African mobile operator Togocom has selected Nokia, in a three-year deal, to deploy 5G across the country.

Togocom has launched 5G network in the capital city Lome — the first time a 5G network has been deployed in West Africa.

The deal, which also sees legacy 2G, 3G and 4G networks enhanced, will strengthen Togocom’s market-leading position in Togo and future-proof its infrastructure for the next-generation of digital services for Togolese citizens.

Meanwhile, another African operator Airtel Kenya has also selected Nokia to modernize its mobile network.

Nokia will provide equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including AirScale Base Stations, AirScale massive MIMO Adaptive Antenna solutions to Togocom to deliver market-leading 5G experiences to subscribers with ultra-low latency, connectivity and capacity, Pierre Chaume, vice president of North and West Africa at Nokia, said.

Nokia also supplies its AirScale Micro Remote Radio Head (RRH) solution to meet the demand for capacity and reliable coverage both indoors and outdoors. Togocom also deploys the Nokia AirFrame data center solution to support cloud-based applications necessary for future telco networking.

Nokia also deploys 5G monetization, data management and Digital Operations software solutions across its open, scalable CloudBand Infrastructure Software, enabling Togocom to capture new 5G revenue opportunities, enhance business velocity and agility, and streamline the operator’s network operations.

Nokia also provides digital deployment, network design, optimization and technical support services enabling Togocom to benefit from a faster network launch and ensure subscriber requirements for quality and reliability are met.

Nokia is a long-term partner of Togocom and has previously supplied equipment for their 3G and 4G networks.

Togocom uses the increased capacity of its new 5G network to connect fixed subscribers using the Nokia FastMile 5G gateway. The solution is easy for subscribers to install, delivering ultra-fast broadband speeds to homes while using Wi-Fi to connect devices within the home.

Paulin Alazard, CEO at Togocom, said: “Nokia’s technology helps us to modernize existing nationwide network and enable us to offer subscribers with access to 5G services.”