Wireless transport solutions expert Aviat Networks, Inc. has penned a multi-million dollar agreement with mobile operator Africell to provide a 5G-ready end-to-end disaggregated transmission network across multiple African countries.

A statement released to the media explains that the new network will be designed, installed, and maintained by Aviat and will include Aviat WTM 4000 and WTM 4800 Multi-band point-to-point radios and CTR microwave switches, and disaggregated cell site gateways (DCSGs).

The DCSGs are Edgecore Networks running IP Infusion's OcNOS network operating system.

The companies say the deployment, scheduled for the second quarter this year, is Africell's first Telecom Infra Project (TIP)-compliant DCSG endeavour.

"Leading mobile operators like Africell recognise the operational advantages of a disaggregated solution and how its flexibility will enable the rapid delivery of broadband services," said Peter Smith, CEO of Aviat Networks. "We are proud that Africell has placed its confidence in Aviat to meet the challenge of their first TIP-compliant DCSG project."

Wissam Fayad, Network Transmission Manager, Africell Holdings, added: "With escalating demand for high-speed mobile Internet services in our markets, and with 5G in our sights, we sought an approach that offers us fast deployment, maximum flexibility, and lowest TCO. Aviat's backhaul and DCSG solution was the clear choice to meet all these challenges and support the rapid network growth of our transmission network well into the future."

In August 2019 Africell CEO Ziad Dalloul detailed the company’s ambition to expand operations in Africa and confirmed that US$300-million had been set aside for this. He specified expansion into Angola and Zimbabwe.

In February this year Africell expressed its confidence in Angola’s telecommunications market after securing the licence to serve as the country’s fourth operator.

ITWeb Africa reported that Africell has made significant investments in telecommunications in Gambia, Sierra Leone and Uganda, among others.