The Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) partnership, comprising the Government of Ghana, Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, with support from all mobile network operators in Ghana, is set to engage in discussions with MTN Ghana, the country’s largest telecommunications operator.
This development reaffirms the inclusive nature of the NGIC business model.
According to the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, NGIC, as the sole wholesale 5G licensee in Ghana, will provide an open access-based neutral platform for all mobile network operators (MNOs) and collaborate with tower companies nationwide.
AT and Telecel Ghana have already signed partnership agreements with NGIC, and discussions with MTN are expected to commence shortly.
The goal of this inclusive approach is to ensure equal access to infrastructure for all service providers, enabling them to deliver high-quality services to their customers.
This approach may attract renowned mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to operate in Ghana, providing consumers with more options.
NGIC’s initial focus is on building a scalable shared infrastructure in Ghana, with potential expansion to other African countries.
The company may seek additional funding through capital markets to support future growth.
NGIC aims to become the first 5G mobile broadband shared infrastructure entity to build a nationwide 4G/5G network, offering affordable 4G/5G-enabled fixed wireless access (FWA) devices and smartphones by the end of the year.
The shared network infrastructure model seeks to reduce investment pressures on incumbent MNOs while delivering best-in-class 5G services to all consumers.
The benefits of 5G technology include faster speeds, lower latency, increased connections, and improved reliability, supporting various new applications and services.
This technology has the potential to transform industries, enable new business models, and drive economic growth.
