Nokia today launched a strategic partnership with iSAT Africa to improve rural connectivity in Liberia, with the goal of bridging the digital divide and providing dependable, affordable network access to underserved communities.

This deployment will last three years and cover about 200 sites in rural Liberia.

iSAT Africa is an integrated communications services provider that specializes in broadcasting, rural connectivity, fixed and mobile satellite solutions in Africa and the Middle East.

Nokia announced the project deployment, stating that its Rural Connect solution, which includes its AirScale radio portfolio, Massive MIMO radios, remote radio heads, and base stations, will be rolled out. 

It added that iSAT Africa will benefit from Nokia's MantaRay Network Management solutions, which will deliver a unified, automated view of the network, enhancing both monitoring and management capabilities, addressing critical challenges such as limited coverage and the wide digital divide in rural areas.

Nokia said: “By extending network coverage beyond major cities, this partnership aims to drive socio-economic development in Liberia’s remote areas.

“The 200-site deployment will expand iSAT Africa's network reach, offering mobile network operators a cutting-edge solution that is both cost-effective and highly efficient. This expansion will help rural communities’ access critical services, thus driving social and economic progress in the region.”

Osama Said, customer team head, West Africa and Enterprise at Nokia, commented: “This partnership represents a significant step toward reducing the digital divide and fostering socio-economic development.” 

For Said Rakesh Kukreja, founder and managing director at iSAT Africa, this deployment will strengthen his company’s position in providing Network as a service and improve lives by enabling reliable voice and data services and connect the unconnected.