Parallel Wireless said that it has been awarded multiple projects to establish sites in rural East Africa, which will support 2G and 4G connections.

Parallel Wireless, a US-based cellular network technology company, will build 2G and 4G networks for an East African national operator.

The company, which offers Open RAN network solutions for all cellular generations, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, announced the decision yesterday, without naming the telecom provider.

Parallel Wireless said that it has been awarded multiple projects to establish sites in rural East Africa, which will support 2G and 4G connections.

It went on to say that this includes sites that are ready for Parallel Wireless 5G software upgrades.

"The tender includes full delivery and deployment of end-to-end network solutions, including tower, power, transmission, and Radio Access Network (RAN)," the company said.

The deployments are made possible by East Africa's Universal Communications Service Access Fund , a government effort aimed at increasing coverage for all citizens.

Yisrael Nov, EVP, sales at Parallel Wireless, added: "We look forward to connecting people across East Africa with cellular coverage in the rural and suburban African market.

"The deployment of 2G and 4G networks will enable operators to provide efficient technology in areas with low population density."

According to the company, 2G connections still account for around half of total mobile subscribers in East Africa, but 4G growth has surged and currently accounts for 20%.

It also said, according to the GSMA, 4G adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa will more than double in the next five years, due to rising demand for faster speeds.

Against that background, according to Parallel, more than half of the East African population lives in economically marginal rural areas.

"Delivering rural coverage and proper telecommunication infrastructure is critical, as more people become dependent on voice and data to communicate in their daily lives," it added. “The capacity to communicate and do business via mobile devices is critical for sustaining economic activity in these places."