01 October 2025

Under the framework of the MTN Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles, the project has delivered a range of enhancements including reduced latency, higher data throughput, and improved overall user experience, ensuring more reliable and seamless connectivity nationwide.

The modernization involved deploying cloud-native Packet Core and user management functions based on Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS) during the first half of this year. These upgrades, along with additional virtualized infrastructure enhancements powered by Ericsson NFVI, have collectively set the stage for a more agile and scalable network.

A notable achievement was the world-first seamless In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) of an Ericsson Packet Core Gateway (PCG) with a collocated Packet Core Firewall, maintaining 2.52 million active user sessions and 40 Gbps data flow without service interruption. This milestone underscores the robustness of the new infrastructure and positions MTN South Africa as a leader in network automation and cloud-native deployment in Africa.

Further strengthening its 5G capabilities, MTN South Africa integrated Ericsson’s cloud-native Cloud Core Policy Controller (CCPC), marking the first deployment of its kind in Africa. This advanced policy control system enables real-time, dynamic policy management for 5G non-standalone (NSA) networks and supports the transition to 5G standalone (SA) by providing essential Policy Control Function (PCF) features. The deployment enhances flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency, laying the groundwork for innovative services and future 5G growth.

The project also achieved a key milestone in automation with the successful rollout of Container-as-a-Service Rolling Upgrade (CaaS-RU) on the Cloud Container Distribution platform, allowing zero-downtime upgrades even while handling around 2 million active sessions. This demonstrates the resilience of MTN’s cloud-native infrastructure and aligns with industry best practices for continuous deployment.

“Building on over 30 years of collaboration with Ericsson, this network transformation positions us for a future-ready, agile, and innovative service delivery. The cloud-native Packet Core and Policy Controller enable us to respond swiftly to customer needs and streamline operations through automation,” said Solomzi Mnyaka, General Manager of Network Services Engineering & L2 Support at MTN South Africa.

“Supporting MTN’s shift toward a fully cloud-native, scalable, and resilient core aligns with our #AfricaInMotion initiative to drive inclusive, sustainable connectivity across the continent. This transformation enhances session management, mobility, and policy control, setting the stage for monetization and next-generation services,” said Ericsson’s Head of South Africa, Sandile Dhlomo.