MTN Group Partners with Ericsson to Elevate Core Network Infrastructure

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing connectivity and customer experiences, MTN Group has enlisted the expertise of Ericsson to modernise and upgrade its core network infrastructure. The transformative initiative spans a five-year period and aligns with MTN’s Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles and objectives.

The collaboration specifically targets MTN’s affiliates in South Africa and Nigeria, with Ericsson appointed as the exclusive core strategic supplier for the comprehensive network modernisation partnership. This move builds on the success of existing partnerships between Ericsson and MTN, particularly in deploying cloud-native core networks in both countries.

Under this agreement, the modernisation effort will not only improve current network performance but also ensure readiness for the future implementation of 5G standalone capabilities. Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core will power the modernised core networks, enabling MTN to deliver innovative solutions for consumers and enterprises across Africa.

Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, emphasised the strategic nature of this transformation program, stating, “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 initiative aligns with national broadband goals in Nigeria and supports MTN’s strategic priorities. In the words of Mohammed Rufai, MTN Nigeria Chief Technical Officer, “The network upgrade is geared towards enhancing our core network, further accelerating broadband penetration in alignment with the Federal Government’s Broadband plan.”

For MTN South Africa, the partnership signifies an extension of the longstanding collaboration with Ericsson. Rami Farah, MTN South Africa Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the significance of the partnership in enabling further modernization and readiness for robust data growth and future 5G capabilities.

Hossam Kandeel, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, sees the collaboration as shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa. Kandeel emphasized innovation and progress as the foundation of the partnership.

The partnership between MTN Group and Ericsson is a testament to their shared commitment to innovation and progress, as they work toward shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa. This collaboration plays a pivotal role in advancing MTN Group’s cloud-native transformation, aligning with the accelerated implementation of its Ambition 2025 strategy. The strategy aims to establish one of the largest and most valuable platforms across consumer, enterprise, and wholesale segments in both mobile and fixed access networks.

MTN Group and Ericsson Extend BSS Modernisation Agreement to Propel Digital Transformation in Africa

The collaborative efforts between MTN Group and Ericsson extend beyond core network modernisation, as the two entities continue their Business Support System (BSS) modernisation agreement. This extension aims to amplify digital transformation initiatives in Africa, with a particular focus on exploring innovative capabilities like 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) use cases.

MTN Group is actively leveraging Ericsson Charging, Ericsson Mediation, and Ericsson Dynamic Activation to enhance and build upon its BSS landscape. This strategic partnership is a crucial component of MTN’s broader cloud-native transformation and aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the Ambition 2025 strategy.

As MTN Group aspires to create one of the largest and most valuable platforms across mobile and fixed access networks, encompassing consumer, enterprise, and wholesale segments, the extended partnership plays a pivotal role. The collaboration sets the stage for sustained growth and success, enabling MTN to advance its cloud-native transformation journey.

The ongoing support from Ericsson provides MTN with a robust foundation to expand and scale its services across Africa. The partnership is poised to capture and secure revenue streams, enhance billing accuracy and granularity, support the introduction of new services, ensure revenue assurance, and pave the way for data monetization through preparation for analytics and IoT integration.

This strategic alliance exemplifies the shared commitment of MTN Group and Ericsson to foster innovation, progress, and technological advancement in the African digital landscape. As both entities actively contribute to shaping a connected future, the extended BSS modernization agreement positions them at the forefront of the evolving digital ecosystem, ensuring a seamless and transformative experience for consumers and enterprises alike.