5G rollout: Don’t leave any stakeholder out

Ghana’s digital transformation agenda went a step further when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last Friday launched the fifth generation (5G) mobile network service in Accra.

With the launch of 5G, Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), a new shared infrastructure company, co-promoted by the government and seven other firms, has been granted a 10-year exclusive licence to invest in and roll out the 5G service.

5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology that offers higher upload and download speeds, more consistent connections and improved capacity than previous networks.

The seven partners in the NGIC’s consortium are the pan-African systems integrator, Ascend Digital, local satellite teleport operator, K-NET, and telecom technology giants Radisys, Nokia and Tech Mahindra.

Internet users can now look forward to faster and more affordable mobile data with the rollout of the 5G network. What makes this development noteworthy is that much of the technology and expertise are sourced from India, marking a clear departure from an auction-based spectrum distribution.

The primary goal is to boost mobile data service uptake rapidly in a market where 4G adoption is relatively low.  And to further make the point, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, state that only about 15 per cent of the country’s mobile users had adopted 4G services.

In contrast, 71 per cent are still using 3G, and 14 per cent are on 2G. By developing a national 4G/5G network, the government aims to accelerate without relying on the investment pace of private operators.

So far, AT and Telecel Ghana have signed partnership agreements with NGIC, and the minister stated that discussions with MTN were ongoing.

Interestingly, MTN had since 2021, indicated its readiness to roll out  5G in 2022 but the desire remained a pipe dream as it did not receive the approval of the industry regulator, the National Communications Authority.

The Daily Graphic thinks the discussions with MTN should be expedited in order not to leave the many customers of MTN out of this high quality service envisaged for customers with the fifth generation network.

If there are any challenges, we urge the ministry, MTN and others involved in the discussions to endeavour to reach a consensus to bring MTN on board to ensure a seamless rollout of the service across the country.

This is because, in markets where telecom operators build their own networks, competition often drives innovation as each provider strives to differentiate itself.

Again, the success of the shared model also hinges on the financial stability of Next-Gen InfraCo. If the consortium faces funding challenges or fails to attract investment, the entire network’s sustainability could be jeopardised, affecting long-term 5G availability.

Proactive financial management and support from stakeholders, including the government, will be critical to mitigating this risk.

The creation of a shared 5G Mobile Broadband Infrastructure is critical for delivering affordable, high-speed data access to the people of Ghana and help achieve the country’s digital vision.

After all, what we need is a shared digital connectivity that provides network service that innovates and brings cost efficiency to the telecom market in the country.

Ghana’s shared network model for 5G deployment represents both a bold experiment and a hopeful promise for enhanced connectivity and inclusivity. If successful, it could provide a blueprint for other countries facing similar economic and geographic challenges.

For now, the shared network’s impact on the country’s digital landscape will unfold over time, offering insights into the viability of collaborative infrastructure models in driving connectivity and innovation.

In essence, Ghana’s unique approach could redefine how nations, especially those with large rural populations and limited resources, bridge the digital divide and bring the benefits of 5G to all citizens.

With the rollout of the 5G service, all eyes will be on the country as it shares the infrastructure model and delivers on its promise. It is on this note that the Daily Graphic enjoins all stakeholders, especially the government, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and NGIC, as well as the telcos, to work in concert to ensure that the 5G deployment achieves its objectives fully.