- MTN is set to deploy 5,000 OpenRAN sites across their 21 operations

Parallel Wireless, Inc., the leading U.S.-based OpenRAN company delivering the 
world's only software-defined end-to-end OpenRAN solution  for coverage and 
capacity, today announced that MTN, one of the largest telecommunications 
companies in the world, is set to deploy more than 5,000 sites across their 21 
operations, bringing 2G, 3G and 4G connectivity using Parallel Wireless OpenRAN 
into areas that were previously unconnected. 

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Africa is the most digitally divided continent with only 44% unique mobile 
users. Traditional 2G, 3G or 4G networks require expensive and bulky equipment 
for their deployment and operation. These hardware-based networks are difficult 
and pricey to upgrade.

Parallel Wireless enables a shift to open, software-based, and virtualized 
OpenRAN network architectures to overcome these deployment challenges, while 
also delivering network agility and much lower deployment and maintenance cost. 

The Parallel Wireless OpenRAN has shown a very strong performance, quality of 
service and cost benefits while for the first time simultaneously delivering 
all 3 RAN technologies (2G, 3G, 4G/LTE) to commercial customers.

What makes the Parallel Wireless OpenRAN solution unique?

    -- The multi-technology software-defined GPP-based base stations allows MTN 
       to deploy 2G systems with fully virtualized 2G technology and to run 
       simultaneously 2G, 3G and 4G on the same base station to provide 
       commercial data and voice services to MTN's customers across Africa, in 
       urban and rural parts of the country. Multi-technology RRUs are software-
       defined, easy to deploy and maintain, and are software upgradable to 5G. 
    -- OpenRAN Controller is the industry only software platform that 
       virtualizes ALL G RAN and core functions (i.e., vBSC for 2G, vRNC for 
       3G, small cell and core gateways for 4G) to lower the cost of RAN through
       simplification, automation via real-time SON, and full virtualization of 
       networks. It also provides seamless mobility, local breakout, and low 
       latency for the best subscriber experience for MTN's customers. The 
       software enables an OpenRAN architecture by using standard-based and 
       open interfaces between network components and as a result, enables an 
       OpenRAN ecosystem. It also simplifies network management and integration 
       of new RAN products into the core of the network through its automation 
       layer and enables a clear and cost-effective technology evolution.

Supporting quotes

Rob Shuter, MTN Group President and CEO, said, "Our Group Technology team has 
been pioneering OpenRAN, concluding field trials in Zambia in 2018 and 
deploying commercial sites from the beginning of 2019. We focus on creating 
viable new RAN solutions alongside the traditional deployments of network 
technology suppliers in order to accelerate the rural expansion in our markets."

Christoph Fitih, Sales Director, Africa, Parallel Wireless, said, "As one of 
the innovative communication providers, MTN understands the true potential of 
improving coverage by embracing new network architectures, such as OpenRAN. We 
are proud to have partnered with MTN for these deployments to be able to 
connect the previously unconnected without making extensive capital investments 
associated with legacy network deployments. By shifting networks to virtualized 
OpenRAN, MTN can cloudify their networks to deliver coverage to every single 
subscriber at much lower cost.  Low-cost wireless coverage will fuel economic 
growth, improve infrastructure, and reduce costs for consumers ensuring access 
to connectivity with the best technology and leaving nobody behind." 

Lux Maharaj, Director, Africa Sales Parallel Wireless, said, "We are committed 
to our role in innovating in the OpenRAN ecosystem to help MTN bridge the 
digital divide across Africa. By decoupling the programmable RAN software from 
the hardware and allowing it to run on general-purpose processing platforms, 
Parallel Wireless enables cloud-native architectures, providing greater 
flexibility for MTN. As a result, the costs associated with building 2G 3G 4G 
mobile networks are reduced and connectivity can be brought to every single 
person across the African continent. We are proud to support MTN in reimagining 
wireless infrastructure to be much lower cost ensuring more equal access to 
connectivity."

About Parallel Wireless
Parallel Wireless is the only U.S.-based company challenging the world's legacy 
vendors with the industry's only unified ALL G (5G/4G/3G/2G) software-enabled 
OpenRAN solution. Its cloud-native network software reimagines network 
economics for global mobile operators in both coverage and capacity 
deployments, while also paving the way to 5G. The company is engaged with 50+ 
leading operators worldwide. Parallel Wireless's innovation and excellence in 
multi-technology, open virtualized RAN solutions have been recognized with 65+ 
industry awards. For more information, visit: www.parallelwireless.com. Connect 
with Parallel Wireless on LinkedIn ( 
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).

SOURCE  Parallel Wireless

CONTACT:  Eugina Jordan, VP, Marketing, Parallel Wireless, 
Ejordan@parallelwireless.com, +1 978-660-8659