MTN Group appoints Ericsson to modernise core network

MTN Group appoints Ericsson to modernise core network

MTN Group embarks on a strategic transformation program to modernise and upgrade its core

network infrastructure leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver superior customer experiences

and innovation.

MTN South Africa and MTN Nigeria will modernise and upgrade their core network in line with MTN

Group’s MTN Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles and objectives.

Ericsson has been selected as the sole core strategic supplier for this five-year core network modernisation partnership.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and MTN Group (JSE: MTN) have agreed to modernise the core network of

MTN’s affiliates in South Africa and Nigeria over five years in line with MTN Group’s MTN Unified

Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles and objectives.

The agreement was concluded recently, where the companies agreed on key strategic priorities and

collaborations, underscoring both companies’ shared vision and commitment to fortify their long-term

partnership.

Building on existing and successful partnerships for cloud-native core network deployment with

Ericsson in both countries, the modernisation will ensure the readiness of MTN Nigeria’s and MTN

South Africa’s network infrastructures to enable 5G standalone in the future. The modernised core

networks will be powered by Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core, and will enable MTN Group

to achieve its objectives in Nigeria and South Africa of delivering innovative solutions for both

consumers and enterprises in Africa.

Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer says: “We are embarking on a

strategic transformation program to modernize and upgrade our core network infrastructure,

signifying a commitment to enhancing network performance and efficiency in respective markets.

This collaboration is a key milestone for our Ambition 2025 to set new benchmarks in connectivity

excellence, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver superior customer experiences and innovation.”

The modernisation efforts in Nigeria align with national broadband goals and MTN’s strategic

objectives. Mohammed Rufai, MTN Nigeria Chief Technical Officer says: ”The network upgrade is

geared towards enhancing our core network. When completed, it will further accelerate broadband

penetration in alignment with the Federal Government’s Broadband plan. This expansion is also in line

with our strategic priorities – building the largest and most valuable platforms, driving industry-

leading connectivity operations, creating shared value and accelerating portfolio transformation.”

MTN South Africa’s modernisation journey benefits significantly from this partnership, Rami Farah,

MTN South Africa Chief Technology Officer shares: “Ericsson has been MTN SA’s network

infrastructure partner for several years. This new partnership is an extension of what has been

achieved by both parties over the years. The partnership will enable MTN SA to modernise further

and upgrade the core mobile network in line with MTN Group Unified Cloud Acceleration principles

and objectives which will ensure the readiness of our network infrastructure to support the strong

data growth and enable 5G standalone in the future.”

From Ericsson’s perspective, the partnership with MTN Group is a testament to a shared ethos of

innovation and progress, representing Ericsson, Hossam Kandeel, Vice President and Head of Global

Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: “Our

partnership with MTN Group is based on innovation and driving networks evolution for customer

experience and business value. Together, we are shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa

with the modernisation of MTN Nigeria and MTN South Africa’s core networks. We aim to drive this

technological advancement in line with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision.”

The MUNA principles and objectives are pivotal to MTN’s PACE technology strategy to accelerate the

execution of MTN’s Ambition 2025 by transforming MTN’s network infrastructure into a modern, agile,

and cloud-native core network. This transformation will empower MTN to offer innovative services to

its customers, enhancing operational efficiency, driving growth, and enabling a better customer

experience.