Africell signs agreement with Nokia to implement its technologies in Angola

Nokia has signed an agreement to implement its comprehensive network technologies for the new mobile telecommunications operator of Angola, Africell, to provide 2G, 3G and 4G services in the capital Luanda. The deal significantly expands the presence of both companies in Africa.

The companies say that by implementing an entirely new network, Africell can take advantage of the latest cloud technologies to realize shared infrastructure cost efficiencies, as well as greater control and flexibility that enable differentiated services for individuals and businesses.

For the new network in the capital, Nokia will deploy its unique AirScale radio access network (S-RAN) in up to 700 locations to simultaneously support 2G, 3G and 4G services, and be ready for 5G.

Nokia's AirScale platform can be continuously updated to support 5G networks via a software update. In addition, the company will deploy Nokia AirFrame data center solution to run any cloud-based application with ease, Wavence microwave transmission network to support advanced packet networking, and NetAct network management system to enable consolidated network view for better monitoring and network management.

“In addition, Nokia IP routers for access, aggregation, backhaul and core complete the solution, provide scalable backhaul and fast and reliable service deployment,” says Nokia.

As part of the network rollout, Nokia will also deploy Cloud Packet Core, 3G Core, Voice Core and Native Records for the voice and data core network software, which allows Africell to achieve a high degree of flexibility to respond to changes on the demands of customers by scaling the various network functions according to the traffic experienced.

“Africell is a competitive and highly differentiated player in the African telecommunications market. Our vision is to offer superior voice and data services in an expanding area across the continent. To achieve this, we need reliable technology partners whose network technologies and support services provide us with the best platform to serve our own customers. Nokia is the right partner for us in Angola and we are excited to be working with them to build world-class mobile networks,” Younes Chaaban, CTO of Africell.

Rajiv Aggarwal, Head of Nokia's CEWA Market Unit, said: “Africell wants to ensure the best quality of service with a high-performance network from day one. And it wants to roll out services to individual subscribers and corporate customers with the option to roll out 5G services in the future. We are excited to provide our unique multi-standard RAN radio technology along with native cloud core and IP technologies to achieve Africell's goals. ”