MTN Fully Deploys 5G Standalone Core in Microsoft Azure

MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, has carried out a Proof of Concept (PoC) for a first-of-its-kind 5G Standalone (SA) Core fully deployed in Microsoft Azure. MTN says it is working with Microsoft to accelerate digital and cloud transformation, intending to boost growth in Africa.

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Also Read: MTN GlobalConnect and BICS Extend Partnership for Digital Growth Across Africa

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and service provided by Microsoft. The platform offers a wide range of cloud-based services, such as virtual machines, storage, databases, analytics, and machine learning, among others. Azure enables users to build, deploy, and manage applications and services on a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers.

Also Read: MTN Group to Invest $1 Billion in Ghana for 5G Rollout

PoC with all 5G Standalone Core elements

According to the statement by MTN Group, The proof of concept was conducted with all of the 5G Standalone Core elements, including the control plane (CP), user plane (UP) and management nodes, deployed entirely in the South Africa Azure Region. The PoC allowed MTN to ‘experience the benefits associated with deploying a core network in Azure, including fast deployment time (days vs months) and ease of scale’. In addition, the learnings from the PoC help drive a paradigm shift in network planning considering sustainability, commercial models, automation and disaster recovery.

Also Read: MTN South Africa Selects Nokia for 5G Expansion

MTN Group is currently increasing the deployment of 5G sites in line with its PACE strategy, with the aim of achieving a medium-term population coverage of 10% to 30%.