for mobile operators in Ghana. This approach will enable the rapid deployment of 5G services with reduced capital expenditure. Future capabilities of the network will include enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.
NGIC aims to launch its wholesale 4G and 5G Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) by the end of 2024. To maintain a leading edge in technology, Nokia and NGIC will also establish a flagship 4G/5G Center of Excellence in Ghana. This center will serve as a testing ground for new technologies and use cases, showcasing Nokia’s expertise in network sharing, Cloud RAN, and Open RAN.
Samar Mittal, Vice President – MEA Market, Cloud and Network Services, Nokia said: “Nokia is proud to partner with NGIC in Ghana and help them realize their ambitions to introduce the first 5G network in Ghana. This 5G network will undoubtedly bring high-speed mobile data to the people of Ghana and it will also support a plethora of new business use cases that will drive socio-economic growth. We are committed to the success of the NGIC network to help realize their innovative vision to bridge the digital divide in Ghana.”
Harikirit Singh, Executive Director of NGIC Ghana, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating: “We chose Nokia because they are a trusted and proven partner in Africa that can deliver on our ambitions to introduce 5G services in Ghana. As NGIC is a wholesale network provider to mobile operators in Ghana, Nokia’s 5G RAN and Core solution is a key part of our network evolution as it incorporates the flexibility, scalability, resilience, and security that we need as the sole 5G network in the country. This will enable us to integrate more seamlessly with our clients’ networks to deliver 5G services to the people and businesses of Ghana.”
Michael Tseytlin, Chief Technology Officer of NGIC Ghana, added: “In partnership with Nokia, we will empower our customers to fully benefit from 5G in Ghana, with plans to extend this to other regions in Africa. NGIC will utilize Nokia’s technology and products to deploy network infrastructure and related services, aiming to serve both enterprise and consumer markets. This initiative will help bridge the digital divide and introduce new services in finance, healthcare, and education to enable Ghana’s transition to the digital economy.”
