Nokia announced that it is further strengthening its partnership with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) by building a 5G mobile core network. This is an extension of the existing agreement where Nokia is a strategic technology partner that will build Ghana’s first 5G network. As a shared neutral host network, NGIC will use the 5G network to offer wholesale services to mobile service providers in the country, which will be able to deliver 5G services to their subscribers – for faster data speeds and stronger network reliability and capacity.
The 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Core will provide the security, resiliency and reliability that is needed to deliver 5G services in Ghana. This agreement includes Nokia’s Cloud Mobility Manager (CMM) and Cloud Mobile Gateway (CMG), in addition to the earlier announced 4G and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) AirScale base stations, and will be comprehensively managed by Nokia’s MantaRay network management system. Furthermore, Nokia will provide its end-to-end service suite for the full scope of the deal, making Nokia an end-to-end network partner of NGIC.
The Nokia and NGIC 5G open-access and cloud-based network will offer mobile operators in Ghana a shared, secure, environmentally sustainable and high-speed network that will enable the rapid expansion of 5G services with reduced capital expenditure. In the future, the network will enable newer capabilities, like enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.
NGIC plans to launch its wholesale 4G and 5G Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) within 2024. Additionally, to keep the shared network at the forefront of technology, Nokia and NGIC will build a flagship 4G/5G Center of Excellence in Ghana that will serve as a test bed for newer technologies and use cases, while also demonstrating Nokia’s capabilities on network sharing, Cloud RAN and Open RAN.
Harikirit Singh, Executive Director of NGIC Ghana, said: “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, stated: “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.”
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.”
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.”