Africa’s dragged adoption of the 5G network may soon change with the new partnership between global telecoms equipment manufacturer Nokia, and Togocom, Togo’s major telecoms service provider which has led to the launching of the first commercial 5G network in West Africa. The partnership which is part of Nokia’s three-year contract with Togocom goes beyond 5G. According to officials, Nokia will assist Togo Telecom to build a “future-oriented” next-generation digital service infrastructure. It will also enhance the traditional 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.

Nokia will provide its AirScale product portfolio including base stations, adaptive antennas, RRHs, etc. Furthermore, it will deploy products that cover data management and digital operation software. With these, Togo Communications “can seize new 5G revenue opportunities, improve business speed and agility and simplify network operations”.

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Paulin Alazard, CEO at Togocom, said that Nokia’s technology helps Togo to modernize our existing nationwide network and enable us to offer subscribers with access to cutting-edge 5G services. “We are proud to be the first country in West Africa to offer 5G’s incredible connectivity. This will be a game-changer in supporting Togolese citizens with a range of new services and opportunities.”

Pierre Chaume, Vice President of North and West Africa at Nokia, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing and successful partnership with Togocom by supporting them in becoming the first mobile operator in West Africa to deliver commercial 5G services to their subscribers. Also, Togocom has ambitious plans for 5G and we are proud of our collaboration with the operator to bring incredible connectivity to its customers as we enter the 5G era.”

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Nokia is a long-term partner of Togo Communications and previously provided it with 3G and 4G equipment. Togo Telecom is the largest operator in Togo. According to GSMA mobile think tank estimates, as of the third quarter of this year, it has 3.5 million mobile connections.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry