MTN Group appoints Ericsson to modernise core network

MTN Group embarks on a strategic transformation program to modernise and upgrade its core network infrastructure leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver superior customer experiences and innovation.

MTN South Africa and MTN Nigeria will modernise and upgrade their core network in line with MTN Group's MTN Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles and objectives.

Ericsson has been selected as the sole core strategic supplier for this five-year core network modernisation partnership.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and MTN Group (JSE: MTN) have agreed to modernise the core network of MTN's affiliates in South Africa and Nigeria over five years in line with MTN Group's MTN Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles and objectives.

The agreement was concluded recently, where the companies agreed on key strategic priorities and collaborations, underscoring both companies' shared vision and commitment to fortify their long-term partnership.

Building on existing and successful partnerships for cloud-native core network deployment with Ericsson in both countries, the modernisation will ensure the readiness of MTN Nigeria's and MTN South Africa's network infrastructures to enable 5G standalone in the future. The modernised core networks will be powered by Ericsson's cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core, and will enable MTN Group to achieve its objectives in Nigeria and South Africa of delivering innovative solutions for both consumers and enterprises in Africa.

Mazen Mroue, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer says: 'We are embarking on a strategic transformation program to modernize and upgrade our core network infrastructure, signifying a commitment to enhancing network performance and efficiency in respective markets. This collaboration is a key milestone for our Ambition 2025 to set new benchmarks in connectivity excellence, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver superior customer experiences and innovation.'

The modernisation efforts in Nigeria align with national broadband goals and MTN's strategic objectives. Mohammed Rufai, MTN Nigeria Chief Technical Officer says: 'The network upgrade is geared towards enhancing our core network. When completed, it will further accelerate broadband penetration in alignment with the Federal Government's Broadband plan. This expansion is also in line with our strategic priorities - building the largest and most valuable platforms, driving industry-leading connectivity operations, creating shared value and accelerating portfolio transformation.'

MTN South Africa's modernisation journey benefits significantly from this partnership, Rami Farah, MTN South Africa Chief Technology Officer shares: 'Ericsson has been MTN SA's network infrastructure partner for several years. This new partnership is an extension of what has been achieved by both parties over the years. The partnership will enable MTN SA to modernise further and upgrade the core mobile network in line with MTN Group Unified Cloud Acceleration principles and objectives which will ensure the readiness of our network infrastructure to support the strong data growth and enable 5G standalone in the future.'

From Ericsson's perspective, the partnership with MTN Group is a testament to a shared ethos of innovation and progress, representing Ericsson, Hossam Kandeel, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: 'Our partnership with MTN Group is based on innovation and driving networks evolution for customer experience and business value. Together, we are shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa with the modernisation of MTN Nigeria and MTN South Africa's core networks. We aim to drive this technological advancement in line with Ericsson's #AfricaInMotion vision.'

The MUNA principles and objectives are pivotal to MTN's PACE technology strategy to accelerate the execution of MTN's Ambition 2025 by transforming MTN's network infrastructure into a modern, agile, and cloud-native core network. This transformation will empower MTN to offer innovative services to its customers, enhancing operational efficiency, driving growth, and enabling a better customer experience.

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ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity. The company's portfolio spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications Platform, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson's innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code 'MTN'. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa's progress.

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