Nokia Powers Ghana's 5G Rollout with Next-Gen InfraCo Partnership

Nokia has strengthened its partnership with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) in Ghana by delivering a cutting-edge 5G mobile core network, paving the way for the country's digital transformation.

NGIC will leverage this new infrastructure to provide wholesale 5G services to mobile operators in Ghana, enabling them to deliver high-speed connectivity to their customers. The 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Core, part of the agreement, will ensure the security, resilience, and reliability necessary for delivering robust 5G services in West Africa.

The solution 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. The entire network will be managed by Nokia's MantaRay network management system. Nokia will also provide end-to-end service support for the entire project.

"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," commented Harikirit Singh, Executive Director of NGIC 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. It provides the flexibility, scalability, resilience, and security we need as the sole 5G network in the country. This will enable us to seamlessly integrate with our clients' networks to deliver 5G services to the people and businesses of Ghana."

Expanding 5G Reach in Ghana

The open-access, cloud-based network built by Nokia and NGIC offers mobile operators a shared, secure, environmentally sustainable, and high-speed platform that will accelerate the deployment of 5G services with reduced capital expenditure. Looking ahead, the network will support advanced capabilities such as 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. To remain at the forefront of technological innovation, Nokia and NGIC will establish a flagship 4G/5G Centre of Excellence in Ghana. This facility will serve as a testing ground for emerging technologies and use cases, showcasing Nokia's expertise in network sharing, Cloud RAN, and Open RAN.

"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," stated Michael Tseytlin, Chief Technology Officer of NGIC Ghana. "NGIC will leverage 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, enabling Ghana's transition to the digital economy."

The partnership between Nokia and NGIC marks a significant step towards empowering Ghana's digital future and accelerating the adoption of 5G technology throughout the country. This collaboration signifies the potential for transformative growth and innovation across various sectors, ultimately benefiting both individuals and businesses in Ghana.