MTN South Africa (MTN SA) has selected Nokia as one of its 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment providers.
Under the deal, Nokia will modernise the existing 2G/3G/4G radio network and expand MTN’s 5G radio network across 2800 sites in the Central and Eastern part of the country – driving digitalisation across the African continent.
MTN SA is part of MTN Group Limited, Africa's largest mobile network operator with operations in 17 countries serving 272 million subscribers.
Nokia will provide equipment from its next-generation, energy-efficient AirScale portfolio – powered by its latest generation of ReefShark chipsets – including 5G AirScale baseband, massive MIMO active antennas and remote radio heads (RRH) covering all urban and rural scenarios. Nokia will also provide its Self-Organising Networks (SON) solution for optimisation and network assurance, ensuring MTN's network continues to perform optimally. Nokia’s solutions will enable a superior 5G experience for mobile users with high bandwidth, ultra-fast speeds, and low latency.
As part of its commitment to South Africa, Nokia is also establishing a training programme to drive digitalisation in the country and across the African continent. Open to 5,000 applicants, the programme will focus on product development as well as developing entrepreneurship. The programme is aligned with the Finnish National Agency of Education; graduates will receive a diploma supporting further career opportunities.
