NextGen Infrastructure Company Advances with MTN Ghana’s Inclusion in 5G Network Project
MTN Ghana has joined forces in the development of a shared 4G/5G infrastructure, a strategic initiative led by the NextGen Infrastructure Company (NGIC).
The announcement was made by Michael Kwablah, Chief Technical Officer at Ascend Digital, during the opening of the National ICT Week in Accra.
Ascend Digital, alongside K-NET, is one of the principal local partners involved in NGIC, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) established for this ambitious project.
Originally, NGIC’s partnership included only two telcos—Telecel Ghana and AT Ghana—along with five other key stakeholders: Ascend Digital, K-NET, Nokia, Radisys, and Tech Mahindra.
However, MTN Ghana’s inclusion in July 2024 has significantly advanced the project’s progress. Mr Kwablah indicated that the telcos would receive a specific allocation of shares in NGIC, contingent on their contributions, which could range from cash to strategically important infrastructure such as towers, fibre optics, and microwave channels.
NGIC has also entered discussions with tower companies, including ATC Ghana and Helios Towers, to utilize their co-location towers for the 4G/5G network rollout. Initially, these tower companies were uncertain about whether NGIC would be a competitor or a collaborator.
However, it has since been clarified that their role will be one of partnership rather than competition. K-NET, already a partner, will contribute its towers in rural areas to support the 5G network expansion.
Progress on the project has been substantial, with NGIC completing the digital transport backbone essential for the 4G/5G rollout, funded by the World Bank’s E-Transform program.
The remaining tasks include integrating this backbone with the telcos and other service providers, with the necessary data centre infrastructure already en route to Ghana.
Mr Kwablah expressed optimism that the 5G services could be launched nationwide within the next one to two months. The government’s strategy to develop a shared 5G network is expected to democratize access, enabling smaller entities and individuals to acquire network capacity directly from NGIC, thereby reducing costs and expanding accessibility.
Additionally, Radisys is poised to introduce affordable 4G and 5G devices to drive market adoption once the network is operational.
