Sylvia Duruson
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ghanaian government, in collaboration with Radisys Corporation, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited owned by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, is set to launch affordable 5G mobile broadband services across the nation by the end of 2024. This ambitious project will be spearheaded by the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC).
According to Harkirit Singh, the executive director of NGIC, the company plans to invest a substantial $145 million in Ghana’s infrastructure over the next three years. Radisys Corp will play a crucial role by providing critical network infrastructure, applications, and smartphones, positioning NGIC as the first 5G mobile broadband shared infrastructure entity to establish a nationwide 4G/5G network.
Joining forces with Radisys Corporation are several other prominent partners, including Nokia, Tech Mahindra Ltd, and Microsoft Corporation. This strategic move aligns with the Ghanaian government’s vision, as announced two months earlier by the Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who revealed plans to launch 5G mobile technology in September 2024.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the significance of establishing a shared 5G Mobile Broadband Infrastructure, stating, “The creation of NGIC as a neutral, shared platform, accessible to all mobile network operators and tower companies, will help to expand 5G services rapidly across the country.” She further expressed the country’s aspiration to replicate India’s success in digital infrastructure and low-cost mobile data usage.
NGIC, which has been granted a ten-year license to provide 5G services in Ghana with the potential for a maximum extension of 15 years is jointly owned by various stakeholders. Two African telecom companies, Ascend Digital Solutions Ltd. and K-NET, hold a 55% stake, while the Ghanaian government owns 10%. The remaining shares are held by local mobile operators and private investors.
Rather than directly serving customers, NGIC will offer 5G broadband services to Ghana’s mobile operators and internet service providers (ISPs), facilitating the widespread availability of high-speed data connectivity.
With a population of slightly more than 33 million people, Ghana boasts nearly 24.06 million Internet users, representing a penetration rate of approximately 70% as of January 2024. The country’s telecommunications landscape is dominated by three major players: MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, and the state-run AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo).
This strategic partnership and investment are expected to revolutionize Ghana’s digital landscape,licensing affordable and widespread access to cutting-edge 5G technology. By leveraging the expertise of global industry leaders and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the Ghanaian government aims to achieve its digital vision and bridge the digital divide, empowering citizens and businesses alike with high-speed connectivity.
