Operator claims deployment takes days instead of months
MTN is claiming a first for a proof of concept (PoC) deployment of 5G Standalone (5GSA) in Microsoft Azure. It showcased all 5GSA elements, from the control and user planes to management nodes, implemented in Azure’s datacentre in South Africa.
The operator claims this enabled far faster deployment – days instead of months – and easy scalability. It intends to incorporate the knowledge gained from the PoC in network planning regrading aspects like sustainability, commercial models, automation and disaster recovery.
The PoC will also serve as “a stepping stone to drive further innovation in the cloud domain” as part of the African operator’s strategy up to 2025.
Amith Maharaj, CTO, MTN Group, commented, “Being one of the first in the world to conduct this proof of concept demonstrates MTN’s desire to keep pushing the boundaries of technological innovation that delivers value to our shareholders”.
Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO (pictured), has previously stated, “Africa will surprise on 5G”.