Agreement includes digital services delivery
Wireless comms engineer SkyMax Network and equipment maker Ericsson have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a 5G network for digital services across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Under the MoU, Ericsson will be SkyMax’s partner for network supply, rollout and optimisation as well as for managed services. Ericsson will explore partnership opportunities in end-to-end business and technology systems including radio access, core and mobile transport networks. The vendor will provide business support systems and managed services such as cognitive software, network optimisation and business consulting support.
In the last two years, SkyMax has worked with Ericsson to expedite 5G adoption and drive financial and social inclusion while cutting carbon dioxide emissions and increasing energy efficiency, said SkyMax CEO Wilfrid Aissi, “with this MoU, we look forward to more collaboration and synergy.”
SkyMax will develop broadband networks in the region by offering its 5G Digital Service Delivery Platform (5G DSDP) to local service providers, in the form of network slices of 5G. SkyMax plans to launch its SkyMax Entrepreneurship Development (SED) service across Sub Saharan Africa in order to develop its private 5G network for new markets and applications. SkyMax will train and certify service providers, individuals and businesses so make the most of private 5G in areas situations such as e-agriculture, smart buildings and smart cities.
Any local service partners will buffered the chance to develop their own private 5G businesses on SkyMax 5G DSDP for revenue sharing. As part of the MoU, SkyMax can also tap into Ericsson’s technology and global deployment experience in network design, network management and market development.
“Ericsson’s research and development focus and leadership in 5G is providing the specific solutions needed to [the challenges of] economic growth and financial inclusion,” said Todd Ashton, Head of Ericsson South and East Africa, who said Ericsson was speeding up the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.