MTN Group said in a release it has signed a five-year deal with global network solutions company Ericsson to modernise the networks of its operations in Nigeria and South Africa.
MTN Group said the agreement concluded recently, line with its Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles and objectives.
The companies agreed on key strategic priorities and collaborations, underscoring both companies’ shared vision and commitment to fortify their long-term partnership, said the statement.
Building on existing and successful partnerships for cloud-native core network deployment with Ericsson in both countries, the modernisation will ensure the readiness of MTN Nigeria’s and MTN South Africa’s network infrastructures to enable 5G standalone in the future.
The modernised core networks will be powered by Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core and will enable MTN Group to achieve its objectives in Nigeria and South Africa of delivering innovative solutions for both consumers and enterprises in Africa.
Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, said the Group is embarking on a strategic transformation programem to modernise and upgrade its core network infrastructure, signifying a commitment to enhancing network performance and efficiency in respective markets.
This collaboration is a key milestone for our Ambition 2025 to set new benchmarks in connectivity excellence, leveraging cutting edge technologies to deliver superior customer experiences and innovation, added Mroué.
Mohammed Rufai, MTN Nigeria Chief Technical Officer, said the modernisation efforts in Nigeria align with national broadband goals and MTN’s strategic objectives.
“The network upgrade is geared towards enhancing our core network. When completed, it will further accelerate broadband penetration in alignment with the Federal Government’s Broadband plan,”Rufai added,
He said, “This expansion is also in line with our strategic priorities – building the largest and most valuable platforms, driving industry-leading connectivity operations, creating shared value and accelerating portfolio transformation.”
MTN South Africa’s modernisation journey benefits significantly from this partnership, Rami Farah, MTN South Africa Chief Technology Officer stated.
Farah added; “Ericsson has been MTN SA’s network infrastructure partner for several years. This new partnership is an extension of what has been achieved by both parties over the years.”
“The partnership will enable MTN SA to modernise further and upgrade the core mobile network in line with MTN Group Unified Cloud Acceleration principles and objectives which will ensure the readiness of our network infrastructure to support the strong data growth and enable 5G standalone in the future,” he stated.
On its part, Ericsson said the partnership with MTN Group is a testament to a shared ethos of innovation and progress.
Hossam Kandeel, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said: “Our partnership with MTN Group is based on innovation and progress. Together, we are shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa with the modernisation of MTN Nigeria and MTN South Africa’s core networks’.
“We aim to drive this influence across the entire continent, ensuring technological advancement and bringing communities closer in the digital age in line with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision,” Kandeel stated.