MTN Spreads The Benefits Of Mobile Broadband With HSPA In Six Regions

Ghana’s network of choice, MTN Ghana, has completed the provisioning of its High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) mobile broadband systems in the 900 MHz band (UMTS900) to enhance internet experience in six regions of Ghana.

The regions are Northern, Upper East, Brong Ahafo, Volta, Central and Eastern Regions.

With this deployment, residents of thirty communities in West Mamprusi, Kassena Nankana West, Nkoranza, Adaklu-Anyigbe, and Kwaebibirem districts amongst others have now bridged the digital divide with access to high speed broadband technology. As the first operator to launch the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) 900 in Africa, MTN is poised to extend the benefits of mobile broadband through its 3.5G network to more and more rural and semi-urban areas in the country.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ibrahim Misto, Acting Chief Technical Officer for MTN Ghana, stated that, ”Ghana’s network of choice understands the inherent benefits of broadband to a fast developing country like Ghana. For the urban as well as the rural dweller, productivity improvement can be attained through the adoption of more efficient digital business processes, increased efficiencies can be attained through digital communication and market access can be increased exponentially. For this reason, MTN considers it a responsibility as the leading telco to make our superior network available to the widest segment of Ghanaians.”

He added that, “With this technology, rural folks can have access to broadband internet connectivity and networking with the rest of the world. This also brings greater access to health and education through mobile voice, video and high speed internet access.”

The innovative technology is based on state-of-the art equipment and combines advanced technology with high efficiency to boost operator productivity. The system supports a bandwidth of just 4.2MHz to provide UMTS service while working seamlessly with the existing GSM network.

In line with its vision of leading the delivery of a bold new digital world to maintain its position as network of choice, MTN has been consistent with innovations in infrastructure deployment. The company has earmarked $103 million to invest in network infrastructure in 2015 after having invested over $2.4 billion from 2006-2014.

MTN has put in place aggressive plans to extend HSPA mobile broadband systems in the 900 MHz band (UMTS900) to other communities in the Western and Upper West regions this year and through to 2016.