Ericsson Enhances Unitel’s Network Capabilities in Angola

Ericsson has modernized Unitel’s core network in Angola, integrating 4G and 5G technologies on a single platform. The upgrade features automation enhancements and improved 5G customer experiences. Unitel aims to provide superior services, including VoLTE and FWA, driven by this modernization, while government plans for privatization may impact the future telecom landscape.

Ericsson has successfully modernized the existing core network of Unitel, a leading telecom operator in Angola. This upgrade facilitates the integration of both 4G and 5G technologies onto a single platform, creating a more efficient and advanced telecommunications environment for the country. The new architecture is expected to improve automation and enrich the customer experience in 5G services.

Central to this modernization is the implementation of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, which allows for the seamless migration of legacy 2G and 3G voice services to more contemporary 4G and 5G infrastructures. Furthermore, the integration of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) within Unitel’s network will enable the launch of real-time communication services for consumers and businesses, enhancing connectivity across varied access networks.

Majda Lahlou Kassi, VP and head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, commented on the initiative, stating, “We are committed to enabling a fully connected Angola through the power of 5G, driving innovation and accelerating the country’s digital economy.” Unitel’s core and services director, Júlio Gonçalves, echoed these sentiments, noting the partnership’s role in establishing a world-class network experience that contributes to economic growth and development.

In an additional achievement, Ericsson and Unitel conducted a successful trial of a data call over a 5G standalone (SA) network within a live environment. This implementation of 5G SA technology promises enhanced capabilities, including increased speeds and lower latency, thereby supporting a broad spectrum of applications including Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) and fixed wireless access (FWA).

Unitel, which is the largest mobile operator in Angola according to Omdia’s research, had approximately 20.8 million mobile users by the end of 2024. It competes against Africell, which has nearly 5 million users, and Movicel, with over 941,000 users. Unitel launched its services in 2001, while Africell started operations in April 2022 and Movicel began in 2003.

The Angolan government is reportedly exploring the privatization of Unitel, following a nationalization process in 2022, wherein it seized shares from former shareholders. This potential sale is planned to occur within the stock exchange as part of a broader re-privatization strategy.

Ericsson’s modernization of Unitel’s core network represents a significant advancement in Angola’s telecommunications infrastructure, facilitating enhanced integration of 4G and 5G technologies. By embracing this technology, Unitel is poised to improve consumer experiences and product offerings, further driving the digital economy. Additionally, the potential privatization of Unitel by the government could reshape the telecom landscape in Angola, reflecting ongoing changes in ownership and market dynamics.

Original Source: www.connectingafrica.com