Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), a leading provider of 5G wholesale infrastructure in Ghana, has officially launched its 5G services, signaling a vital advancement towards the digital transformation of the country. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with renowned global technology partners including Nokia, Radisys, and Tech Mahindra. Together, they are laying the foundational infrastructure that will ensure reliable and high-speed 5G connectivity across Ghana. The initial rollout is set to commence in the country’s largest urban centers — Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi — with plans to achieve coverage in these cities by the end of 2024. Following this, NGIC aims to expand its services to other urban areas, with a vision for full national coverage, including remote and rural regions, expected to be completed by 2026.
The launch, aptly themed “5G: Accelerating Ghana’s Digital Transformation,” aligns with both Ghana’s Digital Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. These frameworks highlight a broader commitment to technological advancement, economic inclusivity, and sustainable development across the continent. Tenu Awoonor, the CEO of NGIC, expressed a strong commitment to providing a high standard of 5G infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of Ghana’s digital landscape. Awoonor emphasized NGIC’s dedication to ensuring that 5G services are not only accessible and reliable but also transformative for every citizen of Ghana. This initiative aims to realize a vision of a connected Ghana, ultimately ensuring that opportunities extend to every corner of the nation.
NGIC’s innovative wholesale infrastructure model represents a significant move towards democratizing access to 5G technology. By allowing existing telecommunications providers to utilize NGIC’s infrastructure, these service providers can bypass the need to invest in building their own networks. This approach reduces the cost of delivering 5G services, making them more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population. As NGIC works to bridge the digital divide, it is expected that the enhanced connectivity will stimulate inclusive economic growth across various sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, and commerce.
The anticipated benefits of 5G technology in Ghana are vast and varied. For instance, in the healthcare sector, high-speed connectivity could facilitate remote consultations and telemedicine, significantly improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Similarly, in education, 5G can enhance e-learning experiences by enabling seamless access to online resources and interactive tools. Furthermore, in commerce, businesses can leverage faster internet speeds for improved operations, better customer engagement, and innovative service delivery models. NGIC’s rollout is, therefore, not just about improving internet speeds; it is about catalyzing a wide-ranging digital revolution that spans multiple aspects of everyday life.
By focusing on a wholesale model, NGIC is setting a precedent for telecommunications infrastructure development in Ghana and beyond. This strategy fosters competition among service providers, as they can operate more efficiently and focus on providing value-added services to their customers. The ripple effect of this competitive landscape will likely lead to job creation, increased investment in technology, and a more vibrant digital economy. In essence, NGIC’s approach has the potential to unleash numerous growth opportunities while ensuring that all Ghanaians have access to the benefits of modern telecommunications.
In conclusion, the launch of 5G services by Next Gen Infraco is a pivotal moment for Ghana’s digital landscape. By collaborating with global technology leaders and adopting a wholesale model for infrastructure provision, NGIC is positioned to transform how Ghanaians access the internet and digital services. The phased rollout, starting with major urban centers and extending to rural areas by 2026, reflects a strategic and inclusive vision for the country’s future. As Ghana strives to meet its digital agenda and align with continental goals, NGIC’s commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and widespread 5G connectivity is a critical step forward in realizing a digitally connected and economically inclusive nation.
