The deal will see Airtel connect its mobile base stations and enterprises via Liquid’s 20,000km terrestrial fibre network across East, Central and Southern Africa.
“The agreement is a milestone in providing fast broadband services to customers in a cost-effective way,” said Christian de Faria, Airtel Africa CEO.
“Airtel has invested significantly in mobile broadband technology across its African footprint and this agreement will deliver end-to-end fibre connectivity to our 3G and 4G base stations.”
Liquid Telecom said that the agreement is a response to the demands mobile operators are receiving for faster mobile broadband speeds.
“Mobile operators are relying on internet access and data services to grow their revenues. MNOs, and in particular Airtel, have managed to attract a large number of customers on their 3G and 4G networks and now need to strengthen their backhaul to deliver a super-fast internet access service,” Nic Rudnick, group CEO at Liquid Telecom.
“Liquid Telecom's extensive and fast-growing terrestrial fibre network is the perfect solution for Airtel to rapidly do so.”
Earlier this month, Airtel’s Zambian unit completed the sale and leaseback of 949 towers to IHS Holding as part of a long-term renewable contracts deal.
