Radisys and Jio’s Tech Mahindra are partnering with Ghana’s Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to build the infrastructure needed to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services to the African country. Representative | Photo: KRISHNAN VV
Ghana has signed deals with a subsidiary of Reliance Jio, Tech Mahindra, and other suppliers to build 4G and 5G infrastructure as the African country aims to boost its telecommunications capabilities.
Ghana’s state-backed Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) has partnered with Jio arm Radisys, Tech Mahindra and Nokia to build the necessary infrastructure to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services.
India a ‘strategic choice’
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the West African country’s Minister of Communications and Digitization, told reporters in Mumbai that India was a “strategic choice” because of its similar demographics and Ghana wants to replicate the Indian story of telecom penetration.
“Your (Indian) demographics are just like us, the Jio model was launched only a few years ago, so the knowledge is still fresh,” he added.
NGIC has been allocated the 5G spectrum and local telcos will use the shared infrastructure to roll out services over the next six months. According to reports, the total contract is over $200 million.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said Ghana is part of the 33-nation Smart Africa alliance and other countries on the continent will be watching the development closely to see if they can also emulate the same locally.
When pointed out that Indian vendors have not executed such deals in the past and why Ghana chose them over Chinese suppliers, he said, “It was a strategic choice for us. We don’t want to get involved in any of the geopolitics that’s going on right now. We want the best for our national interest.”
“Ghana wants to tap into India’s experience in the field,” he added.
Speaking about the deal, Radisys CEO Arun Bhikshesvaran said: “Our communications platform and digital applications will help create new digital experiences that empower the Ghanaian community and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.”
A statement said the lives of Ghanaians will be improved in various areas such as education, healthcare and digital payments through the modern telecommunication network.
Ghana’s minister said the country is looking at both 4G and 5G networks, as well as satellite connectivity to deepen its telecom penetration, adding that it is in talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink for the latter.
Jio’s rival in the local market, Bharti Airtel is one of the most prominent mobile network providers on the African continent.