(Ecofin Agency) - As demand for broadband internet is growing, MTN wants to anticipate shifts in the demand to meet current and future industry challenges and remain competitive in the market. 

MTN Group has contracted its long-time partner Teoco, which specializes in network analysis, assurance, and optimization solutions, to plan the extension of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile network of its South African subsidiary. The contract includes the use of Teoco's ASSET 5G solution to optimize its 5G network planning process as the demand for high-speed internet is rising. 

“As MTN SA continues its 5G journey, it’s critical that we have the right tools to accurately predict radio network coverage,” said Themba Sikampula, MTN Senior Manager of OSS and Tools.

The initiative comes against a backdrop of rising demand for broadband connectivity and accelerating digital transformation in Africa. According to Ericsson, 5G subscribers are expected to reach 150 million in sub-Saharan Africa by 2028, representing 14% of the total number of mobile subscribers in the region.

The initiative is also part of MTN's "Ambition 2025" strategy to become the leading digital service provider in the continent in the coming years. The telecom group has already launched commercial 5G in three African markets, namely South Africa, Nigeria, and Zambia.

“TEOCO provides a foundational component to support future network and service evolutions. [...] As MTN SA continues to optimize its 5G rollout and deployments, our comprehensive and innovative 5G planning offering is the perfect fit to deliver advanced network coverage and ensure optimal planning efficiency,” says Atul Jain, founder, and CEO of TEOCO.  

Isaac K. Kassouwi