The Government of Ghana, Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia and Tech Mahindra, with Ghana’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Telecel Ghana, announce their collaboration on a new shared Infra -Next-Gen InfraCo. (NGIC). This partnership aims to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana. The Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) has received a 5G license and is expected to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months, followed by expansion to other parts of Africa.
The Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) will be the first 5G Mobile Broadband Shared Infrastructure Entity to build a national 4G/5G network. The company will also work with MNO partners to roll out affordable 4G / 5G enabled CPE and FWA smart phones in Ghana within this calendar year. The partnership aims to improve the lives of Ghanaians by introducing digital services in education, healthcare and digital payment transactions through P2P (peer-to-peer), P2M (peer-to-merchant) and M2M (merchant to merchant). , thereby reducing the digital divide and promoting financial inclusion. In addition, the multi-player collaboration will support NGIC across the network infrastructure and related services deployment as communications service providers (CSPs) seek to address business and consumer markets with enhanced digital services. To achieve this, Tech Mahindra will build a Cloud Native Core Network powered by leading OEM (original equipment manufacturer) platforms.
NGIC plans to adopt India’s successful model of affordable handsets, digital platforms and local content and applications. The goal is to replicate this high-speed mobile data model across Africa, starting with Ghana.
Ms Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitization for the Republic of Ghana, said: “The establishment of a common 5G mobile broadband infrastructure is vital to providing affordable, high-speed data access to Ghanaians and to achieving Ghana’s Digital Vision. Establishing NGIC as a neutral, common platform accessible to all mobile network operators and tower companies will help in rapid expansion of 5G services across the country. We are inspired by India’s digital infrastructure and low-cost mobile data usage and want to replicate it in Ghana.”
Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President Middle East and Africa at Nokia, said: “Ghana has huge potential for mobile broadband development due to an unmet demand for connectivity. Creating an Open Access Network like NGIC will promote innovation and create many opportunities in various fields. We are proud to partner with NGIC, helping Ghana realize its digital vision and unlock its full potential.
Arun Bhikshesvaran, CEO of Radisys, said: “Connectivity for all, through the use of open and bundled multi-access solutions, is a key component of Radisys’ initiatives to bridge the digital divide. Bringing Fixed Wireless Access together with mobile 4G and 5G services that help drive economic growth and digital inclusion, Radisys looks forward to helping Ascend and NGIC build a disruptive and affordable shared broadband infrastructure across Ghana to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Manish Mangal, Chief Technology Officer, Telecom & Global Business Head, Network Services, Tech Mahindra, said: “Our partnership with Next Gen Infra Co. based on a shared vision of digital connectivity and Network-as-a-Service delivery for innovation And we bring efficiency to the telecommunications market in Ghana and Africa, we aim to rapidly advance our operations by building a Cloud Native Core Network with leading OEM platforms combined with Tech Mahindra’s automation platform, netOps.ai with NGIC, we will support full network infrastructure deployment and introduce high-speed 4G/5G services in the region.”
Harkirit Singh, CEO, Ascend Digital and Chief Executive Officer, NGIC said, “NGIC plans to launch its wholesale 4G/5G network as a Service and make it available to all mobile network operators within the next six months. We have proven the strengths of our partners – Radisys, Nokia and TechM – to expand the network and offer affordable mobile broadband services to all Ghanaians. We plan to gradually expand to other parts of Africa. We will leverage the capital markets and bring in strategic investors as and when required.”
Mohamad Ghaddar, COO, Telecel Ghana, said: “Telecel is encouraging initiatives such as NGIC’s neutral model and Network as a Service model, which will help create diverse network options for all telecom operators in Ghana. We look forward to to implement the NGIC model with the right partners, who will enable us to leverage their infrastructure to deliver improved connectivity, better coverage and innovative services to our services.”
Leo Skarlatos, CEO, AT Ghana, said: “This partnership will enable us to leverage a neutral, common platform and expand our services across Ghana. We are confident that our customers will experience improved network quality and affordable services they deserve. We look forward to working with NGIC and MOCD to contribute to the country’s digital transformation agenda.”