Lagos MTN Group is launching an ambitious project aimed at transforming its African tower network into a distributed AI computing grid. This initiative, presented by Chief Technology Officer Charles Molapisi at an event in Johannesburg, seeks to implement open GPU infrastructure at cellular base stations.
The dual-purpose hardware will facilitate both cellular network functions and edge AI inference tasks. At present, each cellular tower is equipped with a baseband unit specifically designed for the radio access network. MTN plans to replace this single-function equipment with adaptable GPU configurations, enabling the towers to handle AI workloads locally.
Molapisi highlighted that this transition would greatly decrease latency, as AI tasks that were usually sent back to centralized data centers could now be performed closer to the data collection point. For example, a child’s online gaming experience could see significant improvement, as processing would take place directly at the local tower instead of at a remote facility.
This edge computing approach is further supported by MTN’s initiatives to upgrade its centralized AI infrastructure. In March, the company revealed plans for the establishment of two new AI-enabled data centers, one located in South Africa and the other in Nigeria, thereby reinforcing its AI capabilities throughout the continent.
Molapisi detailed a thorough AI strategy for MTN that includes securing semiconductor technology, setting up data centers, developing cloud platforms, and partnering with others on applications. Furthermore, MTN is investing in terrestrial fiber networks across various African markets, including those where it does not possess a GSM license, to tackle what Molapisi referred to as Africa’s missing digital “rails.”
This initiative is a component of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which focuses on connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure. The tower-to-inference project represents a crucial advancement towards a vision that MTN has been advocating for over a year and involves an investment in ORAN Development Company, an AI networking startup, in collaboration with technology leaders such as NVIDIA and Cisco. Molapisi underscored the concept of “sovereign AI,” stressing the importance for African nations to establish their AI computing resources domestically instead of depending on external systems.
In conclusion, MTN aspires to create the largest edge AI distribution network in Africa, warning that the continent should not simply export raw data, as it has done with its natural resources, but should instead cultivate local intelligence generation from its data assets.
MTN Set To Transform African Towers Into AI Compute Network
