MTN Group is investing in AI RAN specialist ORAN Development Company (ODC) alongside Nvidia, Nokia, Cisco, AT&T, Booz Allen, and Telecom Italia as part of its Ambition 2030 strategy. The pan-African operator aims to embed AI into the radio access network layer to reduce deployment costs, optimize network efficiency, and address Africa-specific challenges like unreliable grid power. MTN chose to invest rather than simply buy the technology to ensure African market needs shape AI RAN development. The move also positions MTN for 5G and future 6G networks, where managing thousands of parameters per base station makes AI-driven automation essential. Rival Vodacom has pursued a similar path, partnering with Nvidia to build an AI-powered digital twin of its RAN in Cape Town.
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