Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a partnership of the Government of Ghana, in collaboration with Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, supported by all Mobile Network Operators in Ghana is set to begin talks with the country’s largest telecommunications operator, MTN Ghana, an affirmation of the all-inclusive nature of the business.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, made this known at a press conference to officially announce NGIC as the sole wholesale 5G licensee in Ghana. She said, “As the sole wholesale 5G licensee in Ghana, NGIC will offer an open access-based neutral platform to all MNOs and collaborate with all tower companies in the country. AT and Telecel Ghana have already signed partnership agreements with NGIC. Discussions with MTN will begin shortly and they are also expected to sign on”.
The inclusive approach to the 5G roll-out is to ensure that all service providers have equal access to the infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality services to their customers. The approach has the potential of attracting renowned MVNOs to consider operating in Ghana, an act that will provide more choice to consumers.
The initial focus is on building a scalable shared infrastructure in Ghana, with the potential to expand to other parts of Africa. NGIC may seek additional funding through capital markets to support future scaling. NGIC aims to be the first 5G Mobile Broadband Shared Infrastructure Entity to build a nationwide 4G/5G network. The company plans to launch affordable 4G/5G enabled Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) CPEs and smartphones within this calendar year.
The shared network infrastructure model aims to reduce investment pressures on incumbent MNOs while delivering best-in-class 5G services to all consumers.
The benefits of 5G technology are numerous. It offers faster speeds, lower latency, more connections, and better reliability. These improvements will support a range of new applications and services, from enhanced mobile broadband to massive machine-type communication and ultra-reliable low-latency communications. 5G will transform industries, enable new business models, and drive economic growth.
