(Ecofin Agency) - Globacom, which holds the second-largest share of the Nigerian telecom market as of November 2019, is ramping up investments to take the top spot. To achieve this goal, the company will have to overtake its rival MTN, which has further strengthened its position as the market leader.

Mobile operator Globacom Limited (Glo) announced it has signed a network expansion agreement with Ceragon Networks Limited, a network equipment provider specializing in wireless backhaul solutions. The telecom company will leverage the technologies of its technical partner to improve the reach and quality of its services.

Doron Arazi, CEO of Ceragon Networks, said the partnership will help Globacom get ready for 5G. Ceragon Networks' solutions will provide the beneficiary with 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) of network capacity over the air, with the ability to upgrade to 20 Gbps, if necessary. This capacity will strengthen the long-distance rural network, high-capacity metropolitan networks, and access network.

This network extension project is in line with Globacom’s ambition to build the best telecom network in Nigeria. The company operates in a highly competitive environment. In October 2021, it signed a multi-year contract to purchase wholesale telecom capacity from Eutelsat Communications to provide quality connectivity in rural areas.

Once deployed, the technologies that Ceragon Networks will provide to Globacom will help reduce its investment in telecom infrastructure. Their implementation will also enable the telecom operator to rapidly grow revenues.

Isaac K. Kassouwi