Sub-Saharan Africa’s mobile data traffic growth is on par globally, with SA and Kenya leading future upward trajectory.
The next-gen tech will represent around 10% of mobile subscriptions in the region by 2027, with SA expected to be at the forefront of deployments, says Ericsson.
Telkom Kenya signs a memorandum of understanding with Ericsson and NEC XON to add 2 000 wireless sites to its network by 2023, in a $100 million nationwide rollout.
The uptake of the next-generation mobile tech will outpace predecessors, as service providers rush to switch from 4G to 5G, says Ericsson’s Todd Ashton.
The strategic Google Cloud partnership deals with the telecoms operators will unlock emerging 5G and edge computing services for customers.
The companies announce their collective support for the next-gen technology to drive availability of 5G mmWave networks.
Ericsson projects 5G mobile subscriptions will exceed 580 million by year-end, driven by an estimated one million new subscriptions every day.
Users worldwide spend more time with cloud gaming and augmented reality, while 20% decrease usage of WiFi on their phones at home, says a report.
Within the next 12 to 18 months, drone services for food delivery and law enforcement will gain traction, pushed by 5G deployment, says Ericsson.
The company signs a series of contracts in Kenya, South Africa, Madagascar and Benin, which it says highlights its growing footprint in the region.
In preparation for the widespread adoption of 5G in SA, the Chinese company is partnering with local telcos to upgrade 4G LTE networks.
Todd Ashton, Ericsson’s newly-appointed vice-president and head of South and East Africa, looks to drive the adoption of 5G on the African continent.