The South African branch of the multinational mobile telecommunications company, MTN, and the global technology firm, Huawei, have formalized an agreement to collaborate strategically on the development of Net5.5G technology. This agreement was solidified through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which signifies a mutual commitment to work together in this advanced technological field.
This significant event took place during a summit dedicated to Internet Protocol (IP) technologies, which was a joint effort between MTN SA and Huawei. The summit was aptly themed “Net5.5G Network Development,” highlighting the focus on the next evolutionary stage in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, often referred to as 5.5G or 5G advanced. This new phase is anticipated to be a pivotal progression in the industry.
In a formal statement released by the companies, it was announced that the partnership will concentrate on advocating for the widespread implementation of the core features of Net5.5G. These features include 400GE (400 Gigabit Ethernet), SRv6 (Segment Routing over IPv6), network slicing, and the Network Digital Map. These technologies are expected to significantly enhance the capabilities and performance of network infrastructure.
Zoltan Miklos, who holds the position of General Manager of Access Planning and Architecture at MTN SA, commented on the practical applications of these technologies. He noted that the integration of SRv6 and the Network Digital Map has already contributed to MTN’s ability to construct an IP transport network that delivers an optimal user experience. This suggests that MTN SA has begun to see tangible benefits from these advanced network features, which are likely to be further amplified through the strategic cooperation with Huawei.
Furthermore, Zoltan Miklos has acknowledged that despite the advancements in cloud technology and the advent of 5G, MTN continues to encounter a variety of challenges. These challenges span across several critical aspects of their operations, including service delivery, network operations, security, and reliability. As the telecommunications landscape evolves, addressing these issues remains a priority for MTN to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to their customers.
Xu Huan, who serves as the Vice-President of the Metro Router Domain within Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, has expressed Huawei’s commitment to this partnership. He stated that Huawei is poised to collaborate closely with MTN to expedite the practical deployment of the next-generation IP transport network. This endeavor will be guided by the objectives set forth for Net5.5G, which is envisioned as the blueprint for future network development.
The memorandum of understanding between MTN and Huawei encompasses a shared vision for defining the characteristics and goals of the Net5.5G target network. This collaboration is not only about setting standards but also about supporting the enhancement of MTN’s diverse service offerings, which include mobile connectivity, enterprise solutions, and home broadband services.
The partnership is strategically designed to not only foster the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and applications but also to propel the sustainable growth of regional carriers. The statement emphasizes that the cooperation between MTN and Huawei is expected to be a driving force in the implementation of new technological advancements, ultimately contributing to the progressive development of the telecommunications sector in the region.
