SOUTH SUDAN – NuRAN Wireless Inc., a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MTN for the deployment of rural sites under the network-as-a-service model (“NAAS”) in South Sudan for the deployment of sites through the build, own, operate, and transfer (“BOOT”) revenue share model.
According to a NuRAN press release, the contract covers the deployment of sites through the build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) revenue share model.
The companies intend to install a minimum of 250 rural networking sites in South Sudan within the next 24 months, subject to the conclusion of a definitive agreement with a ten-year term within four months of the signature of the MOU.
The agreement is intended to provide mobile connectivity solutions through the NuRAN NAAS model.
“We are extremely pleased to have concluded this MOU with MTN, a leader in bringing connectivity to the African continent. Adding South Sudan to the NuRAN portfolio is another important step towards achieving our goal of 10,000 sites. Bringing connectivity to the unconnected is at the heart of our business strategy and the benefits extend beyond communication including e-commerce, education and healthcare. We are very proud to be working with MTN on this important project,” said Francis Letourneau, CEO at NuRAN Wireless Inc.
Pursuant to the terms of the MTN MOU, the parties intend to install a minimum of 250 rural networking sites in South Sudan within the next 24 months, subject to the conclusion of a definitive agreement with a ten-year term within four months of the signature of the MOU.
The agreement is intended to provide mobile connectivity solutions through the NuRAN NAAS model.
MTN is an emerging market mobile operator providing a diverse range of voice, data, digital, fintech, wholesale and enterprise services to more than 280 million customers in 21 markets. Established in South Africa in 1994, it offers services to communities across Africa and the Middle East.
The NuRAN NAAS model facilitates network expansion for mobile operators by managing and controlling the build, operation, and maintenance of cellular sites along with associated capital expenditures.
“Bringing connectivity to the unconnected is at the heart of our business strategy and the benefits extend beyond communication including e-commerce, education and healthcare”
Francis Letourneau – CEO, NuRAN Wireless Inc
The sites are then monetized by providing connectivity on a paid-for-service basis. Leveraging its carrier-grade mobile network infrastructure solutions as well as its extensive expertise in the building of cost-effective cellular infrastructure, NuRAN is able to set up network operations from the ground up with an exceptional return on investment.
While deployments under the NAAS model require the Company to make upfront investments, they generate significant value whereby NuRAN benefits from long-term recurring revenues with compelling returns.
The Company intends to fund such deployments mostly through asset-based project financing or similar debt-oriented facilities.
Such financing options and sources are being investigated with a view of carrying out deployments in the most efficient manner.
Apart from this deal, NuRAN has signed another MoU with Telinno-Consulting Limited for the deployment of rural sites under the NAAS in Mali, West Africa and with Sierra Leone Telecommunication Company Limited in Sierra Leone, West Africa for the deployment of sites through the BOOT revenue share model.
“Geo-marketing specialists have already begun scouting the country and pinpointing specific areas which require and necessitate mobile connectivity. NuRAN’s overall stated goal is to deploy a minimum of 10,000 sites within five years. Arrangements like these, where we partner up with companies such as Telinno and Sierra Tel, will help us to fast-track our mission of bridging the digital divide within the targeted timelines,” stated Dennis Lambert, vice-president of sales and business development.
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