Ericsson has modernized Unitel’s core network in Angola, integrating 4G and 5G technologies, which enhances service delivery and customer experience. This modernization includes the dual-mode 5G Core and IMS solutions, allowing for the transition of legacy services and enabling advanced communication features. Discussions regarding the privatization of Unitel suggest strategic changes in the Angolan telecommunications market.
Ericsson has successfully modernized the core network of Unitel, Angola’s leading telecommunications operator, facilitating the integration of 4G and 5G technologies on a single platform. This development promises enhanced automation and an improved customer experience with 5G connectivity. By adopting a modern network architecture, Unitel can now offer tailored services via network slicing and enhanced voice and data services over 5G Standalone (5G SA).
The modernization involves the implementation of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), and cloud-native infrastructure solutions. Notably, the dual-mode core allows for the transition of existing 2G and 3G voice services to advanced 4G and 5G networks. Additionally, the IMS provides Unitel with real-time communication services accessible across various network types.
“We are committed to enabling a fully connected Angola through the power of 5G, driving innovation and accelerating the country’s digital economy,” stated Majda Lahlou Kassi, VP and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa. Júlio Gonçalves, director at Unitel, emphasized that this partnership ensures a world-class network experience that will support Angola’s socioeconomic growth.
In a separate initiative, Ericsson and Unitel conducted a successful trial data call on a 5G SA network, showcasing the technology’s potential for high speeds and low latency. This modernization positions Unitel to offer various services, including Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), benefiting consumers and enterprises across sectors.
Unitel, operated by the state, remains the largest network provider in Angola, boasting over 20.8 million mobile users as of late 2024. Following the entry of Africell in 2022, Unitel and Movicel have set the pace in Angola’s mobile market.
In addition, there are ongoing discussions regarding the privatization of Unitel, which the Angolan government is expected to initiate. This plan follows the nationalization of the operator in 2022, when the government acquired the remaining shares from previous stakeholders. Such moves come as part of broader efforts to reform the telecommunications landscape amid ongoing legal issues faced by former shareholders.
The modernization of Unitel’s network by Ericsson symbolizes a significant advancement in Angola’s telecommunications infrastructure, integrating 4G and 5G technologies to improve service delivery. This initiative not only enhances the user experience but also supports economic growth by facilitating various innovative communication services. The upcoming privatization of Unitel suggests strategic shifts within the sector, indicating a dynamic future for telecommunications in Angola.
Original Source: www.connectingafrica.com
