MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, has chosen IP Infusion, along with three other vendors, to lead software services in its Open and Disaggregated Networking initiative. Partnering with NEC XON, a major integrator in the African region, MTN aims to foster a vendor-agnostic ecosystem to drive flexibility and cost savings across its network infrastructure.
Since its founding in 1994, MTN Group has become a global player, serving over 280 million customers across 16 markets. As part of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), MTN focuses on advancing industry standards in key areas like Software-Defined Networking (SDN) for Transport, Open Optical and Packet Transport (OOPT), Disaggregated Distributed Backbone Router (DDBR), and Disaggregated Cell Site Router (DCSG). By selecting IP Infusion, MTN signals a push toward greater network interoperability and improved service delivery through a mix of open and disaggregated technologies.
Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP), IP Infusion was selected to provide software for MTN’s Open Transport and Disaggregated Networking. MTN’s strategy prioritizes lowering capital expenditures and achieving operational efficiency across its network. NEC XON’s involvement brings additional integration capabilities to MTN’s disaggregated approach, supporting innovation in hardware and software independence.
• MTN Group serves 280 million customers in 16 markets
• MTN is an active member of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP)
• Selected vendors include IP Infusion, alongside three other providers
• NEC XON, a key African integrator, is partnering with MTN on this initiative
• MTN’s Open Transport and Disaggregated strategy aims to lower costs and increase efficiency
“Our open and disaggregated approach enables us to expand our network’s flexibility and efficiency,” said Lloyd Mphahlele, General Manager of Group Technology at MTN Group. “This strategy lets us enhance service delivery and meet the evolving connectivity needs across Africa.”
