Ericsson has completed the modernization of Unitel’s core network in Angola, integrating 4G and 5G technologies. This enables enhanced automation, improved customer experience, and the delivery of tailored services. Unitel remains the largest mobile operator in Angola, and the upcoming privatization of the company signifies changes in the telecommunications landscape.
Ericsson has successfully modernized Unitel’s core network in Angola, enabling the integration of both 4G and 5G technologies on a unified platform. This advancement promises enhanced automation and an improved 5G customer experience, with a network architecture designed to facilitate tailored services through features like network slicing and edge capabilities.
With the implementation of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and cloud-native infrastructure solutions, Unitel can transition existing 2G and 3G voice services to more advanced 4G and 5G networks. Furthermore, Ericsson’s IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) will enhance real-time communication capabilities for consumers and businesses across various access networks.
Ericsson’s commitment to fostering connectivity in Angola aims to spur innovation and accelerate digital economic growth, as stated by Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa. Júlio Gonçalves of Unitel highlighted the importance of this partnership in delivering a world-class network experience that contributes to socioeconomic progress in Angola.
Additionally, Ericsson and Unitel have conducted a successful test of a data call over a live 5G Standalone (SA) network, showcasing the technology’s superior capabilities that include improved speed and lower latency. The modernization will allow services such as Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB).
According to Omdia, Unitel remains the largest mobile operator in Angola, with approximately 20.8 million users by the end of 2024, significantly surpassing competitors Africell Angola and Movicel. Unitel has been operational since 2001, while Africell commenced services in 2022.
In the realm of governance, the Angolan government is reportedly planning to privatize Unitel after having nationalized it in 2022. This move will likely partially involve the stock exchange, as the government previously owned stakes through Sonangol and seized shares formerly held by Vidatel and Geni, linked to controversial figures facing legal challenges.
This modernization initiative by Ericsson aligns with the ongoing developments in Angola’s telecommunications landscape, marking significant strides towards a more advanced and integrated networking infrastructure.
In conclusion, Ericsson has effectively modernized Unitel’s network in Angola, facilitating the integration of 4G and 5G technologies and promising enhanced service delivery. The partnership aims to drive socioeconomic growth in Angola while positioning Unitel as the leading mobile operator in the country. Additionally, the upcoming privatization of Unitel reflects the dynamic shifts in the telecommunications sector as the government seeks to amplify investment opportunities.
Original Source: www.connectingafrica.com
