The Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications of Cote d’Ivoire (Autorite de Regulation des Telecommunications de Cote d’Ivoire, ARTCI) has revealed its interest in incorporating shared active telecommunications infrastructure as a fundamental element of the upcoming 5G network deployment within the country. The ARTCI has recently issued a request for proposals from potential contractors to develop mechanisms that facilitate active infrastructure sharing, particularly in the context of 5G network deployment.
Infrastructure Sharing in 5G Context: The official announcement from ARTCI reflects the authority’s plan to select a firm that will be responsible for designing and implementing mechanisms to enable the sharing of active telecommunications infrastructure (TIC) as part of the broader deployment of 5G networks in Cote d’Ivoire. It’s important to note that the 5G network is yet to be introduced in the Ivory Coast, a nation situated along the West African coastline.
In addition to pursuing the establishment of shared infrastructure for 5G, ARTCI is actively seeking contracting firms for other purposes. One of these purposes is the formulation of a digital inclusion strategy study, aiming to enhance connectivity and digital access across the nation. Another prospective study is centered around the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, 5G, and the metaverse in the context of fostering growth in the digital economy.
Industry Players and 5G Deployment: While the Ivory Coast awaits the official introduction of 5G, several major telecom companies have outlined their plans in the realm of 5G deployment in the country. MTN Group, a South African multinational telecommunications company, recently launched 5G services in Uganda and is planning a substantial investment of USD 1 billion for 5G rollout in Ghana.
Orange Cote d’Ivoire is also actively preparing for the deployment of 5G across the nation. The company introduced the Orange 5G Lab, a dedicated facility for digital professionals, startups, and businesses in Abidjan. The 5G network deployment by Orange in Cote d’Ivoire is planned for 2023, with the establishment of the 5G Lab being a notable step in this direction.
As Cote d’Ivoire takes steps toward embracing the transformative potential of 5G networks, infrastructure sharing initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in optimizing network deployment, connectivity, and the overall digital transformation journey of the country.
