MTN Rwanda has selected its long-time partner, Ericsson, to deploy a Network Operations Centre (NOC).

The five-year contract will support MTN Rwanda to focus on enhancing consumer experience through Ericsson’s Managed Services solution that will deliver an automation-driven IT operation.

Ericsson will provide NOC for a range of MTN Rwanda’s applications and the corresponding IT Infrastructure to support critical business segments and enhance operational efficiency.

MTN describes the new agreement as an important milestone in its modernisation and digital transformation journey.

Eugen Gakwerere, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Rwanda said: “Our latest collaboration with Ericsson in deploying the network operations centre is further testament of our long-term partnership. MTN Rwanda embraces digital transformation to maximise efficiencies and to improve service. In deploying and implementing this solution, Ericsson is supporting us in our digital transformation journey which is essential to us providing next generation services to our customers.”

Nicolas Blixell, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa added: “The five-year agreement is a recognition of our operational performance as MTN Rwanda’s trusted partner for decades and also in our efforts to propel #AfricaInMotion. Automation is paving a new path on MTN Rwanda’s digital transformation journey.Utilising Ericsson’s network operations centre, we are able to support MTN Rwanda’s focus on accelerating their digital transformation plans and empower Rwanda’s digital agenda.”

The Ericsson Managed Services contract to run the NOC with MTN Rwanda is the latest milestone in their long-term strategic partnership.

MTN Rwanda selected Ericsson as the partner to launch its GSM mobile system networks with Core and Transmission solutions in 1998.

In 2009, MTN Rwanda launched its 3G network through Ericsson and in 2013 launched Ericsson’s Mobile Money platform.