Following a recent network glitch that disrupted services in South Africa and Nigeria, MTN Group has announced a strategic partnership with telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson to modernise its core network infrastructure in both countries.
This initiative aims to enhance network performance and efficiency, ultimately preparing MTN’s networks for future 5G standalone capabilities.
The collaboration builds upon existing partnerships between MTN and Ericsson for cloud-native core network deployment. According to MTN, this modernization effort aligns with its Unified Cloud Acceleration framework, a five-year plan designed to advance network capabilities and support digital transformation initiatives.
Mazen Mroué, Chief Technology and Information Officer of MTN Group, emphasized the significance of this transformation program, stating, “We are embarking on a strategic transformation programme to modernise and upgrade our core network infrastructure, signifying a commitment to enhancing network performance and efficiency in respective markets.”
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, MTN CEO Karl Toriola highlighted the company’s commitment to improving smartphone affordability and digital inclusion. Toriola discussed efforts to make smartphones more accessible in Nigeria, citing device affordability as a major barrier to digital inclusion.
Toriola emphasised the potential benefits of local assembly and financing schemes in reducing smartphone costs. He explained, “Local assembly does a number of things. First of all, it can bring down the cost of production, it eliminates custom duties, and then you talk about financing handsets…”
MTN is already collaborating with various companies across Africa to develop a financing ecosystem that facilitates smartphone affordability and accessibility, further supporting its commitment to digital inclusion initiatives.
