Nokia has announced a major expansion of its partnership with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) through the development of Ghana’s first 5G mobile core network. This agreement builds on Nokia’s existing role as a strategic technology partner for NGIC and will see the deployment of a shared, neutral host 5G network to enhance mobile services across the country.
The new 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Core network will provide essential security, resilience, and reliability needed to support high-speed 5G services. This 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, all managed through Nokia’s MantaRay network management system.
Harikirit Singh, Executive Director of NGIC Ghana, emphasized the choice of Nokia due to their proven expertise in Africa. He highlighted that Nokia’s 5G solutions will offer NGIC the flexibility, scalability, and resilience required to deliver advanced 5G services, enabling seamless integration with client networks to serve Ghana’s population and businesses effectively.
The collaboration will result in a 5G open-access, cloud-based network offering mobile operators a secure, sustainable, and high-speed infrastructure. This network is designed to facilitate the rapid deployment of 5G services with reduced capital expenditure and will support future advancements such as enhanced mobile broadband and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.
NGIC plans to introduce its wholesale 4G and 5G Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) by the end of 2024. The partnership also includes the establishment of a flagship 4G/5G Center of Excellence in Ghana, which will act as a test bed for new technologies and showcase Nokia’s capabilities in network sharing, Cloud RAN, and Open RAN.
Michael Tseytlin, Chief Technology Officer of NGIC Ghana, noted that the initiative will significantly bridge the digital divide in Ghana and extend its impact across Africa. By leveraging Nokia’s technology, NGIC aims to enhance services in finance, healthcare, and education, thereby supporting Ghana’s transition to a digital economy.
Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President – MEA Market, Mobile Networks at Nokia, highlighted the strategic value of this partnership, noting that the 4G/5G Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model offers a cost-effective approach for mobile operators to adopt the latest technologies efficiently.
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