The companies said deploying 2G and 4G sites on an Open RAN foundation is enabling access to remote communities in Nigeria and greatly expanding access to critical health and educational.

Parallel Wireless, an Open RAN technology firm, has teamed up with Hotspot Network Ltd, a Network-as-a-Service provider, to bring coverage to previously unconnected rural sites in Nigeria.

According to the parties, the goal of this collaboration is to connect rural populations to important services like as health, education, and financial services, thereby improving their quality of life.

Parallel Wireless' footprint in the region has extended to over 1,500 sites as a result of this agreement, and the company claims that real-world deployment highlight the benefits of Open RAN.

"Ultimately Open Ran can help connect the disconnected, bringing them in touch with previously out-of-reach banking, health, and educational services," the company said.

According to the company statement, the technology divide between urban and rural areas is widening around the world; yet, as government and private sector services transition to digital formats, citizens in rural Africa fear falling behind.

In answer to this problem, Hotspot Networks stated that it is collaborating directly with local and national governments to develop 2G and 4G wireless communications infrastructure beyond the radio network.

According to the company: "These Initiatives extend beyond mere communication to support phone banking, education, and health services, thereby ensuring that communication capabilities remain accessible to residents."

"The terrestrial hurdles faced today are the same as those faced in years past--but the urgency has grown," said Morenikeji Aniye, founder and CEO of Hotspot Networks. "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."

In a statement, the firms stated that once Hotspot Networks' hardware is installed, Parallel Wireless can control network traffic using their Open RAN software, ensuring reliable service for customers who rely on it.

"With a focus on balancing speed and reliability, we made it our mission to deploy both 2G and 4G networks where relevant to connect as many residents as possible," said Yisrael Nov, EVP worldwide sales at Parallel Wireless. "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."