According to Bloomberg, an Ambani-led subsidiary of Reliance Industries, Radisys Corp, will provide core network infrastructure
Mukesh Ambani is all set to make a foray into Africa with a telecom business, aiming to target mobile broadband customers. According to Bloomberg, a subsidiary of Ambani-led Reliance Industries, Radisys Corp, will supply core network infrastructure, applications and smartphones for Ghana-based Next-Gen InfraCo. Harkirit Singh, executive director of NGIC, said the company’s plans would be revealed soon, with work scheduled to begin by the end of the year.
NGIC is planned to provide 5G broadband services to mobile operators and ISPs in Ghana, focusing on establishing affordable digital services in emerging markets, Singh noted. The consortium backing NGIC includes Nokia Oyj, Tech Mahindra and Microsoft Corp. Ghana’s telecommunications landscape is currently dominated by three major operators: MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana and state-owned AirtelTigo.
Singh highlighted that NGIC’s strategic partnerships, technological expertise and sole possession of Ghana’s only 5G license will enable the provision of broadband services at scale, significantly reducing the financial burden on individual mobile operators. Ascend Digital Solutions and K-NET, two African telecommunications companies, collectively own a 55 percent stake in NGIC, while the Ghanaian government holds just under 10 percent.
In addition, NGIC has secured exclusive rights to offer 5G services in Ghana for the next decade, with a capital expenditure of USD 145 million earmarked for the first three years. Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, lauded NGIC’s initiative, highlighting its aim to provide affordable mobile broadband services and devices to the Ghanaian population, similar to India’s successful low-cost mobile data revolution.
Singh clarified that none of the strategic partners, including Reliance, currently hold shares in NGIC. He said demonstrating successful results and creating value would precede any equity ownership discussions with partners.