The discussions initiated by MTN to obtain the 5G license in Ghana have still not been successful. The company that recently launched ultra-broadband in Nigeria wants to speed up the process.
MTN Group is keenly interested in participating in any future telecom spectrum auctions for 5G in Ghana. Ralph Mupita, Chairman and CEO of the group, made this known during a visit to President Nana Akufo-Addo in New York, on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.
According to Mr. Mupita, MTN Ghana is only waiting for regulatory clearances from the authorities to start offering ultra-broadband services to Ghanaians. It said it has already upgraded more than 1,322 telecom sites ready for 5G deployment.
As early as August 2021, MTN began posting its ambitions for 5G in Ghana as part of its “Ambition 2025” strategy. The company had planned to launch a pilot phase of the latest generation of mobile technology from March this year. However, it had to put the project on hold, as discussions with the National Communications Authority (NCA) were unsuccessful and are still ongoing.
The deployment of 5G in Ghana is of key importance for MTN, which aims to become a “ leading provider of digital solutions for the progress of Africa ”. The company is aware that the 98% 4G coverage it has planned for the end of 2022 will not be able to allow it to achieve this objective in a context marked by strong digital demand. In its latest “Mobility Report” Ericsson stated that “ 5G networks will play a critical role in realizing the technology pillars to realize MTN’s Ambition 2025 plan ”.