MTN Ghana plans to launch 5G network in 2022
MTN Ghana hinted earlier on Wednesday that the operator could be poised to launch its 5G network in 2022, according to the company’s CEO Selorm Adavehoh.
The provider’s chief exec made the announcement during an interview at the MTN Business Executive Breakfast show.
“We are always trying to make sure we can be the first to launch the next technology, but not only to be the first, but to actually bring that technology to the market and create value out of that technology. So 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G hopefully next year,” said Adavehoh.
MTN Ghana’s CEO also said there is ongoing investment to make cellular and data connections available in the country’s most rural areas.
As the provider is planning a $200 million overhaul of its network infrastructure in 2021, which is noticeably higher than the initially planned $150 million.
This increase in budget is said to be driven by the pandemic and the higher demand on the telco’s network.
Additionally, media reports revealed that as part of the network upgrade, the operator expects to deploy 4G at all base stations in Accra before the end of 2021, and at all sites nationwide by the end of 2022.
It’s worth mentioning that currently 5G networks are available at MTN and Vodacom in South Africa and Kenya. Meanwhile, 5G trial is in progress in Gabon, Lesotho, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, and Morocco.
Furthermore, Adavehoh unveiled during the company’s 25th anniversary ceremony earlier on Friday that the carrier is currently exploring various partnerships with government institutions including ICT Hub Project, Accra Innovation City Project, and others.