Ghana: MTN renews Ericsson as managed services partner

With a 49% market share, it is reported that MTN is the premier operator in Ghana, one of Africa's fastest growing markets. In 2011, it grew by around 18% in the country to serve over 10 million subscribers.

The announcement marks the extension of the first managed services contract between Ericsson and MTN, originally signed in 2009 in connection to the rollout of MTN's 3G network in Ghana. Under the extension, Ericsson will be responsible for network operations, field maintenance and optimization for MTN's 3G sites.

Jon Hoffmann, chief technical officer of MTN Ghana said, "Our first two years together achieved the results we were hoping for: we could focus on subscriber growth, and Ericsson delivered network reliability and efficiencies."

MTN will retain full ownership of the network and responsibility for its strategic direction.

"MTN and Ericsson collaborate in many areas across this and other regions for several years now and in Ghana we are especially pleased to have been part of the journey towards 10 million subscribers," says Valter D`Avino, head of managed services, Ericsson. "With Ericsson continuing to run the operations of the network, MTN will be able to dedicate even more time and focus on delivering innovative products and services relevant to the needs of their customers."