Press Release
Vanu, Inc., a provider of equipment, tools and services that allow mobile network operators to profit by serving off-grid communities, today announced that it has reached an agreement with MTN Zambia to supply equipment and services at as many as 300 mobile network sites throughout the country. MTN Zambia is part of one of Africa’s leading telecoms brands, the MTN Group, a multi-national telecommunications company with a footprint in 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Using Vanu’s proven off-grid network systems, MTN Zambia will be able to extend mobile coverage to hundreds of previously unconnected communities at a time when connectivity is more critical than it has ever been.
“Vanu is very pleased to have the opportunity to work with MTN Zambia and to once again deploy our cost-effective mobile communications systems on behalf of the MTN Group in Africa,” said Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu, Inc. “Zambia has a vibrant and expanding digital economy that will require the participation of all of its citizens if it is to grow optimally. Our systems, employing OpenRAN compliant architectures, will enable MTN Zambia to provide coverage to communities that have yet to experience the benefits of mobile connectivity, while also recognizing multiple new revenue opportunities.”
Vanu helps close the digital divide by providing cellular mobile connectivity to remote, off-grid markets unable to seize the economic, social and cultural advantages generated by cellular coverage; advantages that have shown to be even more distinct during the current global pandemic. Built to minimize costs for power, backhaul and maintenance, Vanu’s equipment, tools and services enable mobile network operators (MNOs) and partners, such as MTN Zambia, to provide off-grid coverage profitably.
To efficiently cover villages, Vanu uses a combination of proprietary equipment, tools and services, including low TCO (total cost of ownership) cell sites, mapping tools and network planning tools (to ensure sites are built in optimal locations), as well as monitoring, optimization and support services (to ensure maintenance resources are used efficiently). In addition, Vanu’s unique high-resolution coverage mapping tool, VanuMaps, provide MNOs, their partners and potential investors with the high-resolution coverage and population data needed to more accurately and efficiently identify the return on investment afforded by serving previously uncovered villages.
