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Two technology firms, Parallel
Wireless and Hotspot Network Ltd yesterday unveiled a partnership that will extend
coverage to previously unconnected rural sites throughout Nigeria.
While the former is an innovative
leader in open radio access network (Open RAN) technology, the latter a Network-as-a-Service
(NaaS) provider.
According to the companies, the
collaboration is designed to connect residents of rural regions to essential
services such as health, education and financial services that will ultimately
improve their quality of life. Hotspot Network Ltd offers its services to
leading mobile networks in Nigeria, providing a comprehensive portfolio of
products and services through collaboration with a network of global partners,
making them a single point of contact for all rural connectivity and
telecommunication needs.
The technology gap between urban
and rural areas is expanding throughout the globe, however, in rural Africa,
residents risk being left behind as government and private sector services move
to digital formats. In response to this challenge, Hotspot Networks is working
directly with local and national governments to build 2G and 4G wireless
communications infrastructure beyond the radio network. These initiatives
extend beyond mere communication to support phone banking, education, and
health services, thereby ensuring that communication capabilities remain
accessible to residents.
Speaking on the partnership,
Founder and CEO, Hotspot Networks, Morenikeji Aniye, said: “The terrestrial
hurdles faced today are the same as those faced in years past– but the urgency
has grown. “Technological advancements in our ability to connect these
previously unconnected areas instantaneously bring them into modern times and
all the necessities that come with it.”
Once Hotspot Networks’ hardware
is installed, Parallel Wireless can manage network activity via their Open RAN
software, allowing for reliable service for those that now rely on it.
EVP Global Sales at Parallel
Wireless, Yisrael Nov, said: “With a focus on balancing speed with reliability,
we made it our mission to deploy both 2G and 4G networks where relevant to
connect as many residents as possible. Rather than letting cumbersome
technologies constrain our shared ambitions, we tailored the Open RAN
implementation to fit the project needs and make for a more nimble deployment.”
This partnership has grown
Parallel Wireless’s footprint throughout the region, now exceeding over 1,500
sites, and demonstrates the benefits of Open RAN through real-world
deployments. Ultimately Open Ran can help connect the disconnected, bringing
them in touch with previously out-of-reach banking, health, and educational
services.
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