MTN Ghana tight-lipped about involvement in 5G rollout

MTN Ghana remains tight-lipped about its direct involvement in the Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) consortium that is set to lead the nationwide rollout of 5G in Ghana. 

During MTN Ghana’s recent Q3 earnings call on November 1, CEO Stephen Blewett refrained from confirming whether MTN Ghana would sign onto the NGIC-led platform, which was officially launched on the same day (November 1) with the backing of the government and several key technology partners.

NGIC, the new state-backed infrastructure consortium, holds a 10-year exclusive licence to build and maintain Ghana’s 5G network on an open-access model. This model allows mobile network operators, including MTN Ghana, to use the 5G infrastructure without direct investment, an approach intended to streamline Ghana’s digital transformation by centralising high-cost infrastructure.

While discussing MTN’s outlook on 5G in Ghana, Mr. Blewett emphasised MTN’s alignment with Ghana’s digital ambitions but avoided disclosing specifics about the company’s partnership status with NGIC. “From an MTN perspective, we are in support of the national agenda for 5G,” he stated, adding only that MTN remains in ongoing discussions regarding access to the 5G infrastructure. 

Mr. Blewett’s remarks hinted at possible collaboration but stopped short of confirming MTN Ghana’s involvement as a platform partner.

"Look, I mean, the difficulty always is, like I said previously, we're under the NDA, so there's very little I can share. But, you know, I think we're approaching all of these discussions from a positive and business mindset, and we continue to do that," he said. 

"The infrastructure rollout will continue, as was announced today, and as it gets rolled out, we will continue our discussions, and we are very clear on what's expected from us. So I really can't say more than that, to be quite honest, I’m under an NDA".

NGIC’s 5G rollout has already commenced in key urban areas, including Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, with an aim to expand nationwide within two years. Currently, AT Ghana has signed onto NGIC’s open-access platform, and Telecel Ghana is reportedly finalising agreements, leaving MTN’s potential participation in the consortium a matter of industry speculation.

The consortium, supported by major technology firms like Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and K-NET, has positioned itself to transform Ghana’s telecommunications landscape, providing faster connectivity and shorter download times through 5G technology.