Government says the proposed Dig Once policy could reduce the cost of fibre infrastructure rollout in Ghana by as much as 60 percent, in a move aimed at accelerating broadband expansion and improving access to affordable data services.

Speaking at the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the policy is expected to significantly lower deployment costs for telecom operators while strengthening Ghana’s digital infrastructure drive.

According to the Minister, the policy seeks to integrate fibre infrastructure into ongoing government road construction projects under the Big Push programme.

Under the proposed arrangement, road contractors working on new roads will be required to include fibre chambers within road designs, allowing telecom companies to deploy fibre cables without undertaking separate excavation works.

Mr. George explained that telecom operators would only need to secure right-of-way access and lay fibre through already constructed chambers, eliminating duplication in civil works and reducing capital expenditure associated with network expansion.

“The Dig Once policy could, by some estimates, reduce the cost of rolling out fibre in Ghana by almost 60 percent,” he stated.

He noted that both road contractors and telecom operators currently undertake separate excavation works, increasing infrastructure costs unnecessarily. Integrating fibre chambers into road construction, he said, would create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to infrastructure development.

The Minister disclosed that the Ministry has completed the draft policy framework after incorporating recommendations from the Ministry of Roads and Highways due to the cross-sector impact of the initiative.

According to him, the final draft was received this week and is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for approval, with government targeting implementation approval by the third quarter of this year.

Mr. George described the initiative as potentially transformative for Ghana’s digital economy, arguing that lower fibre deployment costs should support wider network expansion, improve internet connectivity and ultimately reduce data costs for consumers.

He added that government expects the policy to create long-term efficiencies within the telecommunications sector while supporting Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda and economic competitiveness.

source : www.citinewsroom.com

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Tanko Rashid-Computer, has reiterated that improving the Rural Telephony Project remains a top priority for the fund as it works to expand digital connectivity in underserved communities across the country.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with a global technology company, Huawei, at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Mr Rashid-Computer emphasised GIFEC’s commitment to strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas to ensure that no community was left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The meeting, held on March 5, 2026, brought together a delegation from GIFEC, led by Mr Rashid-Computer, and Huawei officials to explore innovative technological solutions that could support the expansion and improvement of the Rural Telephony Project.

Mr Rashid-Computer was joined by GIFEC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Francisca Adjei, while the Huawei delegation was led by the Vice-President of Huawei and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Global Public Sector Business Unit, Li Junfeng, along with Advisory Product Manager, Mlungisi Nhlapo.

During the meeting, Huawei presented advanced rural connectivity solutions, including the latest version of its Rural Telephony Project (RTP) masts designed to improve telecommunications coverage in remote and underserved areas.

The upgraded masts are expected to provide reliable network infrastructure capable of supporting enhanced voice and data services.

The presentation offered the GIFEC delegation valuable insights into how the improved technology could significantly expand connectivity and strengthen network quality in communities that currently experience limited or no telecommunications services.

Mr Rashid-Computer said enhancing the Rural Telephony Project would play a critical role in facilitating the rollout of 3G and 4G services in rural communities, enabling residents to access digital platforms, information services and economic opportunities.

He noted that strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas remained central to GIFEC’s mandate of promoting universal access to information and communication technology across Ghana.

The engagement at Mobile World Congress formed part of GIFEC’s broader strategy to build partnerships with global technology leaders to accelerate the country’s digital development in order to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Source : www.graphic.com.gh

• Telecel has launched 4G services in the Central African Republic, joining rivals Orange and Moov Africa in the country’s high-speed internet market
• Authorities say the rollout supports the “Digital Central Africa 2030” strategy aimed at boosting digital services, mobile money, online education, and e-commerce
• Despite growth potential, the sector faces major challenges including low internet penetration, limited coverage outside Bangui, and device affordability barriers

Mobile operator Telecel this week officially launched its 4G network in the Central African Republic, marking a major technological step that strengthens the company’s position in the country’s telecommunications market.

A formal ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 12, at Telecel’s headquarters in Bangui to mark the launch. The event was presided over by Justin Gourna Zacko, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, alongside members of his cabinet, Telecel Group CEO Moh Damoush, Telecel Central Africa Managing Director Irène Moussa-Kembe, and a delegation from Telecel Gabon.

With this rollout, Telecel narrows the gap with rivals Moov Africa and Orange, both of which have offered 4G services since 2025. Authorities said competition in high-speed mobile internet services had now officially begun in the country.

The launch comes amid rising demand for high-speed connectivity from businesses, households and public institutions, as the Central African Republic accelerates its digital transformation efforts. The expansion of 4G services is also expected to support new digital applications and broader ambitions to develop the country’s digital economy.

According to the Ministry of Telecommunications, Telecel’s 4G rollout forms part of the national strategic plan known as “Digital Central Africa 2030.” During the ceremony, Minister Gourna Zacko said: “Expanding connectivity across the country means enabling a farmer in Bossangoa to sell online, a student in Bambari to attend remote classes, and a trader in PK5 to access mobile money services without interruption.”

Moov Africa has previously highlighted the capabilities of its 4G+ network to deliver very high internet speeds, supporting HD video streaming, webinar participation, instant content sharing and online gaming. For business customers, the operator has also emphasized improvements in data transfer, interconnection and access to mobile services. Orange, meanwhile, has underscored the role of 4G in supporting remote work, e-commerce growth, and access to online education and healthcare services.

Telecel faces stiff competition in a market where connectivity remains limited

The race for high-speed mobile internet is unfolding in a market still largely dominated by Orange. At the beginning of 2025, the operator said it held a 60% share of the mobile telephony market, 65% of fixed B2B services, and more than 90% of the mobile money segment in the Central African Republic.

Moov Africa, meanwhile, reported holding around 11% of the mobile market at end-September 2025. In the absence of recent official data from the telecommunications regulator, Telecel is estimated to account for the remaining roughly 29% of the market.

The sector nonetheless offers significant growth potential due to the country’s persistent digital divide. According to DataReportal figures, the Central African Republic had 2.49 million mobile subscribers at end-2025, representing a penetration rate of 38.1%. Internet adoption remains low, with around 670,000 users, equivalent to roughly 12% of the population.

Coverage and adoption challenges remain

Central African authorities acknowledge that expanding network coverage remains the sector’s main challenge. While Bangui is now covered by 4G services, the next major step will be extending coverage to secondary cities and key road corridors, in line with operators’ licensing obligations.

The government has pledged to closely monitor these commitments, while indicating that operators investing in rural areas could receive support through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

As of 2024, 2G and 3G networks covered approximately 60% of the population, according to the GSMA’s Mobile Connectivity Index. Although these technologies have long formed the backbone of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, they are gradually being phased out in many markets.

Beyond network coverage, operators will also need to address broader barriers to digital adoption, including the cost of data plans, limited access to compatible devices, digital literacy levels, and the overall quality of the user experience.

Several operators across Africa are already developing financing solutions that allow customers to purchase smartphones or tablets through installment payments. Others are bundling devices with internet packages to reduce barriers to broadband access and accelerate the adoption of digital services.

Source : www.ecofinagency.com

MTN Ghana has launched its 30th anniversary celebration, with a pledge to deepen investment in connectivity, digital infrastructure and national development initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

Speaking at an event in Accra to usher in a tall list of activities to mark three decades of its existence in Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said the company’s journey over the past three decades reflected a transformation from basic telecommunications service provision into a key enabler of national progress.

He emphasised that MTN Ghana’s growth story had been shaped by customers, partners and government collaboration, stressing that connectivity had become central to opportunity, dignity and economic empowerment

“And that’s a credit to the people that built that business. Today, millions of Ghanaians are on mobile money every day. It supports households, business agents, entire value chains.

It’s deeply woven into the fabric of Ghana’s economy and into our daily lives,” Mr Blewett said.

The event brought together industry partners and stakeholders to support the company. 

MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary campaign

The six-month long anniversary will offer recognition rewards, including three Toyota LandCruiser Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), lifestyle experiences, data freebies, smart gadgets, movie premieres and consumer prizes under what it calls MTN Rewards, enabling customers to win exciting benefits through participation from June to December.

Reflecting on the evolution of mobile technology in Ghana, Mr Blewett referenced early mobile devices such as the Nokia 3310 and Motorola Razr, saying the industry had moved from SMS-based communication to advanced digital platforms.

He highlighted mobile money as one of the most significant innovations in Ghana’s digital transformation, describing it as a gateway to financial inclusion and economic participation for millions of people.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated the importance of telecommunications infrastructure, enabling education, healthcare coordination and business continuity during periods of disruption.

Vision

Looking ahead, Mr Blewett said MTN Ghana would continue to invest in expanding its network and modernising digital infrastructure, including a planned $1.1 billion investment programme and the rollout of new network sites across the country.

He added that the company’s future strategy would focus on connectivity, financial technology (Fintech) and digital services, supported by sustainability and responsible innovation. 
According to him, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) would reshape communication and productivity, particularly for young people.

MTN Ghana also reaffirmed its commitment to education, health and skills development through its corporate social investments, saying those initiatives remained central to its long-term mission of supporting inclusive national growth.

Government support

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, stated that the government would continue to create a supportive policy and regulatory environment to drive innovation and investment in the telecom sector.

He said ongoing reviews of spectrum policy, universal service obligations, cybersecurity and data protection frameworks were aimed at strengthening the digital ecosystem.

Mr George added that the country was positioning itself for the next decade of digital transformation, including 5G deployment, AI, cloud computing and Internet-of-Things (IoT) infrastructure.

The communication minister also gave the assurance that the government would work to enable investment, while expecting operators to expand coverage beyond profit-driven areas into underserved communities.

He emphasised that collaboration between the government, regulators and industry would be key to achieving nationwide digital inclusion and competitiveness.

Responsibility

Mr George, however, stated that MTN Ghana, as a dominant player in the country’s telecom market, carried significant responsibility that must match its leadership position.

He said MTN’s status as a “market leader” was not a criticism but a regulatory reality that came with obligations to ensure quality of service, fair competition, transparency and improved customer experience.

The communication minister stressed that consumers continued to face concerns over data costs, dropped calls, network coverage gaps and complaint resolution, which must be addressed.

He charged MTN to ensure that its planned $1.1 billion investment translated into tangible improvements in service delivery, affordability and equitable access, especially for rural and low-income users

SOURCE: www.graphic.com.gh

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on the global community to prioritize the protection of telecommunications infrastructure during conflicts.

Speaking at the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister stressed that telecom systems must be treated as critical infrastructure, just like hospitals and educational institutions.

Samuel Nartey George noted that telecommunications infrastructure remains central to the delivery of key services, including healthcare, education, and emergency response.

According to him, any disruption to these systems has immediate and far-reaching consequences, particularly for hospitals and schools that rely heavily on stable connectivity.

He warned that attacks on telecom infrastructure could significantly undermine national stability and public safety.

The Minister further urged the ITU to take a clear and decisive global stance on the issue, pointing out that the growing trend of targeting telecom infrastructure in conflict zones is a matter of urgent international concern.

While referencing ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, he emphasized that the challenge is not isolated and requires a comprehensive global response.

Samuel Nartey George advocated for telecommunications infrastructure to be formally recognized under international protection frameworks, similar to hospitals and schools.

He explained that such recognition would help safeguard critical services and protect civilian populations during times of crisis.

Ghana, he said, supports ongoing international efforts to address current conflicts, but insists that more coordinated action is needed to prevent the increasing targeting of digital infrastructure worldwide.

He concluded by calling for urgent steps to secure telecommunications systems, describing them as indispensable to modern life and national resilience.

“We know that there are international standards and protocols when it comes to things like hospitals and schools. It is important that the ITU uses this as a flagship to make a statement globally on how we see telecommunication infrastructure.

“Because if telecom infrastructure is affected, it affects the delivery of hospitals and even schools. And so Ghana supports this motion and says that we must take a stand that goes beyond the current issues in the Gulf, but globally, that the ITU must take a position on telecom infrastructure to ensure that it is protected infrastructure along the lines of hospitals and educational facilities.

“And so with that, we support the call for some critical work to be done relative to the current situation in the Gulf and other situations across the globe where telecom infrastructure is becoming targeted during periods of conflict,” Samuel Nartey George said.

Source : ww.citinewsroom.com

The initiative underscores MTN Ghana’s commitment to long-term growth and innovation, while supporting Ghana’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital connectivity and economic development.

MTN Ghana has announced a significant multi-year investment plan to strengthen Ghana’s digital infrastructure and expand connectivity across the country. The announcement was made during the company’s Annual Media and Stakeholder Engagement held in Accra.

Speaking at the forum, CEO Stephen Blewett emphasized that the engagement serves as a key platform to align with media and stakeholders on the company’s performance, future outlook, and its role in shaping Ghana’s digital ecosystem. He highlighted that dialogue with partners is essential to advancing a shared vision for the country’s digital future.

Blewett revealed that MTN Ghana plans to invest approximately $1.1 billion over the next three years to enhance network resilience, improve service quality, and enable broader access to digital services. The investment is aimed at building a robust and future-ready network capable of supporting increasing demand as more individuals and businesses enter the digital economy.

He noted that the company’s core mission is to drive digital inclusion by ensuring that more people can participate in a connected world. Strengthening infrastructure, expanding coverage, and maintaining a reliable network are central to this strategy, positioning Ghana to play a leading role in Africa’s digital transformation.

The initiative underscores MTN Ghana’s commitment to long-term growth and innovation, while supporting Ghana’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital connectivity and economic development.

Source : www.extensia.tech

As part of efforts to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in Ghana’s digital space, Sapient Envision, a subsidiary of Innovare Limited, in partnership with MTN Ghana, has hosted the Chief Information Security Officers Summit in Accra.

The summit brought together senior cybersecurity executives, professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the growing importance of cybersecurity in an era of rapid digital transformation.

The event focused on the evolving cyber threat landscape, the development of resilient security frameworks, and the exchange of critical information among industry players.

The two day event, being held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, is on the theme, “Boardroom Conversations: Elevating Cybersecurity to a Business Priority.”

Cybersecurity Must Become National Priority

Speaking at the summit, MTN Ghana’s Chief Information Officer, Bernard Acquah, underscored the need for organisations to strengthen cyber resilience as digital systems become central to business operations.

He said the rise in digital applications, fintech services and online transactions has made cybersecurity a national issue that requires stronger collaboration between government, businesses and technology providers.

“Cybersecurity is becoming more important as Ghana advances digitally. At MTN, we provide solutions that help protect customers throughout their digital journey, and supporting this conference is one way of helping to improve cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the country,” he said.

Mr Acquah noted that as one of Ghana’s leading digital service providers, MTN sees the summit as an important platform for stakeholders to tackle emerging cyber risks and build stronger systems to protect individuals and institutions.

Public Warned Against Online Fraud

Touching on the increasing cases of online fraud affecting traders and digital consumers, Mr Acquah urged the public to exercise caution when conducting transactions online.

He stressed that most fraud schemes rely on deception and warned users against dealing with unknown individuals or businesses without proper verification.

“Verification is key. People must make sure the person or company they are dealing with is genuine. If something looks too good to be true, it often is,” he advised.

Mr Acquah also dismissed concerns that artificial intelligence could become a threat to organisations, describing AI instead as a powerful tool that can improve efficiency and help businesses detect sophisticated cyber threats.

MTN Expands Beyond Telecoms

The Senior Manager of Technology Enablement at MTN Ghana, Richard Densu, said the company is repositioning itself beyond traditional telecommunications to become a full scale technology partner driving Ghana’s digital transformation.

He said MTN is no longer focused only on voice and data services but is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, financial technology and enterprise solutions.

“We have moved from being a traditional telecom operator to becoming a technology company. Our goal is to build the platforms and infrastructure that will help accelerate Ghana’s digital future,” he said.

According to him, the company’s transformation is built around three key pillars of connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure.

Mr Densu said MTN has made major investments in fibre networks, subsea cable connectivity and cloud services to ensure businesses in Ghana can access secure and reliable digital solutions locally.

Businesses Urged to Treat Cybersecurity as Core Strategy

MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah Poku, urged businesses to treat cybersecurity as a core business priority, saying digital protection has become essential for survival in today’s economy.

She said cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern but a business necessity that directly affects customer trust and operational stability.

“For us, we do not just sell services. We sell peace of mind. Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for every business, and we cannot remain outside that ecosystem,” she said.

According to her, MTN plans to roll out new cybersecurity products and services in the coming months in collaboration with strategic technology partners.

Cybersecurity Requires Public Participation

The Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, Jacqueline Hanson Kotei, called for stronger public participation in Ghana’s cybersecurity efforts.

She warned that the country’s fast growing digital ecosystem is exposing more people and businesses to cyber threats.

“As everything goes digital, the opportunities for cyber attacks also increase. Cybersecurity can no longer be left only to technical experts. It must become a business and national concern that everyone understands and supports,” she said.

Madam Kotei commended the work of the Cyber Security Authority, saying Ghana is making steady progress in strengthening its digital safety framework through regulation, awareness and national coordination.

She also urged consumers to protect their personal information, avoid suspicious links and remain alert as smartphones and mobile money services become central to daily life.

Summit Gains Continental Recognition

The Event Director of the 2026 CISO Summit, Albert Tetteh, said this year’s gathering has grown beyond Ghana to become a continental platform for advancing cybersecurity collaboration across Africa.

Mr Tetteh, who also serves as Chief Business Officer at Innovare Limited, said the summit brought together cybersecurity leaders, regulators and policymakers from countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Malta.

“This summit brings together the major stakeholders in cybersecurity, not only from Ghana but from across Africa, to discuss the challenges confronting organisations and to develop practical solutions,” he said.

He explained that the summit provides direct engagement with institutions such as the Bank of Ghana and the Cyber Security Authority, helping organisations understand evolving cybersecurity regulations and compliance requirements.

Mr Tetteh said the theme was deliberately chosen to push cybersecurity beyond IT departments and place it firmly on the agenda of company boards and executive leadership.

“If boards do not understand the impact of cybersecurity on their organisations, then they are missing one of the biggest business risks of our time,” he said.

The summit continues with panel discussions, technical sessions and policy engagements aimed at strengthening cyber resilience across the public and private sectors in Ghana and beyond.

Source :www.newsghana.com.gh

According to state media platform The People’s Daily, the network integrates 6G technologies into an existing 5G framework, with overall capabilities reaching up to 10-times those of current 5G networks. This is according to developers Purple Mountain Laboratories, a major research and innovation platform that was jointly set up by Jiangsu Province and Nanjing City in 2018.

Although formal 6G specifications have yet to be defined and are not expected to be finalized until late 2028, Purple Mountain noted systematic verification had been carried out in areas including low-altitude inspections, industrial manufacturing, and physical AI. No further details were given in the report.

The Nanjing 6G Future Industry Fund Cluster was officially launched alongside the network, promising an investment of $485 million into core 6G technologies, integrating application scenarios, and talent building. The investment reflects 6G’s strategic priority in the nation’s current national planning cycle. Known as the “15th Five-Year Plan,” the period runs from 2026 to 2030 and guides government and industrial investment priorities, with a technology focus on areas such as artificial general intelligence (AGI), sovereign semiconductor stacks, and quantum networking.

Within the framework, Nanjing is emerging as a leading test bed, being the first Chinese city to systematically pursue a “6G City” strategy. Support comes from technology partners including Huawei, Qualcomm, and China Mobile, while Ericsson also has “major” operations in the city.

China is already at the forefront of 6G experimentation, particularly within non-terrestrial network (NTN) environments, with reports from state media claiming the country accounts for approximately 40% of global 6G patent filings.

Industry trade group GSMA has also identified the nation as one of the key markets likely to lead early 6G deployments, alongside the United States, Europe, and India.

Earlier this year, China reportedly kicked off the second phase of technical 6G trials as part of the 15th Five-Year Plan, with officials from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) claiming initial efforts had “yielded a reserve of over 300 key 6G technologies.” Like with the Nanjing report, technical details were not disclosed.

More recently, Chinese researchers reportedly developed a device capable of supporting wireless standards from 2G to 6G. According to state media reports, a group of researchers from Peking University’s School of Electronics created a “unified hardware platform” that leverages light to modulate wireless signals, and, in turn, generate wireless channels with parallel support for all generations of wireless communications up to 6G.

Source : www.sdxcentral.com

https://www.sdxcentral.com/news/china-launches-first-pre-6g-test-network-report

Christ the King School inaugurates solar power project

Christ the King International School has inaugurated a solar photovoltaic system as a major step towards ensuring energy sustainability in the school. 

The installation is a significant milestone, as the school becomes the first Catholic institution in the country to benefit from the nationwide renewable energy initiative by the National Catholic Secretariat.

This is the first phase of the school’s ongoing redevelopment project.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, inaugurated the project together with the Bishop of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, S.V.D., who is also the Board Chairman of Lumen Energy Company Limited, the special purpose vehicle set up by the Catholic Church to implement a nationwide solar energy initiative of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference to power 4,000 Catholic institutions in Ghana as part of a Renewable Energy Project

Also at the ceremony was the Local Manager of the project, Rev. Fr. Ebenezer Akesseh; the headmistress, Portia Felice Mensah; representatives from Lumen Energy and Huawei Ghana; officials from the Catholic Standard, as well as staff and students of the school.

Sustainability

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a renewable energy setup that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, typically silicon.

It generates direct current power when sunlight hits PV cells, which an inverter then converts into usable alternating current as power.

This installation forms part of a broader national programme established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lumen Energy Company Limited and Huawei Ghana

The initiative seeks to deploy solar energy systems across approximately 4,000 Catholic institutions in Ghana under the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference Renewable Energy Project.

Beyond delivering reliable and cost-effective power, the solar installation represents a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.

It places the school at the forefront of a transformative journey. One that brings together education, innovation, and environmental stewardship for the benefit of future generations. 

Source : www.graphic.com.gh

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has been named a 2026 Google Cloud Business Applications Partner of the Year for Telecommunications. The award – won for the fourth consecutive year – recognizes Ericsson’s innovation with Google Cloud by developing a cloud‑native, AI‑powered ecosystem that enables Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to innovate at speed and scale, while managing increasing operational complexity and achieve network autonomy.

Razvan Teslaru, Head of Strategy, Cloud Software and Services at Ericsson, says: “This award is a powerful validation of the vision we share with Google Cloud – to fundamentally reshape how networks are built, operated, and monetized in the AI era. By combining Ericsson’s telecom leadership with Google Cloud’s world‑class AI and cloud capabilities, we are delivering unparalleled business value, technological excellence, and a clear pathway to fully autonomous networks”.

“The Google Cloud Partner Awards honor the strategic innovation and measurable value our partners bring to customers,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem and Channels, Google Cloud. “We are proud to name Ericsson a 2026 Google Cloud Partner Award winner, celebrating their role in driving customer success over the last year.”

Ericsson received the award based on a series of groundbreaking achievements delivered through its strategic partnership with Google Cloud:

Industry first: 5G core as-a-service combines telecom-grade reliability with public cloud flexibility

Ericsson collaborates with Google Cloud to deliver carrier-grade 5G core as-a-service built with AI at the foundation culminated with the launch of Ericsson On-Demand, marking a significant shift in how core network services are deployed, managed and scaled.

The platform is designed with Google Cloud, leveraging AI infrastructure and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) – and is managed end-to-end by Ericsson. The solution will help CSPs to quickly set up and grow core network services, operate efficiently and gain business flexibility with a fully managed, cloud-native platform.

Advancing Autonomous Network Operations with New Data Governance Foundations

The win further reflects Ericsson’s vision with Google Cloud for Autonomous Networks and Autonomous Networks Operations (ANOps) – a critical enabler for 5G monetization and future 6G deployment. Managing roughly 800,000 telecom sites worldwide, Ericsson has made data a strategic pillar for achieving full autonomy.

Google Cloud’s Dataplex Universal Catalog has enabled the creation of a unified business and technical glossary, comprehensive metadata discovery, measurable data quality, and automated lineage tracking. Ericsson’s Data Operating Model now governs enterprise-wide policies, roles, processes, and technologies across its data ecosystem.

The collaboration has been key to Ericsson’s rapid transformation of its Managed Services Networks business through large‑scale migration to Google Cloud, moving away from traditional data center infrastructure to a cloud-native operating model to achieve greater agility, resilience, and performance.

By leveraging Google Cloud’s AI‑optimized infrastructure—including Cloud TPUs and GPUs—Ericsson has strengthened the security posture and business continuity readiness of its managed services operations.

The improvements have resulted in superior performance and protection compared with legacy environments.

The next phase will integrate Generative AI, policy-driven controls, and data fabric principles to ensure data products remain secure, transparent, and high‑quality.

The recognition as Google Cloud Partner of the year 2026 underscores Ericsson’s role as the industry leader driving the future of telecommunications.

Source : www.ericsson.com

Huawei to deploy the world’s first commercial sub-1 GHz Massive MIMO network, significantly boosting 4G performance in partnership with MTN Nigeria

Following activation, low-band LTE traffic more than doubled, user download speeds rose by 28%, and network efficiency improved. The deployment also marks the first full-band Massive MIMO site, combining low, mid, and C-band spectrum.

The innovation addresses rising demand in Nigeria, where growing use of streaming, mobile payments, and digital services has strained existing network capacity. By enhancing spectral efficiency and doubling LTE capacity, the solution reduces congestion and improves coverage.

The technology also supports multiple network generations and prepares for future 5G expansion, potentially increasing capacity more than threefold.

Executives from both companies said the rollout strengthens network quality, supports digital growth, and sets the stage for broader adoption of advanced connectivity solutions across Nigeria.

Source : www.mybroadband.co.za