Ghana to Launch Nationwide 5G Network in Six Months
Ghana is set to launch its 5G network within the next six months, promising faster and more affordable mobile data.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, announced the plans at a press conference on Thursday, May 30, 2024, detailing that the initiative will be spearheaded by Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a newly formed consortium.
NGIC is expected to roll out the 5G services nationwide within the specified period, followed by expansion to other parts of Africa. The consortium includes the government of Ghana and seven partners: Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.
Global tech giant Microsoft has also shown interest in joining the project, with discussions set to begin soon. Owusu-Ekuful noted that NGIC will be the first 5G Mobile Broadband Shared Infrastructure Entity to build a nationwide 4G/5G network, aiming to boost digital inclusion across sectors like education, healthcare, and digital payment transactions.
“NGIC’s equity will be held by the public of Ghana, Ascend Digital, K-NET, all mobile operators in Ghana, and other private investors, including technology providers who may wish to join the consortium,” she stated.
The multi-partner consortium will support NGIC in deploying the network infrastructure and associated services, enabling communication service providers (CSPs) to enhance digital services for both enterprise and consumer markets.
