MTN, Ghana’s leading telecommunications service provider, has launched its 4G LTE services commercially in all 10 regions of Ghana, approximately six months after acquiring the 4G LTE 800MHz spectrum license 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 centers across MTN’s business units. 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.
Announcing the service, the CEO of MTN Ghana Mr. Ebenezer Asante expressed conviction about the extent to which 4G technology can 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’s 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.” He added, “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 enriched social lives, ultimately boosting national development.”
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.
Soon after acquiring its 800 MHz spectrum in December 2015 at a cost of $67.5 million, the Company announced it was focused on working hard to expedite implementation, given the importance of higher-speed broadband to national development. As at commercial launch on Tuesday, over 400 MTN 4G sites were operational in regional capitals and key towns such as Obuasi, Tarkwa and Agona Swedru, with an additional 30 deployed and soon to be operationalized. 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 center 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 ten times the speed of 3G data speed on devices such as phones, tablets, laptops and desktops.
MTN Ghana has consistently been the first to launch innovative products and services into the Ghanaian market since its entry into Ghana.