Nokia and Africell to deploy a brand-new 5G-ready network in Angola
- Deployment to provide high-speed voice and data services in the capital city, Luanda in the first phase
- A comprehensive solution including radio, core and IP networks will be deployed
- Nokia’s multi-standard radio network supports 2G, 3G, 4G services, and is 5G-ready via a software update
12 July 2021
Luanda, Angola – Nokia today announced that it has signed a deal to deploy its comprehensive network technologies to Angola’s new mobile telecommunications operator, Africell, to provide 2G, 3G and 4G services in the capital city Luanda. This deal significantly expands the footprint of both Nokia and Africell in Africa. By deploying a brand-new network, Africell can take advantage of the latest cloud technologies to achieve cost efficiency gains from shared infrastructure, as well as improved control and flexibility which enable differentiated services to both people and businesses.
For the new network in the capital, Nokia will deploy its AirScale Single Radio Access Network (S-RAN) across up to 700 sites to support concurrently 2G, 3G and 4G services, and be 5G-ready. Nokia’s AirScale platform can be seamlessly upgraded to support 5G networks through a software update. In addition, the company will deploy Nokia AirFrame data center solution to run any cloud-based application with ease, microwave transmission network Wavence to support advanced packet networking, and NetAct network management system to enable consolidated network view for improved network monitoring and management. Also, Nokia’s IP routers for access, aggregation, backhaul and core completes the solution, providing scalable backhaul and fast, reliable service deployment.
As part of the network rollout, Nokia will also deploy cloud-native Cloud Packet Core, 3G Core, Voice Core, and Registers for the voice and data core network software, enabling Africell to achieve a high degree of flexibility for responding to changing customer demands by scaling the various network functions according to the traffic experienced. As part of the core network solution, Nokia Policy Controller provides scalability and flexibility, and performance for Africell’s diverse range of services. Nokia also will leverage its services expertise for the network planning, optimization, installation and care to launch the services faster and ensure the quality of services.
Younes Chaaban, Chief Technical Officer at Africell, said: “Africell is a competitive and highly differentiated player in the African telecoms market. Our vision is to offer superior voice and data services in an expanding footprint across the continent. To achieve this, we need reliable technology partners whose network technologies and support services give us the best platform from which to serve our own customers. Nokia is the right partner for us in Angola and we are excited to work with them to build world-class mobile networks.”
Rajiv Aggarwal, Head of CEWA Market Unit at Nokia, said: “Africell wants to ensure the best quality of services with high-performance network from the day one. And it wants to launch services for both individual subscribers and enterprise customers with an option to deploy 5G services in the future. We are excited to provide our multi-standard Single RAN radio technology, along with cloud-native core and IP technologies to achieve Africell’s goals.”
Resources:
- Webpage: AirScale Radio Access
- Webpage: Nokia AirFrame Data Center solution
- Webpage: Nokia IP networks portfolio
- Webpage: Nokia 3G Core
- Webpage: Nokia Voice Core
- Webpage: Nokia Registers
- Webpage: Nokia Policy Controller
- Webpage: Nokia Cloud Packet Core
- Webpage: Nokia 7210 Service Access Switch
- Webpage: Nokia 7250 IXR R6
- Webpage: Nokia 7750 SR-7 Service Router
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
About Africell
Africell provides fast, low-cost and reliable mobile network coverage and related technology services to over 12 million subscribers in four African countries (Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda). We will launch operations in a fifth country (Angola) in 2021.
Africell is a disruptor. We challenge inefficiency, embraces fresh thinking and delivers innovative products and services which make a practical difference to everyday people. Africell employs over 1,000 people in seven countries. We have US ownership and are headquartered in London, UK. Africell’s positive social impact, entrepreneurial spirit and transparent business activities make us the ideal mobile network provider for Africa’s future.
Media Inquiries:
Kannan K
Nokia Media Relations
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E-mail: kannan.k@nokia.com
Communications
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Email: press.services@nokia.com
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