Nokia has partnered with MTN South Africa (MTN SA), where the telecom equipment maker will provide the telco with the tools needed to upgrade to the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN).
The partnership will see Nokia modernizing the existing 2G/3G/4G radio network and expand MTN’s 5G radio network across 2800 sites in the Central and Eastern part of the country.
Nokia will supply equipment from its next-generation, energy-efficient AirScale portfolio, which is powered by the company’s latest generation of ReefShark chipsets, including 5G AirScale baseband, massive MIMO active antennas, and remote radio heads (RRH) for all urban and rural scenarios.
To ensure MTN’s network continues to perform fully, Nokia will also provide its Self-Organizing Networks (SON) solution for optimization and network assurance.
Nokia solutions will provide mobile users with a superior 5G experience by providing high bandwidth, ultra-fast speeds, and low latency.
MTN South Africa’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, Michele Gamberini, said the firm needs next-generation technologies, such as Nokia’s AirScale portfolio to ensure that South Africa is a leader in the digital era across the African continent and globally.
“Our partnership with Nokia allows us to rapidly expand our 5G network so that our citizens and their businesses can leverage the digital economy and reap the benefits of a modern connected life,” the officer said.
President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, Tommi Uitto, said the partnership will advance its market position in SA whereas aiding MTN to deliver superior 5G experiences to the customers.
”Our industry-leading energy-efficient AirScale portfolio will improve the coverage and capacity of MTN’s network performance while contributing to reduced carbon emissions. We look forward to a long-lasting and successful partnership with MTN.”
Nokia has introduced a training program that will ensure digitalization in the country and Africa at large.
The program is open to 5,000 applicants and will focus on product development as well as developing entrepreneurship.
The initiative is aligned with the Finnish National Agency of Education.
Graduates from the program will receive a diploma upon completion to boost their credibility in the job market.
MTN SA is part of MTN Group Limited, Africa’s largest mobile network operator with operations in 17 countries serving 272 million subscribers.