Business a.m
Parallel Wireless,an innovative leader in open radio access network (Open RAN) technology and Hotspot Network Ltd, a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provider, have announced a collaboration to expand wireless coverage to rural sites throughout Nigeria.
The companies explained that this partnership aims to connect rural populations to essential services that will significantly improve their quality of life. Hotspot Network, which already works with several mobile network operators in Nigeria, has a wide range of products and services, making it a one-stop shop for rural connectivity and telecommunications needs. The partnership will harness the expertise of both companies to expand network coverage in Nigeria, bringing connectivity to more people and communities, and helping to bridge the digital divide.
According to industry reports, the gap in access to technology between urban and rural areas is growing worldwide. In Africa,people in rural areas are seen to be at risk of being left behind as governments and businesses move to digital formats. In response, Hotspot Networks is partnering with local and national governments to build 2G and 4G wireless infrastructure, not only for communication but also for phone banking, education, and health services. This is critical to ensuring that rural residents can access essential services and stay connected, without being left behind by the digital transformation.
Morenikeji Aniye, the founder and CEO of Hotspot Networks, noted that the challenges facing rural connectivity have remained largely the same over the years, but the urgency of addressing them has increased.
“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,” he added.
According to Aniye,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.
Yisrael Nov, executive vice president of global sales at Parallel Wireless, explained that the company’s goal is to deploy both 2G and 4G networks where appropriate, in order to connect as many people as possible. Nov noted that Parallel Wireless is committed to providing fast and reliable connectivity, without sacrificing quality or service.
He said, “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.”
Business a.m learned that the partnership has helped to significantly expand Parallel Wireless’s footprint in the region, with over 1,500 sites now connected through the company’s technology. This real-world deployment has demonstrated the benefits of Open RAN, including the ability to bring connectivity to areas that were previously unconnected.
