MTN’s Mission For A Smarter Network

MTN Group, African mobile network operator, is set to modernize its infrastructure through strategic partnerships with top technology companies, including IP Infusion and NEC XON. The goal is to build a more adaptable network that supports MTN’s push for digital innovation.

The company has selected IP Infusion, a manufacturer of open network software and solutions for carriers, service providers, and data centers, as a key supplier for its newly formed Open and Disaggregated Networking Category – Software. Through this strategy, MTN will be shifting from traditional, one-size-fits-all network systems to a more flexible approach. This means that instead of using a single, bundled solution for everything, MTN will now be able to choose the best individual software and hardware for different parts of its network. This flexibility will help MTN save on costs and make upgrades or changes whenever necessary, without being locked into one particular vendor’s technology.

Founded in 1994, MTN Group operates in 16 markets, serving a staggering 280 million customers. As a member of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), MTN has consistently focused on advancing technological innovation. Disaggregation enables MTN to choose the best hardware and software independently, giving them the ability to customize their network more efficiently and at a lower cost. This approach is particularly important for Africa, where many regions face challenges in accessing affordable and reliable connectivity. By streamlining network operations, MTN aims to provide better service while reducing operational expenses, making connectivity more affordable for millions across Africa.

“IP Infusion has always been the market leader in open networking solutions,” said Atsushi Ogata, President and CEO of IP Infusion. “We are 100% committed to servicing the open networking market, as it is a core value of our founding. Software-based networking and routing and switching are as relevant today as ever.”

MTN’s move comes with the support of NEC XON, an integrator of ICT solutions in Africa. NEC XON has been operating on the continent for over 60 years, providing various solutions including communications, security, and digital innovations. The company’s General Manager of Networking, Anthony Laing, emphasized the benefits of disaggregation, saying, “Disaggregation drives down costs, enhances innovation, and allows network operators like MTN to make independent hardware and software choices, ultimately making connectivity more accessible and affordable to the people across Africa that need it most.”

According to Lloyd Mphahlele, General Manager of Group Technology at MTN, the adoption of open and disaggregated networking will enhance their network infrastructure’s flexibility and efficiency. “This approach not only drives innovation but also allows us to better serve our customers by improving service delivery and expanding access to the latest digital solutions,” the ultimate goal, Mphahlele explained, is to ensure that MTN’s network can meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

The collaboration with NEC XON, in particular, brings local expertise to the table, ensuring that the open and disaggregated networking technologies will work smoothly across the African continent. Together, these partnerships will help MTN continue to drive down costs, enhance innovation, and provide a more accessible, reliable, and affordable network to people across Africa.