MTN SA selects Nokia as one of its 5G equipment vendors

Nokia has been selected by MTN South Africa as one of its 5G RAN equipment providers. Under the deal, Nokia will modernise the existing 2G/3G/4G radio network and expand MTN’s 5G radio network across 2,800 sites in the Central and Eastern parts of the country. Nokia will provide equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including 5G AirScale baseband, Massive MIMO active antennas and remote radio heads (RRH) covering all urban and rural scenarios. Michele Gamberini, MTN South Africa’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, said: ‘We need next-generation technologies, such as Nokia’s AirScale portfolio, to ensure that South Africa is a leader in the digital era across the African continent and globally. Our partnership with Nokia allows us to rapidly expand our 5G network so that our citizens and their businesses can leverage the digital economy and reap the benefits of a modern connected life.’