MTN announced that it deployed over 200 rural sites, using OpenRAN technology, in order to enhance rural coverage.

The deployment of OpenRAN technology enables MTN, a leading mobile operator in Africa, to expand connectivity services in unconnected areas.

MTN is aiming to deploy more than 5,000 sites for offering 2G, 3G and 4G connectivity in rural areas across its 21 operations.

MTN will rely on an ecosystem of partners who will bring their expertise to build and maintain the sites

“Our technology team has been pioneering OpenRAN, concluding field trials in Zambia in 2018 and deploying commercial sites from the beginning of 2019. We focus on creating viable new RAN solutions alongside the traditional deployments of network technology suppliers in order to accelerate the rural expansion in our markets,” said Rob Shuter, MTN Group President and CEO.

MTN operations in Uganda and Guinea Conakry are already benefiting from this technology, as MTN has also partnered with the likes of VANU, Parallel Wireless and NuRAN Wireless to deliver the technology.