Under the terms of an MoU signed by the parties, SkyMax Network has selected Ericsson as its partner for supplying network, launch, and optimisation as well as for managed services as it plans to ramp up the development of broadband networks in the region
Headquarters of Ericsson in Kista, Sweden. (Credit: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson)
Ericsson is partnering with SkyMax Network, a wireless communications engineering company, to build a next generation 5G broadband network across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard.
As part of the partnership, the duo will aim at developing a digital services delivery platform as well.
SkyMax Network president and CEO Wilfrid Aissi said: “Over the last two years, we have collaborated with Ericsson to bring the best offerings to Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on accelerating 5G adoption to drive financial and social inclusion while reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing energy efficiency.
“With this MoU, we look forward to more collaboration and synergy between the two companies that will accelerate the digitisation of the region.”
Under the MoU, Ericsson will be the partner of SkyMax Network for supplying network, launch, and optimisation as well as for managed services.
The former will look out for partnership opportunities in end-to-end business and technology solutions. These would include core network and provisioning systems, radio access and mobile transport network solutions, business support systems, and managed services including business consulting support and cognitive software network optimisations.
SkyMax Network is planning to ramp up the development of broadband networks in Sub-Saharan Africa by sharing its 5G Digital Service Delivery platform (5G DSDP) with existing service providers by utilising its technologies for 5G network slicing.
In the Sub-Saharan Africa region, the company intends to launch SkyMax Entrepreneurship Development (SED) to build its private 5G network for new markets and applications with unlimited possibilities.
According to the MoU, the company will also be able to leverage Ericsson’s technologies and global deployment experience in designing of networks, their management, and market development.
Ericsson South and East Africa vice president and head Todd Ashton said: “The work we have done together with SkyMax over the last two years has further convinced us that Ericsson’s continuous Research & Development focus and leadership in 5G is providing the specific solutions needed to increase economic growth and financial inclusion while accelerating adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.”
Earlier this month, Ericsson won a contract from Bharti Airtel to deliver 5G connectivity in 12 circles in India for the latter.