Nokia has won a deal from MTN Group for the deployment of its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) in South Africa.
Nokia will modernize the existing 2G / 3G / 4G radio network and expand MTN’s 5G radio network across 2800 sites in the Central and Eastern part of South Africa.

Nokia will provide equipment from its AirScale portfolio – powered by its latest generation of ReefShark chipsets – including 5G AirScale baseband, massive MIMO active antennas and remote radio heads (RRH) covering all urban and rural scenarios.

Nokia will provide its Self-Organizing Networks (SON) solution for optimization and network assurance, ensuring MTN’s network continues to perform optimally.

Michele Gamberini, MTN South Africa’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, said: “We need next-generation technologies, such as Nokia’s AirScale portfolio to ensure that South Africa is a leader in the digital era across the African continent and globally.”

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “This significant contract with MTN strengthens our market position in South Africa and helps MTN deliver superior 5G experiences to its subscribers.”