TechPression

Tag: 5G

  • Senegal launches 5G commercially

    Senegal launches 5G commercially

    Senegal’s progress towards the implementation of ultra-broadband technology has picked up speed as of late, particularly in light of the advent of 5G. 

    As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, the country is making efforts to satisfy the growing demand for broadband access as well as the shifting patterns of digital content consumption.

    It appears that the company that is now in the lead in this competition is Sonatel, which is a subsidiary of the well-known French telecom company Orange. 

    Sonatel’s impressive proposal of XOF34.5 billion ($59.1 million) won the deal after a thorough evaluation by Senegal’s telecommunications regulator, ARTP, following its application for 5G licence applications. Sonatel’s proposal prevailed over local competitors, Free and Expresso, who submitted bids of XAF3 billion ($5.12 million) and XAF2 billion ($3.4 million), respectively.

    Read also: Senegal completes second phase of HYLAS 4 satellite gateway Station

    Objectives for 5G coverage

    Agreement and specifications, which will be used to establish its objectives for 5G coverage. This would clear the way for the deployment of its 5G network, which will ultimately bring Senegalese citizens access to more advanced and faster forms of communication.

    More than 32 million people use Sonatel’s mobile services in many countries in West Africa, including Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone. The company’s user base is comprised of mobile customers.

    Senegal is now on track to join the ranks of more than a dozen other African countries that have already launched the 5G network. These countries include Nigeria, Botswana, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia. Senegal will now join the ranks of these countries.

    About 5G

    The term “5G” refers to the fifth generation of technical standards for broadband cellular networks. In the field of telecommunications, 5G is the technology standard for the fifth generation, which cellular phone companies began implementing worldwide in 2019. 5G is the projected successor to the 4G networks, which provide connectivity to the majority of the cellphones that are currently in use. 

    It is anticipated that 5G wireless technology will enable faster peak data transfer rates of multiple gigabits per second (Gbps), ultra-low latency, enhanced dependability, huge network capacity, increased availability, and a more standardised user experience to a greater number of users. New user experiences can be enabled, and new sectors can be connected thanks to improvements in performance and efficiency.

    The delay is the primary distinction between 4G and 5G networks. The latency of 5G is expected to be under 5 milliseconds, whereas the latency of 4G might range anywhere from 60 milliseconds to 98 milliseconds.

    Even though 5G is often the mobile internet connection that is the quickest, its reliability can sometimes be an issue. When combined with a dependable Internet service plan and router, WiFi can provide a connection to the internet that is both quicker and more stable than other options.

    South Korea and the United Arab Emirates had the fastest median download speed over 5G during the third quarter of 2022, with respective speeds of 516.15 Mbps and 511.70 Mbps. These two countries led a top 10 list that also included Bulgaria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Kuwait, New Zealand, and Brazil.

  • MTN to launch 5G in Cote d’Ivoire in 2024

    MTN to launch 5G in Cote d’Ivoire in 2024

    MTN Côte d’Ivoire has declared that its 5G services will be available by the beginning of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is planned to take place in January of that year. 

    This announcement comes fifteen months after the company conducted 5G pilot testing in the country.

    Because of this, those living in the country and coming to watch the biggest football tournament on the African continent will be able to make use of ultra-high speed broadband connections both during and after the competition.

    The Managing Director of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, Djibril Ouattara, was quoted by the Ecofin news agency as saying that the business had already installed multiple 5G sites in Abidjan and throughout the interior of the country. 

    Read also: Samsung launches Galaxy A14 5G in partnership with Airtel 5G

    Remarks from the company

    “We reported in December 2021 that MTN Cote d’Ivoire was conducting a pilot of 5G in the West African country in beach resorts and rainforests. But this initiative is also relevant to the wider MTN Group and its efforts to position itself as a leading technology service provider in Africa in line with its Ambition 2025 strategy, which is “anchored in building the largest and most valuable platform business with a clear focus on Africa”, according to the company’s website.

    The rollout of 5G by MTN has already started in other parts of the continent. In point of fact, we reported in November of the previous year that MTN had followed announcements of 5G debuts in South Africa and Nigeria with the news that MTN Zambia had become the first mobile operator in the country to offer 5G services on a commercial basis. This news came after MTN announced that it had launched 5G networks in South Africa and Nigeria.

    MTN Cote d’Ivoire holds 34.3% of the country’s mobile market share, making it the second-biggest operator in the country at the moment. Orange now holds a market share of 43.8%, while Moov holds 21.9%.

     

    About MTN

    MTN, which stands for Mobile Telephone Network, was once known as M-Cell. Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) is a worldwide mobile telecommunications corporation with its headquarters in South Africa. The majority of its business is conducted in African countries, including Nigeria.

    The MTN Group Ltd. is in the business of providing services related to information and technology networks. It provides products and services related to broadband and the Internet, as well as integrated versions of fixed or mobile products and services. The company provides its services to the regional, national, and global telecommunications industries.

    The original logo has been adapted into the new one, which is a simplified version, and the former motto, “Everywhere you go,” has been replaced with “Y’ello.”

    The MTN APP is a platform that enables you to check your balance, recharge your device, and register for rewards. The “promotion” consists of MTN giving users free one gigabyte of data if they download the MTN APP or reactivate it after it has been inactive for three months.

    MTN provides its employees with benefits such as paid holidays, life insurance, and a paid time off and vacation policy. The average score that employees give their Perks and Benefits is 72 out of 100.

    Safaricom Ethiopia appoints MTN Uganda CEO as its new boss

    About 5G network

    5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks, which cellular phone operators began deploying worldwide in 2019. Most current cell phones use 4G networks. It follows 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 

    5G wireless technology promises multi-Gbps peak data rates, ultra-low latency, reliability, huge network capacity, enhanced availability, and a more uniform user experience to more people. Performance and efficiency enhance user experiences and connect new industries.

  • 5G Technology to revolutionize Nigeria’s industries, boost economy

    5G Technology to revolutionize Nigeria’s industries, boost economy

    At a recent Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Thought Leadership Programme, industry experts discussed the profound impact of 5G technology on Nigeria’s economy and various sectors.

    Mrs Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, the General Manager of Fixed Broadband at MTN Nigeria Communications, emphasized the potential of 5G to enhance efficiency and productivity for both Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale industries across the nation.

    Read also: By 2028, 270 million MENA subscribers will have access to 5G

    The 5G Journey: A Technological Advancement Revolutionizing Society

    Ikenna-Emeka highlighted the journey from 1G to 5G as a testament to humanity’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement, with each generation shaping modern society in significant ways. She stressed that 5G had the potential to revolutionize numerous industries beyond smartphones, enabling advancements in autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, smart cities, virtual reality, and more.

    Recognizing the critical role of SMEs in driving the economy, Ikenna-Emeka emphasized that these businesses stood to benefit greatly from technological advancements. 

    “5G  is very relevant to industrialisation as it digitizes processes via the internet of things as devices interact with each other in real time therefore playing a large role to galvanize the economy and create more opportunities.” She said.

    She outlined MTN’s commitment to co-developing solutions, including 5G adoption, to help SMEs achieve the necessary efficiencies and drive their success. With its digitization capabilities and real-time interaction among devices via the Internet of Things, 5G can play a pivotal role in galvanizing the economy and creating more opportunities.

    “As a result, MTN prides itself in co-developing solutions such as 5G adoption to help these classes of businesses achieve the needed efficiencies and effectiveness to drive their success.” She said.

    Data-Driven Solutions: Enabling Effective Decision-Making Across Sectors

    Ikenna-Emeka underscored the importance of information and effective decision-making in today’s world. She highlighted that 5G’s ability to facilitate data analysis, consumption, and interpretation across various sectors of the economy made it a crucial enabler of the digital ecosystem. 

    Embracing data-driven solutions and the levels of industrial automation offered by 5G, businesses could unlock new opportunities for competitiveness.

    Creating Opportunities Through Technological Up-Skilling

    Dispelling concerns about job displacement, Ikenna-Emeka emphasized that the evolution of 5G would create new opportunities requiring technological up-skilling. She encouraged individuals to acquire the necessary skills to thrive in a technologically dynamic environment. Organizations must prioritize relevant skill adoption to ensure success in a digitally advanced world.

    “Organisations are ensuring that the skills that are adopted are relevant in a digitally advanced world.

    “So, it won’t displace jobs but will create opportunities and what I will say is that humans should just continue to up-skill, re-skill and learn new things,” she said.

    Ikenna-Emeka urged organizations to invest in infrastructure that guarantees cybersecurity. She emphasized that 5G technology alone cannot address the risks associated with cyber threats. To foster more investments in the technology space, Nigeria must address challenges related to the vandalism of technological infrastructure.

    5G: NCC canvasses for control over mining, usage of data

    MTN’s Commitment and Collaborative Efforts

    Ikenna-Emeka reiterated MTN’s commitment to expanding 5G technology coverage across Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, businesses, and other stakeholders in driving the penetration of 5G. Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s use cases of 5G in the mining ecosystem, she called for the creation of an environment that allows the expression of various use cases in Nigeria, such as private networks for oil and gas environments, smart cities, smart taxation, and smart primary healthcare facilities.

    The President of NBCC, Ms Bisi Adeyemi, explained that the Thought Leadership Programme aimed to bridge the knowledge gap and leverage the opportunities presented by technology adoption. Nigeria, being the largest economy in Africa with a young, vibrant, and tech-savvy population, has a government committed to developing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. 

  • 5G: NCC canvasses for control over mining, usage of data

    5G: NCC canvasses for control over mining, usage of data

    The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has issued a request for the authority to be exercised as well as control to be exercised over the mining and exploitation of data in order to maximise the value of data and minimise the costs and hazards associated with data.

    On Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria, the Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Danbatta, made the request during his keynote talk at the Nigeria Digital Sense Forum, which was arranged by ITRealm.

    Read also: Accessing 5G Network in Nigeria

    5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria

    According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the topic of discussion during the forum was “5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria”.

    Chukwudi Diugu, who is the head of New Media and Information Security at the NCC, acted as Mr Danbatta’s representative at the meeting.

    According to the EVC, data is an indispensable component of the digital economy, and the development of solid legal frameworks for data governance should be everyone’s top priority.

    According to him, even as we acknowledge the potentially revolutionary effects of 5G, we must also make the protection of users’ data a top priority.

    He stated that the volume of data generated by 5G technology was unprecedented, and as a result, the need to always prioritise the privacy of consumers, transparency in data use, and ethical use of data was essential.

    “By cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria.

    It is common knowledge that Nigeria is an extremely technologically advanced nation, and the introduction of 5G technology has ushered in a plethora of new potential as well as concerns, particularly in the areas of data governance, safety, and security.

    He claimed that “5G technology has enhanced capabilities that will provide superior communications services for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and facilitate the attainment of a National Digital Economy.” 

    According to him, we are obligated to take into account the difficulties that will inevitably arise as a result of it, in particular with regard to the privacy and security of user data.

    According to Mr Danbatta, the NCC Act stipulates that its licensees restrict their network facilities or services from being used for illicit purposes. This is to safeguard the safety and protection of the networks as well as the customers who utilise them.

    The Executive Vice President (EVC) stated that the legislation prevented licensees’ networks from being utilised in the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria or in relation to the commission of any such offence.

    In this regard, he stated that licensees were obligated to assist the commission and other law enforcement authorities in Nigeria in their efforts to prevent crime in the country.

    During the rollout of the 5G technology, Mr. Danbatta stated that the National Communications Commission (NCC) is dedicated to establishing a culture of safety and security.

    According to him, this can be accomplished by employing data governance practises that adhere to ethical standards, implementing stringent security precautions, and establishing regulatory frameworks.

    He stated that a communal commitment to data governance, safety, and security was also necessary for the successful rollout of 5G technology.

    By 2028, 270 million MENA subscribers will have access to 5G

    The need for partnership 

    According to the EVC, in order to construct a digital ecosystem that is safer, more secure, and more welcoming to all users, all parties involved, including the government, regulators, operators, service providers, and individual users, must work together to establish a safe and sustainable environment in which this technology can thrive.

    The occasion’s chairman, Adesina Shodiya, who is also the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), stated that everyone should take precautions to guarantee that the internet and technology are used safely.

    No matter what line of work one is in, according to Mr. Shodiya, one should always be thinking about how to improve one’s career.

    However, he highlighted that no system was completely safe from attacks and that it was essential to exercise caution when utilising technology and the internet.

    Francis Uzor, the Chief Executive Officer of Wisdom Computers, emphasised the duties of citizens in the presentation that he gave on 5G Open Access and the Role of Citizens.

    Mr Uzor noted a number of different tasks that citizens play, including advocacy, active digital citizenship, monitoring and accountability, and digital inclusion, amongst others.

    In his welcome address, Remmy Nweke, the Lead Consulting Strategist for Digital Sense Africa, stated that the forum, which was currently in its 14th edition, had continued to serve as an annual gathering place for internet stakeholders.

    According to Mr Nweke, the many stakeholders in the country gather together in order to discuss and propose solutions to improve the difficulties that surround internet governance, security, and the socio-economic consequences of using the internet.

    He stated that the focus was on students, young people, women, and organisations that were centred in the community.

  • By 2028, 270 million MENA subscribers will have access to 5G

    By 2028, 270 million MENA subscribers will have access to 5G

    Ericsson telecommunications company, a leading provider of 5G networks, has projected that by the end of 2028, there will be around 270 million 5G subscriptions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, accounting for 31% of total mobile subscriptions.

    The company stated this in its latest Ericsson Mobility Report, published recently.

    According to the report, 5G is forecasted to be the strongest-growing segment as service providers explore various service offerings requiring high bandwidth and low latency.

    The company is optimistic that the availability of a wide range of 5G devices at attractive price points will drive uptake of 5G subscriptions as service providers are migrating their subscribers from legacy networks, and the growth in 4G and 5G will continue at pace.

    Read also: Telkom launches 5G Internet Data Plans in South Africa

    5G network in sub-saharan Africa

    In sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson believes 5G subscriptions will grow from the recorded 7 million in 2022 to 150 million by the end of 2028, making up about 14% of total connections in the region in five years’ time.

    According to the company projection, 2G connections will continue to decline over the coming years as subscribers migrate to 4G and 5G networks.

     At the moment, the company says 4G represents 29% of mobile subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa, with 4G subscriptions expected to rise from 260 million in 2022 to 600 million in 2028.

    “4G will be the main contributor to new connections up to 2028, accounting for more than half of all mobile subscriptions at that time,” the report read.

    “Despite economic challenges, the Sub-Saharan Africa region’s economy is projected to be one of the fastest growing regions globally, sustaining growth in the telecom industry,” 

    “With the COVID-19 pandemic becoming a lesser concern, network investments are shifting focus from reliable connectivity for social and economic sustenance to increasing coverage and capacity, especially for mobile broadband connections,” the report added.

    5G Network In Africa

    Global Fixed Wireless Access

    The report also projected that global fixed wireless access (FWA) connections would grow faster than previously expected. It is forecasted to grow at 19% year-on-year globally from 2022 through 2028 and top 300 million connections by the end of 2028.

    A wireless alternative to wireline broadband, FWA is one of the major early 5G use cases, particularly in regions with unserved or underserved broadband markets.

    In Africa, 5G FWA has arrived in populous countries such as South Africa and Nigeria, as well as other emerging markets outside the continent like Mexico and the Philippines.

    5G global outlook

    The report projects that 5G subscriptions globally will reach 5 billion by the end of 2028. Despite current and emerging economic challenges in many parts of the world, 5G network subscribers will surpass one billion by the end of 2022.

  • 5G Penetrates Botswana With Orange S.A

    5G Penetrates Botswana With Orange S.A

    The introduction of 5G services by Orange Botswana has increased the adoption of 5G across Africa. The French telecom giant Orange announced the launch of its first commercial 5G network in Botswana.

    Nene Maiga, the CEO of Orange Botswana, had a briefing last week where he discussed the launch’s specifics and announced that 5G would be available in two major towns, including Francistown and Gaborone, covering 30% of the population. The network will eventually extend to more cities.

    Orange Botswana launched the 5G commercial network on November 11, 2022

    Jerôme HENIQUE, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa said “the launch of 5G technology in Botswana will allow us to scale up this technology and gain experience for other Orange countries across Africa.

    “The benefits and potential impact of this are promising. It will help promote Africa’s digital inclusion, resulting in socio-economic growth and job creation.

    “It is also ensuring Africa’s skills development on digital management tools and is in line with the ambitions of the African Union “Digital Transformation for Africa (2022 – 2030). It begins here and now, in Botswana,”

    Read also: Orange Group Inaugurates 11th Digital Centre in Liberia

    5G Penetration In Africa

    Africa has the world’s lowest 5G penetration rate due to issues primarily related to a lack of 5G devices.

    By 2027, only 10% of people will have 5G mobile subscriptions, according to an expert review of 5G analysis.

    Putting Botswana at the forefront of 5G in Africa, this 5G launch will further support innovation and digital inclusion in the nation and is closely aligned with the government’s ambition to use Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) innovation to transform Botswana into a knowledge-based economy that leaves no one behind.

    Local mobile network providers like Orange Botswana, who obtain 5G spectrum licenses from various governments, will have a significant impact on the penetration.

    New services in healthcare, education, and security will be made possible by 5G technology.

    Orange Unveils the First Space to Test and Discover 5G in Côte d’Ivoire

    Orange S.A.

    Previously known as France Télécom S.A., Orange S.A. is a global French telecommunications company.

    Orange is present in 17 nations in the Middle East and Africa. One in ten Africans, according to the firm, are Orange customers.

    Since 2006, Orange has served as the company’s primary brand for services like mobile, landline, internet, and Internet Protocol television (IPTV).

    Following Hutchison Whampoa’s acquisition of a majority stake in Microtel Communications in 1994, the Orange brand was first used in the UK.

    In 1999, Mannesmann became a subsidiary of that business, which France Télécom later acquired in 2000. On July 1st, 2013, France Télécom changed its name to Orange.

    Orange Middle East and Africa (MEA) achieved more than 135 million customers in 2020 and earned revenue of €6.4 billion ($6.6 billion).

    The commercial deployment of Djoliba, a fiber backbone made up of more than 10,000 km of terrestrial fiber connected to 10,000 km of undersea cables, was announced by Orange and its subsidiaries for 2020.

    The fiber backbone that connected the capitals of Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal was the first of its sort in the region.

  • MTN, Airtel, others compete In second 5G license auction in Nigeria

    MTN, Airtel, others compete In second 5G license auction in Nigeria

    MTN Nigeria Communications, Airtel Africa Plc, and other operators seem to be preparing for the country’s second auction for the implementation of fifth-generation (5G) technology. MTN Nigeria is chasing a second 5G license less than a year after securing one of the two.

    At the Nigerian Communications Commission’s stakeholder engagement on the draft information memorandum (IM) on the 3.5 GHz spectrum auction, telecom operators were upset by what MTN said (NCC).

    A representative for MTN Nigeria was worried about a part of the IM that made it sound like operators with active 5G licenses would not be able to bid on new licenses in December 2022. The clause states that any licensee of the commission or company with up to 100 MHz in Nigeria’s 3.5 GHz band would not be permitted to take part in the auction.

    He said that the business joined the last auction in 2021 because it thought it would be an open market and could join future auctions if needed.

    MTN won Lot B in 2021; the NCC is auctioning Lots A and C. The telecom said 5G equipment is generally made in two batches, A and B or B and C. The operator believes having a license for two lots gives it simple access to deployment equipment and lowers customer costs.

    Read also: 5G: Huawei Aims to Increase Demand in Nigeria

    5G in Nigeria

    The fifth-generation wireless (5G) technology will increase transfer speeds by up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), among other things. Telecom companies and nations throughout the world are working feverishly to get a head start on adopting this technology.

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    Four 5G licenses are in Nigeria. Two licenses have been auctioned, although only one has debuted commercially. The operators worry that giving MTN two of the four licenses gives it an unfair edge in the upcoming 5G market.

    Airtel and other carriers say it goes against the idea of competition for one telco to have multiple licenses while others don’t.

    Ubale Maska, the NCC’s executive commissioner for technical services, said MTN’s request isn’t a first in the telecom business since Nigeria is an open market.

    NCC Auctions New 5G Licences For $547.2m

    Airtel wants 5G without an auction.

    Airtel Africa sought the NCC to set aside a slot of 3.5 GHz spectrum for $273.6 million, the amount the commission sold the previous two slots for in November 2021. Offer refused.

    Our reserve price was decided following benchmarking. We have a price in mind. The auction set the price. If just one person is interested, the price will be set.   “If the reserve price rises, it becomes the new price,” said Maska.

    Executive vice chairman of the NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, said all petitions would be reviewed before the auction.

    “Generating revenue for the federal government is not the goal.” The money we’re going to make won’t have anything to do with it. The most recent auction set the price. “No matter when the auction was held, we will always refer to the reserve price,” Danbatta said.

  • 5G: Huawei Aims to Increase Demand in Nigeria

    5G: Huawei Aims to Increase Demand in Nigeria

    As demand from telecom operators increases, Huawei has planned to expand its use of fifth-generation (5G) networks in Nigeria and other African countries.

    The company’s 5G business has been growing on the wave of acceptance in Africa, according to Peng Song, its president of strategy and marketing, who made the statement during the 13th Global Mobile Broadband Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand.

    Development of 5G in Nigeria

    MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s 5G license holders, launched the technology in Lagos utilizing the 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum and promised to build the network in six additional regions, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri. With this, Nigeria joined South Africa and Kenya as the third African nation to use the technology.

    Read also: Kenya, Huawei Collaborate to Train Students on Cybersecurity 

    MTN showed its readiness to offer Nigerians the best of service with 5G technology when it became the first telecom operator to roll out 5G technology services on its network on August 24, 2022. MTN Nigeria kicked off an open 5G pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch.

    The Lagos 5G commercial debut followed the city’s 5G trial launch three weeks prior, as required by the Nigerian Communications Commission, the industry regulator for the telecommunications sector (NCC).

    The telecom operator had said that it has set up 127 5G stations in advance of the debut of 5G in its half-year 2022 report. The technology is anticipated to be implemented gradually, with complete national adoption anticipated by 2025.

    By enabling substantially faster speeds and reduced latency, the cutting-edge 5G technology is expected to increase the breadth and capacity of MTN Nigeria’s data network, allowing users almost immediate access to the things they care about and downloads that take seconds rather than minutes.

    At the forum, Song said: “Our 5G business success is on an upward trajectory, and this growth can be attributed to the African continent. We started off with just 200,000 base stations, but today I can announce that we have deployed just under half a million base stations outside china, accounting for 70 per cent of the world’s total.”

    He claims that during the previous three years, the technology has been adopted by 12 local telecom carriers in 10 various markets.

    5G Network has No Health Effects

    The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has informed the public that the new 5G network, also known as the Fifth Generation network, has no harmful health consequences.

    At a roundtable discussion with members of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments on Saturday in Enugu, the Enugu Zonal Controller of the NCC, Mr Ogbonnaya Ugama, provided the clarification (AHFEs).

    According to Ugama, there is no solid proof that electromagnetic radiation from gadgets like phones is damaging to human health.

    He said that international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), have established a standard that there must be no convincing proof that 5G has harmful impacts on both human and animal health.

    However, if they had any reservations, the controller encouraged users not to keep these electromagnetic objects, such as phones, near their bodies.

    “NCC shall take all reasonable steps to protect public safety and to see that every component of technology meeting predetermined requirements is authorized.

    Ugama reaffirmed the advantages of the 5G network, noting that it was created to boost cellular service flexibility while lowering latency and increasing speed.

    “5G has a theoretical peak speed of 20 Gigabytes per Second (GBPS) while the peak speed of 4G is only one GBPS.’’

    “5G can transform Nigeria’s economy, dwelling on its projected impact in sectors of education, finance, security, agriculture, healthcare, entertainment, and even governance,” he said.

    The controller revealed that Nigeria was the third African nation to deploy a 5G network and was active across six states, including Lagos, Imo, Borno, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    By 2025, according to Ugama, other states will be connected to the network.

    South Africa’s Telkom Launches 5G network with Huawei

    5G is Essential to Growing Nigeria’s Economy

    According to Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, the rollout of 5G in Nigeria and hyperconnectivity are still essential for growing the country’s economy and serving as a foundation for its fintech ecosystem.

    The chairman outlined how intelligent connection, made possible by 5G, would serve as a catalyst for socioeconomic development during the Fourth Industrial Revolution and create social value through supporting sustainable cities, communities, and good employment opportunities. He continued that using technical applications that will assist industrial advancements would also significantly increase economic and social worth.

    “Beyond the technological benefits, 5G is expected to facilitate the localization of several emerging technologies, facilitate innovative use cases, spur significant socio-economic growth, and lead sector-led creation of jobs in the private sector,” he added.

    In the meantime, he advised businesses to invest in ICT services and infrastructure for a supportive business climate, noting that Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem needed hyperconnectivity to prosper.

  • Ericsson and stc Create Cognitive Software Solution

    Ericsson and stc Create Cognitive Software Solution

    A digital enabler in the area, stc has deployed an Ericsson AI-based Cognitive Software solution to enhance customer experience and network performance. For better network optimization, the cognitive software makes use of automation, big data scalability, speed, accuracy, and consistency. It does proactive analysis of the 4G and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN).

    Mohammed Albadrani, Vice President of Operations, stc Group said, “stc Group is committed to providing customers with seamless experiences and network performance. stc has adopted the latest technologies from Ericsson to ensure proactive support and elevate customer experiences, even at times of high-traffic surges on the network.”

    The AI-based Cognitive Software solution also aids in lowering carbon dioxide emissions from operational tasks, for instance, by using remote automatic spectrum analysis and virtual drive testing. Additionally, to improve the 5G experience for its users, stc Group has implemented 5G AI root-cause analysis capabilities.

    Read also: MTN Nigeria launches commercial 5G in partnership with Ericsson

    Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit stc, Saudi Arabia and Egypt at Ericsson Middle East and Africa said, “Cognitive technologies blend big data with the unique network domain expertise to deliver unprecedented speed, scale and accuracy in emerging intent-based network operations. stc Group’s continued trust in our technology enables us to provide the best and latest solutions, complementing stc Group’s dedication to a seamless and enhanced network.”

    The Ericsson Performance Optimizers portfolio can be utilised by the stc Group for precise optimization analysis and suggestion thanks to this implementation that is future-proof. For a better subscriber experience, while lowering operating costs, Ericsson Performance Optimizers use digital twin technology and cutting-edge AI techniques like deep reinforcement learning and expert recommender systems to proactively provide mobile network optimization recommendations and address specific network performance issues.

    Earlier Updates on Ericsson

    Earlier in October 2022, Ericsson and Vodafone teamed to support the telecom company’s network infrastructure growth across many domains in Oman.

    With this most recent development in their ongoing collaboration, Ericsson and Vodafone will support each other in implementing zero-touch operations and anomaly detection capabilities to facilitate data-driven decisions in the network. Ericsson will provide AI-based cognitive software solutions for network optimization.

    Ericsson Expert Analytics (EEA) and cognitive software solutions for network optimization are among the solutions that have been implemented. These solutions provide near real-time, multivendor, and cross-domain analytics and optimization by utilising a big data platform with much-improved scalability and performance.

    Stelios Savvides, technology director of Vodafone in Oman stated: “As we continue our digitalisation journey, leveraging AI in network operations is critical to our business agility, customer satisfaction, and in simplifying decision-making processes. Featuring advanced AI and automation capabilities, Ericsson’s solutions support our digital operator ecosystem utilise data analytics to sustain growth, provide insights into network usage and drive improvements to ensure an enriching experience for our customers.”

    By linking measurements and events from the network ecosystem, the solutions assist Vodafone in evaluating customer experiences, retaining and upselling subscribers, and prioritising network investments. Additionally, EEA makes it easier for Vodafone to get crucial insights to improve 5G rollout and user acceptance.

    Ericsson Launches a Global Utilities Innovation Center

    Mobily Increases Its Managed Services Collaboration With Ericsson in Saudi Arabia

    As of late 2020, Mobily increased its managed services collaboration with Ericsson in Saudi Arabia

    Ericsson Operations Engine will make customer-centric operations, optimization, and improved network and IT capabilities possible.

    The agreement includes network and IT automation and AI-powered data-driven managed services.

    Cloud Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and the Ericsson Charging System are included in the agreement.

    Mobily, The managed services agreement between Saudi Arabia and Ericsson, has been extended for a further five years. In addition to Ericsson Charging System, PS Core, and Intelligent Network, the agreement also includes fully managed end-to-end operations and optimization services using Ericsson Operations Engine in Saudi Arabia’s Western region (IN).

    A solution that provides voice and communication services across various sorts of devices and accesses is included in the new extension along with Cloud VoLTE.

    In order to improve customer experiences and guarantee a greater return on network assets, Ericsson also offers network optimization services. It does this by fusing its cutting-edge cognitive software with its network knowledge. Ericsson Operations Engine also be installed as part of the agreement, helping Mobily improve subscriber experiences and operational network efficiency.

    By shifting from a network-centric operation focus to a user-experience-centric operation focus anchored by Ericsson Operations Engine, Ericsson will help the service provider build sustainable differences.

  • South Africa’s Telkom Launches 5G network with Huawei

    South Africa’s Telkom Launches 5G network with Huawei

     

    South African telecoms operator Telkom has unveiled it’s 5G high-speed internet network adopting technology from Huawei. The company revealed this on October 27, highlighting the need to boost its fast-growing mobile data and fixed-line broadband businesses amid the increasing demand for broadband.

    Telkom, which the South African Government partly owns, is now in the league of renowned competitors Vodacom and MTN, as well as smaller peer rain, who is on the 5G train. 

    Chief Executive Officer of Telkom Consumer and Business, Lunga Siyo said: “At launch, Telkom will primarily focus on providing super fast 5G fixed wireless access solutions, as the demand for mobile 5G increases, we will supplement this with suitable mobile propositions.”

    Speaking during the launch, Fortune Wang, Carrier Business Director for Huawei South Africa, said there had been a demand for the connection to the digital space since the Corona Virus outbreak.

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    According to Wang said:  “the COVID pandemic has driven significant lifestyle changes for South Africans, due to work from home or school from home, online shopping and an ‘always on’ kind of culture.”

    The Huawei Director noted that 5G, with its ultra-high speed and low latency, will aid innovative services for South African consumers, such as online augmented reality and virtual reality gaming and ultra-high definition streaming. The 5G network will also enable businesses with cloud and artificial intelligence technologies, Wang.

    5 African Countries That Have Launched 5G Services

    Apart from South Africa, several other African countries have already rolled out Commercial 5G services:

    Nigeria

    Africa’s largest economy and most populous country issued spectrum licenses for 5G services in March after years of back-and-forth negotiations. The country launched its first commercial 5G services in August of this year, and the Nigerian Communications Commission announced recently that it is set to auction two more slots in the 3.5 GHz band.

    Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwean telecom Econet announced in February 2022 that it had launched the country’s first 5G network. There are currently 10 active 5G sites situated in and around Harare, the country’s capital city.

    The company has plans to activate 12 more 5G infrastructure sites in the coming months.

    Seychelles

    Situated in the Indian Ocean, the islands of Seychelles welcomed the launch of the fifth generation of mobile internet in November 2020. However, many of the island’s inhabitants responded negatively to the launch, claiming health concerns.

    However, by 2021, six regions in the Seychelles had begun to see internet speeds of more than 1.2Gbps from certain 5G providers.

    NCC Auctions New 5G Licences For $547.2m

    Botswana

    On February 25, 2022, Botswana telecoms operator Mascom launched 5G to the residents of Gaborone, the country’s capital. The rollout began with only four sites in the city, with plans to build 100 more stations by the end of 2022.

    Ethiopia

    On May 9, Ethiopia announced its commencement of trials for its first 5G mobile network in its capital, Addis Ababa. The Horn of Africa country has just started to build up its telecom services beyond what the government used to do.

    Earlier in May, however, Ethio Telecom launched 5G services at a massive event filled with pomp and circumstance in Addis Ababa.