MTN launches first nationwide on-the-go 4g service
MTN, Ghana’s leading telecommunications service provider, has launched its 4G LTE services in all 10 regions of the country, approximately six months after acquiring the 4G LTE 800MHz spectrum licence in December last year.
The launch was done in a symbolic public broadcast across the country with experiential set-ups at the MTN House in Accra and other commercial centres across MTN’s business units.
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The innovative event included real-time streaming on YouTube of videos of live activations captured by MTN 4G-SIM-enabled drones, and was positioned to allow MTN customers to participate in the launch while experiencing a hands-on feel of the service.
4G technology and development
Announcing the service, the Chief Executive of MTN Ghana, Mr Ebenezer Asante, expressed conviction about the extent to which 4G technology could positively impact growth and development in Ghana. He stated, “MTN is launching its 4G LTE service, a technology that will potentially change the telecommunication landscape of Ghana for good”.
MTN is the first and only 4G service that enables users to experience higher-speed mobile Internet on the same mobile phone from which they make and receive voice calls. It is also the only 4G service available in all regional capitals and key towns of Ghana.
“With faster Internet, the transmission of data in the form of text, images or video/TV can be done with ease, on-the-go, with the best speed. Higher speed Internet broadband promotes business growth and enriches social lives, ultimately boosting national development,” he explained.
The launch of the 4G LTE service by MTN makes it the first mobile telecommunications operator in Ghana to offer 4G technology. MTN customers can access 4G LTE on their mobile phones as well as other mobile devices such as routers, mifi devices and dongles.
Deployment of service
Soon after acquiring its 800 MHz spectrum in December 2015 at a cost of $67.5 million, MTN announced it was focused on working hard to expedite implementation, given the importance of higher-speed broadband to national development. Over 400 MTN 4G sites are operational in regional capitals and key towns such as Obuasi, Tarkwa and Agona Swedru, with an additional 30 deployed and soon to be operationalised.
The company is investing $18 million in deployment of a total of 475 4G LTE sites in 2016.
To enjoy the service, subscribers may visit any MTN service centre with a valid ID to have their SIM cards swapped for a 4G LTE SIM card. MTN customers can also check their phone's compatibility by dialing *585# and following the prompts. A compatible 4G device may also be obtained from any MTN Service Centre or phone shop.
4G LTE is the fourth generation of mobile phone communication technology standard beyond 3G.
The technology comes in two main versions– LTE and WiMAX.
LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution, and it is generally accepted that LTE is the fastest, most consistent and widely used version of 4G. The technology is designed to deliver five to 10 times the speed of 3G data speed on devices such as phones, tablets, laptops and desktops.
About MTN Ghana
MTN Ghana is the market leader in the increasingly competitive mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of exciting options under Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go Services.
The company has committed itself to delivering reliable and innovative services that provide value for subscribers in Ghana’s telecommunications market. MTN has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network since its entry into Ghana in 2006.
Total investments from 2006-2015 are about US$2.5 billion. MTN has the widest 2G, 3G and 4G coverage across the length and breadth of Ghana.