Ericsson and AXIAN Telecom have strengthened their partnership at Mobile World Congress 2023, Barcelona, Spain.

The two companies announce a partnership for the modernization of AXIAN Telecom’s operations in Madagascar, Telma Madagascar’s radio access network (RAN), microwave transport infrastructure, and core networks.

Deploying future-proof solutions for 4G and 5G deployment from the Ericsson Radio Access Network (RAN) portfolio will provide faster and more reliable mobile services throughout Madagascar while reducing network energy consumption and enhancing the 5G ecosystem.

The Ericsson Microwave portfolio is a key component in the modernization of Telma Madagascar’s network. With its market-leading microwave family, MINI-LINK 6600, Ericsson will provide a cost-efficient and versatile solution for the mobile transport network.

The modernization also includes the expansion and upgrade of existing IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), virtual User Data Consolidation (UDC), virtual charging and virtual mediation.

The two companies also announce the launch of 5G and the modernization and expansion of the existing 4G network across Tanzania through AXIAN Telecom’s operations in the country, Tigo Tanzania.

5G is now launched in Dar Es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar and will be gradually rolled out across the country at strategic locations.

Ericsson is currently upgrading Tigo Tanzania’s existing 4G network with RAN products and microwave solutions (MINI-LINK 6000).

Leveraging the latest energy-efficient products from the 5G Ericsson Radio System portfolio, Tigo’s network is being expanded and upgraded to increase network capacity, providing the benefits of a fast and reliable connection.

In both Madagascar and Tanzania, AXIAN Telecom continues to roll out its Data4All strategy, providing the best quality network experience for consumers and businesses alike and aiming to reach 100% 4G coverage in those two countries in the near future.

Hassanein Hiridjee, Chairman of AXIAN Telecom says: “Strengthening our partnership with Ericsson is a step further in our commitment to providing top-notch network experiences across our markets. Under our partnership, we will be boosting digitalization across Madagascar and Tanzania, increasing network capacities, and providing enhanced speeds to our customers. We are looking forward to the deployment of more agile networks that will indeed bring about digital inclusion across Africa.”

Fadi Pharaon, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with AXIAN Telecom by deploying latest network solutions jointly with Telma Madagascar and Tigo Tanzania. We are also proud to witness the launch of 5G in Tanzania. Our long-standing partnership will continue to flourish with our commitment to provide scalable and sustainable technologies to AXIAN Telecom to enhance user experiences and boost digitalization in its operating countries.”

The modernization also includes the implementation of the Ericsson Cognitive Software Portfolio while expanding coverage and speed to ensure fast data access across Madagascar and Tanzania.  Ericsson will optimize the networks by applying AI-powered technologies, evaluating future network demands through active monitoring and predictive forecasting, and meeting increasingly critical performance demands while elevating network performance and enhancing user experiences.

In order to stay ahead of rising demand for mobile broadband services, AXIAN Telecom is significantly investing in its network infrastructure aiming to increase access to broadband internet, improve the delivery of connected services and transform the daily lives of the communities it operates in.

Tigo Tanzania and Ericsson have entered a partnership to launch 5G and to fully modernize and expand the existing 4G network across the country. 5G is now launched in Dar Es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar and will be gradually rolled out across the country at strategic locations.

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Ericsson is currently upgrading Tigo Tanzania’s existing 4G network with Radio Access Network (RAN) products and microwave solutions (MINI-LINK 6000).

Leveraging the latest energy-efficient products from the 5G Ericsson Radio System portfolio, Tigo’s network is being expanded and upgraded to increase network capacity, providing the benefits of a fast and reliable connection.

The Ericsson 5G Radio System is designed to manage all site types and traffic scenarios, even as networks grow in technology and capacity across generations, delivering high performance on the smallest site footprint with the lowest energy consumption.

Ericsson will also optimize Tigo Tanzania’s network by deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Cognitive Software to align network performance with strategic objectives.

Ericsson will optimize the network by applying AI-powered technologies, evaluate future network demands through active monitoring and predictive forecasting, and meet increasingly critical performance demands while improving the user experience.

Kamal Okba, Chief Executive Officer at Tigo Tanzania, says: “We have witnessed outstanding progress so far; the performance of the network has been elevated, and the customer experience has been greatly enhanced by the modernization and expansion of the existing 4G network and the launch of 5G in Dar Es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar. Tigo Tanzania and Ericsson are working to roll out the service to other regions and the rest of the country. This is a major milestone for the nation and the African continent where we are committed to grow and expand our reach in collaboration with our partner, Ericsson. Every improvement made to our network is a step in the right direction to support the Digital Tanzania Project and ensure the initiative realizes its goals to increase access to broadband internet services and improve the delivery of connected services.”

Under the partnership, and as part of the Ericsson Product Take-Back Program, Ericsson will collect, decommission, transport and recycle Tigo Tanzania’s dismantled and obsolete equipment with the highest industrial standards, to minimize the potential environmental impact of the end-of-life electrical equipment.

Nora Wahby, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Morocco and West Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tigo Tanzania and expanding the existing network by launching 5G and deploying the Ericsson Cognitive Software. Ericsson’s latest capacity-boosting and energy-efficient products and solutions combined with AI-powered Optimization Services will bring new opportunities to Tigo Tanzania to further develop their offerings by leveraging the full power of 5G. The use of all key advantages of leadership in new technologies from Ericsson will further expand the benefits of mobile technology to individuals and businesses alike, ushering a new era of connectivity in the country.”

The partnership between Tigo Tanzania and Ericsson spans many years, with Ericsson supplying a suite of solutions and software capabilities to provide 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G connectivity and enhance customer experiences across the country.