Parallel Wireless Expands O-RAN Network with 1,500 Sites in Africa

Parallel Wireless (PW), the US O-RAN specialist, has successfully deployed 1,500 O-RAN sites across Africa. This achievement is a significant step towards expanding mobile connectivity throughout the continent, which has been a unique challenge due to unreliable or inaccessible sources of electricity and challenging landscapes that make physical access difficult.

PW partnered with regional telecommunications providers and governments in countries including Nigeria, Tanzania, Guinea Conakry, Ghana, South Sudan, Uganda, DRC, and Malawi to deploy hybrid networks tailored to the needs of specific regions within their borders. These networks include 2G and 3G for rural areas, and 2G and 4G for urban and suburban areas. In addition to the O-RAN solution, Parallel Wireless also provides full turnkey solutions, including transmission, power, and towers, and manages deployments and operations.

"Our extensive and complex deployments were successful due to our familiarity and experience with the region, which helped us navigate the complex environmental challenges and lack of resources in these areas," says Yisrael Nov, VP of Parallel Wireless. "By extending modern networks throughout these territories and leveraging multiple technologies, a large population will experience a stronger network, bringing them into a new era of reliable connectivity."

As Open RAN adoption grows, PW is not only proving it at scale but also preparing networks for future 5G upgrades across Africa. "Parallel Wireless was founded on the premise of expanding connectivity to the disconnected. This milestone is an affirmation of that commitment," said Steve Papa, Founder & CEO of Parallel Wireless. "Reliable communication goes beyond convenience for the residents of these nations. These 1,500 sites provide opportunities for residents to not just connect with families but to leverage new technologies that will improve their day-to-day lives."

This deployment of 1,500 O-RAN sites across Africa marks a significant achievement in bridging the digital divide on the continent. With the partnership between PW, regional telecommunications providers, and governments, mobile connectivity is being extended to areas that previously had limited or no access. The tailored hybrid networks cater to the specific needs of each region, ensuring that both rural and urban areas benefit from improved connectivity.

Parallel Wireless's expertise and experience in the region have been crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by unreliable electricity sources and difficult landscapes. By leveraging multiple technologies and providing turnkey solutions, PW has successfully brought reliable connectivity to a large population, ushering them into a new era of communication.

Furthermore, this deployment sets the stage for future 5G upgrades across Africa. As Open RAN adoption continues to grow, PW is at the forefront, proving the scalability and effectiveness of their solutions. The commitment to expanding connectivity to the disconnected is evident in their milestone achievement of deploying 1,500 O-RAN sites, which not only provide convenience but also open up opportunities for residents to improve their lives through the use of new technologies.