MTN deploys 5 000 OpenRAN sites globally

MTN 3G

MTN 3G

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) THE MTN Group is to deploy more than 5 000 sites across its 21 operations, thereby bringing second-generation technology networks (2G), 3G and 4G connectivity into areas previously using Parallel Wireless’ OpenRAN (radio access network).

Africa is the most digitally divided continent with only 44 percent unique mobile users.

Traditional 2G, 3G or 4G networks require expensive and bulky equipment for their deployment and operation.

The hardware-based networks are seen as difficult and pricey to upgrade.

Dirk Karl, MTN Executive and Chief Procurement Officer, highlighted that OpenRAN was certainly not new to MTN.

MTN teams concluded field trials in Zambia in 2018, deploying commercial sites from the start of 2019.

“Our team has steadily been focused on creating viable RAN solutions alongside the traditional deployments of network technology suppliers in order to accelerate the rural expansion in our markets,” Karl said.

Lux Maharaj, Director, Africa Sales Parallel Wireless, said, “We are committed to our role in innovating in the OpenRAN ecosystem to help MTN bridge the digital divide across Africa.”

Parallel Wireless hails itself as only US -based company challenging the world’s legacy vendors with the industry’s only unified All G (5G/4G/3G/2G) software-enabled OpenRAN solution.

– CAJ News

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