MTN Benin and Ericsson partner on throughput

27 December 2022

MTN Benin and Ericsson have partnered on the deployment of an artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solution in Africa to address throughput challenges.

A network management system utilising AI and ML has been designed to address throughput degradation and improve customer experience. This builds on the existing Ericsson Operation Engine designed to provide data-driven network operations, including AI-enabled cognitive software for network optimisation.

The two industry partners have asserted that the ongoing rise of connected devices has led to an increase in spectrum requirements putting a strain on certain sites.

“Throughput degradation, one of the most common issues in network management, has been successfully solved thanks to our joint efforts with Ericsson,” said Uche Ofodile, CEO, MTN Benin. “The most crucial aspect we are looking for is speed, to service the increased use of connected devices and the corresponding rise in network traffic. Ericsson has offered us the best available solution with their proactive AI and ML solutions, identifying the issue before it materialises. By utilising Ericsson's solution for designing creative network solutions, we hope to provide a more individualised approach to network management, thereby boost customer satisfaction and successfully contribute to government ambition to be the leading provider of digital services in West Africa.”

“It is a pleasure to support accelerating MTN Benin’s automation journey, with remarkable positive effects on end-user experience, network performance and operational efficiency,” said Hossam Kandeel, vice president and head of Global Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa. “We are able to provide highly accurate predictions of future limited throughput - anticipating throughput challenges and offering zero-touch corrective action. This collaboration is aligned with our goal of transforming network operations and optimization to a proactive data driven approach - building on Ericsson’s AI-based cognitive software and operations engine.”