MTN and Ericsson Partner to Revolutionize Connectivity in South Africa
In an exciting move that promises to reshape the digital landscape in South Africa, telecom giant MTN has announced a significant upgrade to its network infrastructure. Through the Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) program, MTN is set to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity to its customers while also laying the groundwork for future 5G projects.
This modernization process involves the integration of advanced cloud-native Packet Core and user management functions utilizing Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution. Additionally, MTN is upgrading its existing systems on Ericsson’s Network Functions Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) platform. The outcome? A reduction in latency, significant data speed boosts, and an overall enhancement of the customer experience.
One of the standout features of this upgrade is the implementation of Ericsson’s Cloud Core Policy Controller (CCPC). This innovative solution replaces outdated legacy systems with a flexible, cloud-based platform specifically designed to support 5G non-standalone, paving the way for the introduction of 5G standalone services. It’s a big step forward in ensuring that MTN remains at the forefront of telecommunications in Africa.
The collaboration between MTN and Ericsson has already yielded impressive results. Recently, they completed the world’s first software upgrade of an Ericsson Packet Core Gateway featuring an integrated firewall, accomplishing this feat without interrupting service for over 2.5 million active sessions or 40 Gbps of data. This monumental achievement marks a significant milestone in Africa’s technological advancement.
Solomzi Mnyaka, MTN’s general manager for network services engineering, expressed excitement about the modernization efforts, stating, “Building on our shared achievements with Ericsson, this step in our journey toward a future-ready network is critical. The right technological foundation allows us to respond faster to customer demands and launch new services with greater agility.”
Ericsson’s South African head, Sandile Dhlomo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to shaping the continent’s future digital connectivity. “Through this transformative core network operation, we are ensuring scalability, resilience, and quick adaptability to service needs,” he said.
This partnership not only reflects MTN’s dedication to innovation but also highlights the potential of collaboration between African and global tech leaders to foster a robust digital future. As South Africa heads towards a fully cloud-native core, the implications for improved service quality and user satisfaction are immense, promising an exciting era for MTN subscribers.
With advancements in technology continuing to accelerate, this collaboration emulates a vital narrative of growth and future readiness in Africa’s digital landscape. The efforts made by MTN and Ericsson are invaluable, demonstrating a dynamic approach to telecommunications and connectivity that could serve as a model for other nations to follow.
Stay tuned for more updates on Africa’s tech landscape!
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