An East African operator modernized its legacy 3G/4G core network to a cloud-native 5G-ready architecture, sourcing Ericsson equipment at 55% below list price through NetZero.tel.
The Challenge
Operating across two East African markets with rapidly growing data demand, this operator needed to migrate from ageing 3G core infrastructure to a 4G/5G-ready packet core. Budget constraints meant a full greenfield deployment was out of reach, and the existing Ericsson vendor relationship limited options for alternative suppliers.
The NetZero.tel Solution
Our marketplace connected the operator with a European carrier that had recently decommissioned Ericsson core network nodes as part of its own 5G standalone migration. NetZero.tel facilitated end-to-end logistics including export licensing, freight forwarding, customs clearance at destination, and on-site commissioning support through our certified partner network.
The Outcome
The core network upgrade was completed in 12 weeks from purchase order to live traffic, reducing data latency by 60% and enabling VoLTE across both markets. The operator is now positioned for 5G NSA deployment using the same core infrastructure, with a planned timeline 18 months ahead of its original roadmap.
"The logistics coordination alone would have taken us months. NetZero.tel handled export licensing, shipping, and even connected us with local commissioning engineers. It was a turnkey experience."
— CTO, East African Mobile Operator