For communications professionals in north, west, east & central Africa NORTHERN AFRICAN
WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 Volume 19 Number 5
l Is Covid-19 a blessing in disguise for mobile money? l Operator focus: what MNOs are doing for communities l Empowering businesses and subcribers
Moving wireless forward
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4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
NAWC 2011 p2.indd 4 09/11/2020 18:16 NORTHERN AFRICAN CONTENTS
WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS DECEMBER 2020/ 5 NEWS 5 NEWS u JANUARY 2021 Kenya: Alphabet’s Loon deflates u ZTE completes Mauritania fibre network Volume 19 u Ooredoo hires Ericsson to modernise network Number 5 u Nigeria ‘confident’ of meeting new deadline u Egyptian trio secure 2,600MHz spectrum u Kenya: militants destroy mast u MTN launches 4.5G network in Abidjan u Energy provider secures $35m funding u Uganda internet restored Mobile Mark is a leading supplier of u Egyptian president airs ‘TIBA-1’ plans innovative, high-performance antennas to wireless companies across the globe. They 13 WIRELESS BUSINESS have been in the wireless industry for Ethio Telecom nets 12% rise in H1 over 36 years and have roots in the early Cellular trials. 18 FEATURE I 18 FEATURE I Many countries in Africa have either stopped 26 FEATURE II The company design and manufacture or limited the circulation of cash in a antennas from 138 MHz-6.0 GHz. bid to slow down the spread of the novel Applications include public transit, coronavirus. Robert Shepherd asks: could this commercial trains, smart highways, be the making of mobile money? mining, utilities, remote monitoring, machine-to-machine (M2M) and the 24 INDUSTRY VIEW Internet of Things (IOT). Africa is seeing steady growth, but there are ways to make it grow faster, writes Clementine Antenna styles include omni-directional 28 WIRELESS Fournier from BICS and directional infrastructure antennas SOLUTIONS for network rollout; multiband mobile 26 FEATURE II antennas for fleet management; low- Ooredoo Algeria becomes the first telecom profile and embedded antennas for M2M/ operator in north Africa to deploy a IOT applications. virtualised telco application as part of its key partnership with Nokia Mobile Mark antennas are manufactured in the USA and UK. Their responsive 31 WORLD NEWS 28 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS manufacturing capabilities and production Base stations designed to serve low populations controls ensure that antennas are delivered on time and to spec. 31 WORLD NEWS u Etisalat launches 4G LTE service Their experienced engineering design u Orange shifts fixed fibre assets group can take a project from initial u Vietnam slaps ban on 2G, 3G smartphones concept through to final production. They u PTCL gets 25-year licence renewal also offer in-house engineering design and RF testing facilities for custom designs. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Visit www.mobilemark.com Northern African Wireless Communications is a controlled circulation bi-monthly magazine. Register now for your free subscription at www.kadiumpublishing.com to find out more Readers who do not qualify under the terms of control can purchase an annual subscription at the cost of £110. For more information and general enquiries please contact Suzanne Thomas at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1932 886 537.
EDITORIAL: ADVERTISEMENT SALES: Editor: Robert Shepherd Sales: Kathy Moynihan Designer: Sean McNamara [email protected] Sub editor: Gerry Moynihan +44 (0) 1932 481731 Moving wireless forward Contributors: Martin Jarrold, Robert Koldys, Clementine Fournier, Production & circulation: Suzanne Thomas Lucky La Riccia, Ahmad Sayed [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1932 481728
Editorial enquiries: Publishing director: Kathy Moynihan [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1932 481729 +44 (0) 1932 481730
ISSN No: 1751-8296 © 2021 Kadium Limited. All rights reserved. The content of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole, including photocopying, scanning and/or recording, or transmitted in any other form by any means including electronic, digital or mechanical, or stored in any form of data storage, archival or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright holders. All enquiries should be sent to Kadium Limited, Image Court, IC113, 328/334 Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey, KT12 3LT, UNITED KINGDOM. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those shared by the publisher or the editor. E&OE.
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4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
NAWC 2009 p2.indd 4 02/10/2020 17:41 NEWS Kenya: Alphabet’s Loon deflates Alphabet’s Loon, the stratospheric The rationale balloon internet access service in was to bring Kenya is to return to earth. internet The project is shutting down access to the across the globe after nine years of next billion in exploration and final pilot. such regions “So we’ve made the difficult with internet decision to close down Loon. In the balloons in the coming months, we’ll begin winding stratosphere down operations and it will no longer that would emit be an Other Bet (Google’s innovative internet signals projects) within Alphabet,” said Astro over a wide area Teller, lead at the Google X lab where the project was born in 2011. “Sadly, despite the team’s ground-breaking technical achievements over the last nine years - doing many things previously thought impossible, like precisely navigating balloons in the stratosphere, creating a mesh network in the sky, or developing bal- loons that can withstand the harsh conditions of the stratosphere for more than a year - the road to com- mercial viability has proven much tainable business. Developing radical given the green light to operate in innovative technologies such as longer and riskier than hoped.” new technology is inherently risky. Kenyan airspace at the onset of Loon, with the aim of filling in the Alastair Westgarth, chairman and The rationale was to bring the Covid-19 induced restrictions. internet access gaps in areas that chief executive officer of Loon, add- internet access to the next billion in Telkom Kenya was selected to were difficult to service,” said Mugo ed: “While we have found a number such regions with internet balloons partner with Loon locally. Kibati, CEO at Telkom Kenya. of willing partners along the way, in the stratosphere that would emit “It was very exciting, therefore, to Balloons were launched over we haven’t found a way to cut costs internet signals over a wide area. partner with like-minded pioneers server countries including New enough to create a long-term sus- In Kenya, the company was in the adoption and usage of Zealand, Peru and Puerto Rico. ZTE completes Mauritania fibre network construction
Chinese tech giant ZTE has com- frastructure program in west Africa, and an international network inter- tional network in Mauritania will play pleted construction of Mauritania’s funded by the World Bank. It was connection. In terms of international an essential role in the development national fibre optic network. introduced to help accelerate the network interconnection, Nouakchott, of communication infrastructure The whole of the northwest Afri- country’s digital transformation. the capital and largest city in Mauri- throughout the country, and even in can nation is now crossed by optical The 1,760 km long high-speed tania, serves as the landing point for Africa,” said Li Jianhua, the general fibre, which was deployed as part telecommunications infrastructure is the ACE submarine cable system. manager of the Mauritania national of the regional communications in- a backbone made up of urban loops “The construction of the first na- fibre optic project at ZTE. Ooredoo hires Ericsson to modernise network for 5G
Ooredoo Group has hired Ericsson to cloud communication offerings. the timeframe for new services modernise the operator’s networks Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla to appear on the market will be across its global portfolio, including Al Thani, deputy managing director “significantly” shortened following its operations in Algeria and Tunisia. of Ooredoo Group, said that the the tie-up, while also enhancing In a statement, Ericsson said the agreement with Ericsson will allow Ooredoo’s network performance. five-year-long partnership will let the company “to provide the latest This deal builds on previous collab- Ooredoo use its 5G radio, core and digital solutions enabling communi- oration between the pair, as Ericsson’s transport products and services, a ties to enjoy the best of the Internet, Radio System is already live in several move it said would open the door including by connecting more Ooredoo operations, including for for end-to-end 5G support “to remote areas, supporting startups Qatar’s nationwide 5G coverage. digitally transform and modernise” digitally and providing immersive The agreement also covers the Ooredoo’s mobile networks. experiences for sports fans at up- The agreement also includes group’s units in Qatar, Indonesia, This agreement also includes coming mega sports events ”. Ericsson’s cloud infrastructure and Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine, Ericsson’s cloud infrastructure and The Swedish gear-maker said cloud communication offerings Tunisia, Myanmar and Maldives.
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 5
NAWC 2101 p5-11 (News) RS.indd 5 02/02/2021 17:17 NEWS Nigeria ‘confident’ of meeting new SIM NIN deadline Nigeria is confident of meeting the collected by mobile operators. speculation of the disconnection of CCTV, tracking devices etc.” newly-imposed February 9 deadline “At an average of three to four lines. “Most of these publications are Officials have also commented for the completion of the NIN SIMs per subscriber, this means based on the erroneous assumption on increasing the number of people (National Identity Number)-SIM many millions will be linked up that for every network or SIM con- at registration centres, for which card integration project, according before the deadline in February nection, there is one unique human authorities have been criticised for to the country’s officials. 2021,” Adinde said in a statement. subscriber,” it said. “However, with the exposing them to Covid-19. Ikechukwu Adinde, director, Officials said the NIN-SIM linkage advent of social media and app-driven Isa Ali Pantami, Nigeria’s public affairs, at the Nigerian project is looking positive, however the digital environment, network subscrip- minister of communications Communications Commission figures are not broken down by MNO. tion went beyond human subscribers and digital economy, blamed the (NCC) told local media outlets In early January 2021, the NCC to include machines like PoS, routers, subscribers for “visiting in huge that 47.8 million NINs have been issued a statement, responding to Wi-Fi devices, electricity meters, crowds without an invitation”. Kenya: Egyptian trio secure 2,600MHz spectrum
Etisalat Misr, Telecom Egypt and the operators will receive the second will aid in modernising infrastructure. militants Vodafone Egypt are braced to receive block of spectrum within a year The NTRA revealed Vodafone Egypt half of the acquired spectrum in the from Egypt’s National Telecommuni- and Telecom Egypt spent a combined destroy mast 2,600MHz band within the next three cations Regulatory Authority (NTRA). US$1.17bn for the airwaves. months, as the trio continue with plans Telecom Egypt and Vodafone ap- Etisalat Misr reportedly outbid Kenyan police said Al-Shabab to upgrade connectivity services. plied to acquire the 2,600MHz TDD Orange Egypt at auction to claim a militants destroyed a telecommuni- According to Egyptian media, an spectrum in November 2002, with 2,600MHz spectrum licence with cations mast in Elele area, Mandera unnamed government official said the former stating a ten-year licence 20MHz bandwidth. County, along the Somalia border. The militants used bombs to destroy the only mast in the area in mid-December, affecting Eutelsat’s konnect provides connectivity communication for a number of towns and villages. There were also services to La Poste in Côte d’Ivoire casualties, the police said. Al-Shabab militants are known Eutelsat Communications’ konnect to destroy telecom masts to broadband service has penned disrupt police response and a framework agreement with its communication in the area before distribution partner InterSat to provide they inflict harm on the locals. connectivity services to La Poste (the The extremists, believed to have post office network) in Côte d’Ivoire. crossed from Somalia, have also Under the terms of the deal, been targeting schools and residen- 170 post offices will be connected tial houses rented by communities and equipped with konnect Wi-Fi that are not native to the volatile hotspots in white zones, enabling northeastern Kenyan counties of the Post Office to offer broadband Garissa, Mandera and Wajir. solutions to its local customers. The attack came days after newly- Its scope could be expanded to built police offices and houses were 3,000 parcel-points (‘Point Relais’) destroyed in an Al-Shabab explosion throughout the country. at Borehole 11 area of Mandera Jeoffrey Woods, CEO of Inter- South constituency, Mandera County. Sat said this framework project In January 2020, Kenyan military comes in response to the desire forces killed two attackers as they of the Ivorian government, to Under the terms of the deal, 170 post offices will be connected and tried to blow up a telecom tower. deliver “high-quality digital services equipped with konnect Wi-Fi hotspots in white zones, enabling the Post “They attempted to destroy the throughout the country” to meet Office to offer broadband solutions to its local customers telecommunication of Safaricom the operational needs of its 170 mast around that place. [An] postal offices, but also to ensure The roll-out of the service started partnership, “is one more step” by La officer who was on patrol caught up the continued roll-out of “ubiqui- in January 2021 and is expected to Poste towards the achievement of its with them, shot and killed two of tous” services to populations living continue over a six-month period. ambition to become the “Maison du them, and we recovered two AK-47 in white areas. “Reliable and af- Isaac Gnamba Yao, CEO of La Poste, Citoyen et des Entreprises, Coursier rifles and some IEDs” said police fordable broadband access has now Côte d’Ivoire said the agreement, de l’Etat (House of Citizens and spokesman Charles Owino. become a reality”,” he added. which forms part of a public-private Businesses, State Courier).”
6 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p5-11 (News) RS.indd 6 02/02/2021 17:17 NEWS
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4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
SASIA 20Q3 p2 (Rajant).indd 4 28/09/2020 11:18 NEWS Burkinabe parliament recommends law amendment The Burkinabe Parliamentary Com- underserved areas are covered. weaknesses are observed in several to the law governing intelligence mittee of Investigation on mobile Stricter sanctions against operators areas (notably territorial coverage, so that it better integrates phone system made 33 recommen- that violate their specifications are the quality of service offered by Or- the contribution of cell phone dations to the government, including also planned. The recommendations ange, Telmob, and Telecel, consumer companies to the country’s security. an amendment to the law on the were made December 17. satisfaction and public safety). The president of the National general regulation of electronic com- The Commission presented to the Given the country’s current Assembly, Alassane Bala Sakandé munications networks and services. National Assembly the conclusions security situation, marked by also expressed a desire to see This law review mainly focuses of its three-month investigation into jihadist attacks, the commission Burkina Faso acquire software to on maximising investment so that the national telecom market. Several also recommended an amendment control telecom traffic. MTN launches Aeris and Bboxx deliver clean energy to 4.5G network over one million people in Africa
IoT specialist Aeris has helped in Abidjan Bboxx, a next generation utility which manufactures, distributes The people of Abidjan can now access and finances decentralised solar to 4.5G technology deployed by MTN. powered systems in the developing According to the operator, 4.5G is world deliver clean energy to over faster with a minimum browsing speed one million African citizens, courtesy of 200 Mb/s, enabling customers to of its Aeris Fusion IoT Network. download a 15 min video in 7 seconds Bboxx’s core products are a instead of 20 to 30 seconds with 4G. range of solar home systems that Hyacinthe Séka, the technical enable both individuals and small director of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, said businesses to power appliances— the wireless network that provides from lights and mobile phones to 4.5G is being deployed initially refrigerators and computers. It in the economic capital, where installs the Aeris global subscriber demand for Internet is higher. identity module (SIM) at the point Extension will later on take place. of manufacture, reducing both Djibril Ouattara, the MTN’s supply chain costs and deployment managing director, said that the time. Using Aeris’ single global 4.5G launch was financed thanks to access point name (APN), the part of the CFA40 billion invested Bboxx solar system can also be by the company on its telecom deployed anywhere in the world, network during this year. even in the most remote locations, The launch ceremony was held on a simple plug-and-play basis, in December at a venue in Marcory, without any requirement to a commune of Abidjan. configure local network settings. Bboxx’s core products are a range of solar home systems that enable both Meanwhile, MTN Côte d’Ivoire Furthermore, the collaboration individuals and small businesses to power appliances—from lights and recently launched the third edition between Aeris and Bboxx means mobile phones to refrigerators and computers of its “E-waste” campaign in the latter’s devices have reliable the capital. For three months, IoT connectivity no matter where Aeris, we are making reliable and and deliver clean energy to people the mobile phone operator will in the world they are deployed, clean energy more accessible as throughout the world.” sensitise companies and individuals allowing products to be remotely we continue our mission to unlock Since partnering with Aeris in to the need to collect and recycle monitored and expediting potential and transform lives.” 2017, Bboxx has utilised Aeris’ electrical and electronic waste. deployment timeframes. Paul Tarsey, IoT solutions multi-carrier connectivity and the The operator will distribute boxes “Aeris’ high-quality service and consultant, Aeris, added: “Aeris’ continued expansion of Bboxx in for the collection of E-waste to com- IoT expertise have assisted Bboxx ability to offer high-quality IoT Africa is also assisted by Aeris’ panies in the country. Individuals will to deliver clean energy solutions connectivity at the most optimised global SIM, which is deployed at be able to deposit their waste in boxes to communities and households total cost of ownership ensures the point of manufacture, enabling that will be installed in agencies and in eleven countries in Africa with that Bboxx’s solar systems are Bboxx to reduce its supply chain shopping centres. Expected waste minimal deployment time,” said operational and reliable no matter costs and solution deployment time. includes household appliances (small Christopher Baker-Brian, co-founder where they are deployed. We look Telecom partners include devices), fixed or mobile phones, tab- and managing director at Bboxx. forward to continuing to help assist Safaricom, MTN Rwanda, Tigo, lets, chargers or telephone batteries. “By partnering with companies like Bboxx to expand their capabilities Airtel Congo and MoovTogo.
8 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p5-11 (News) RS.indd 8 02/02/2021 17:17 NEWS Uganda internet restored but social media still blocked Ugandans are celebrating the return Internet of internet services after a shutdown shutdowns was imposed ahead of the election, have become a but social media platforms remain growing modus blocked and are only accessible operandi by using a virtual private network (VPN). governments Bobi Wine, presidential candidate around the for the opposition National world to control Unity Platform, alleged the poll the sharing of was marred by fraud. Party’s information spokesperson Joel Senyonyi accused particularly the incumbent president of shutting in developing down the internet to prevent them countries and from sharing evidence of fraud. increasingly After more than a month of led in African targeted restrictions, Ugandan countries authorities, in an unprecedented move, shut down the internet in the country hours to the January 14 polls. President Yoweri Museveni, who won an unprecedented sixth term in office, had previously accused the platforms internet although the complete shut- networks MTN Uganda and Airtel ments around the world to control the of being biased towards his campaign. down was effected at 7pm. Uganda account for the majority sharing of information particularly in A letter from Uganda Commu- “This suspension should of the country’s 20 million internet developing countries and increasingly nications Commission (UCC), the take effect at 7pm this day of users. It means ordinary Ugandan led in African countries. There were regulator of the communications 13th January 2021 and continue voters, opposition party operatives, 35 incidents of internet shutdowns sector in the country, ordered the until otherwise directed,” the and election observers will have fewer lasting longer than a week last year. shutdown until further notice started letter signed by Irene Kaggwa means of communications as the Chad, Ethiopia, DR Congo and Zimba- circulating on social media. By this Sewankambo, the acting executive polls open on Thursday (Jan. 14). bwe are among the 19 countries that time, many users in the East African director of UCC reads in part. Internet shutdowns have become a fully or partially shuttered internet country could no longer access the The country’s two largest mobile growing modus operandi by govern- access for more than seven days. Energy provider secures $35m start-up funding
Inspired Evolution, the investment ad- Headquartered in Mauritius, install, operate and maintain decen- based MNO Orange. visory firm specialising in clean and re- Escotel was set up to provide energy tralised solar and storage hybrid Evolution II has ringfenced US$20m newable energy, led a US$35m equity services to mobile tower owners and power systems for a portfolio of alongside US$10m from Norfund and investment by its Evolution II Fund and operators, owning and operating around 900 telecom sites in Sierra US$5m from Sagemcom Energy and co-investor, Norfund and Sagemcom in decentralised renewable energy in- Leone, Liberia and over time the Telecom, which will also act as an Escotel, an energy services company frastructure spanning the continent. Democratic Republic of Congo, equipment supplier, EPC contractor working in sub-Saharan Africa. Escotel will initially supply, owned by subsidiaries of France- and O&M provider to Escotel. Gender inequality fuelled by cheaper devices, says report
Budget mobile phones and the lack that relegate women to the bottom The report added: “In Côte d’Ivo- women are 20% more likely than of payment interoperability exclude of financial inclusion. ire, a less developed DFS market men to own smartphones in low- more women than men in Africa “Women are typically underserved with only rudimentary interoper- and middle-income countries. with regards accessing to finance and have more to gain from new ability, women reported primarily “We recommend updating the systems, despite widespread payment providers and new services that target moving money between networks by principles to support low-end devic- technology, according to a new report. a wider range of client segments,” withdrawing and depositing cash. es with a principle that states: All Payment system design and it said. “In Kenya, where the market This cost them significantly in time primary functions should be accessi- the financial inclusion gender is more developed, we were able to and money -costs they would not ble to users with inexpensive basic/ gap, research sponsored by the assess various interoperable services face if interoperability were more feature phones - typically enabled Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, such as M-Shwari and M-Shwari prevalent in that market.” through USSD interfaces on such highlights a number of reasons locked accounts in focus groups.” Furthermore, the report found devices,” the report recommended.
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 9
NAWC 2101 p5-11 (News) RS.indd 9 02/02/2021 17:17 NEWS Cameroon Orange announces Djoliba pens deal with CAMIX fibre network launch French giant Orange is set to officially on IXP rollout announce the launch of Djoliba, described by the company as ‘the Cameroon has retained the services first pan-African fibre optic network’. of tech firm Cameroon Internet The company released a brief Exchange Point (CAMIX) to roll out statement confirming a media internet exchange points across the conference, scheduled for 10 nation, beginning with its two largest November and involving Orange cities – Yaounde and Douala. chairman and CEO Stéphane Richard, The minister of posts and Alioune Ndiaye, CEO Orange Middle telecommunications Minette Libom East and Africa; Jérôme Barrre, CEO Li Likeng handed over an exploitation Orange Wholesale & International licence to CAMIX executives, led by Networks; Mamadou Bamba, CEO for company president Olivier Leloustre. Orange Côte d’Ivoire, as well as Sékou Under the terms of the deal, Drame, CEO for Sonatel Group. CAMIX will run the IXPs which According to some media will be lodged at the CAMPOST outlets, the new west African back- datacentre in Yaounde. bone network will connect several CAMIX officials said Google’s cities including Dakar, Bamako, Edge Network will soon be deployed, Abidjan, Accra and Lagos. followed by those of Netflix and Cloud- Orange also posted some details flare, which they believe will enable about the backbone via Twitter in June. users to save dozens of gigabytes. The company is present in 18 They also announced that they are also countries in Africa and the Middle in talks with Amazon and Facebook. East and claims to have 124 million According to Leloustre, once customers as at 30 June 2020. Ucit autatia tiorendae nobissim ipsantendis corem volut et et odiorestem the IXPs begin functioning at their Recently Orange reaffirmed its sup- il es ex eum utempos adit vene dolupta qui delest, commo et, consed quo optimum, they will ease local internet port of the One Africa Network (OAN) traffic exchange, reduce cost, and project, announcing the creation of who are covered by mobile networks million people, whereas in SSA, improve internet quality and access two new international voice Points of but who do not access the internet. the gap is currently almost 30% by optimising latency and bandwidth. Presence (PoP) in Lagos. He said 520 million people in of the population. The lack of Minister Likeng said the IXP roll-out Ndiaye said: “We are working Africa fall into this category, mainly internet excludes individuals from reflects the country’ progress towards hard to promote the emergence because of the high cost of smart opportunities to overcome the social digital transformation and progress of a dynamic digital society, a key devices and mobile services, and that and economic impact of the current with efforts to lead the Central African driver of African development. From content made available through these crisis. It also limits the ability of region’s telecom industry. this year, Orange will endeavour to devices is not always relevant and/ governments to effectively manage the The minister added that the keep African traffic in Africa.” or users do not have the skill sets to pandemic and its economic fallout. If government is eager to increase In September, during the GSMA’s take advantage of the technology. we don’t take action now, we run the access to broadband connection Thrive Africa 2020 event, Chairman “On a global level 7% of world’s risk of reinforcing existing inequalities for end-users and corporate users and CEO Richard raised the issue population lacks mobile broadband in the digital world and further by extending the national fibre of the usage divide or residents coverage, less than six hundred marginalising vulnerable people.” optic backbone from 20,000km to 25,000km in the next few years. Egyptian president airs ‘TIBA-1’ plans
Egyptian president Abdel Fattah satellite, citing the president’s the Egyptian government. al-Sisi called to ensure that the spokesperson Bassam Radi. This communications spacecraft ‘TIBA-1’ satellite be “utilised Talaat presented developments on will weigh approximately 5,640 kg with the utmost optimisation for the unified governmental network to at lift-off and was designed for a governmental communications” support fast data transmission. service life exceeding 15 years. within the administrative body and The project will help promote The satellite aims to promote the New Administrative Capital. governmental services and comes development by providing Local media reported that, as part of the state’s strategic telecommunications infrastructure the leader met with minister of digitisation project. and broadband internet to remote Under the terms of the deal, telecommunication Amro Talaat Based on the Eurostar E3000 and isolated areas, support CAMIX will run the IXPs which and the executive chief of Egyptian satellite platform, TIBA-1 was development projects in these areas, will be lodged at the CAMPOST Space Agency Mohammed Afifi developed by French companies as well as bridging the digital gap datacentre in Yaounde to discuss future usage of the Airbus and Thales Alenia Space for between urban and rural places.
10 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p5-11 (News) RS.indd 10 02/02/2021 17:17 NEWS
Martin Jarrold, chief of international China Talking satellite programme development, GVF
successfully Programme Digital Transformation Moderated by Engaging with the Task Force into discussion about Global GVF. industry’s global Transitions: Digital Economy, Digital https://gvf. launches Infrastructure, Connected Communities, org/webinar/ dialogues Digital Planet, https://gvf.org/webinar/ serving-underserved- Tiantong 1-03 global-transitions-digital-economy- communities/ With the conclusion on 3 December of digital-infrastructure-connected- Ground Segment: Transformational China successfully launched a new the GVF-Satellite Evolution 2020 Webinar communities-digital-planet/. Antennas II – Will Terminals mobile communications satellite on Series we are now planning the 2021 Over 8,000 individuals from at least Realize the Promised LEO the S-band frequency, covering Africa schedule. Whilst 2021 may at some 134 countries have, so far, watched Connectivity Revolution? and providing stable and reliable point see a return to the joys of the visa the webinars, with approximately half OneWeb; Isotropic Systems; mobile communication services such applications, airport security queues, this figure watching “live” and half ThinKom; SatProf/GVF Training; and as voice, messaging and data. busy departure lounges, and boarding viewing the recordings. Thematically Kratos. Moderated by Euroconsult. The satellite was launched into delays associated with international wide-ranging, here is a selective list of https://gvf.org/webinar/ground- space from the Xichang Satellite travel, I doubt a full return to the world some of our 2020 webinar sessions. If segment-transformational-antennas- Launch Centre in southwest as it was pre-pandemic: busy schedules you did not have the chance to view ii-will-terminals-realise-the-promised- China’s Sichuan Province, on a of international travel to attend the webinars “live”, you can avoid leo-connectivity-revolution/ Long March-3B carrier rocket. exhibitions, contribute to meetings, missing out by using the specific links Ground Segment: Transformational At an altitude of 22,236 miles and address conferences. Consequent provided. Alternatively, go to the webi- Antennas I – End of the Parabolic (35,786km), the satellite will orbit on the experience of lockdown, social nars home page at https://gvf.org/we- Paradigm? at a speed which keeps it fixed over distancing and WFH, and the realities binars/. Here you will also see details AvL Technologies; Kymeta; a point on the Earth below, making of restrictions on moving around the of our first webinar for 2021,Beyond Integrasys; and Alcan Systems. such orbits useful for providing globe introduced by governments 2020: New Applications, New Growth, Moderated by COMSYS stable communications services. responding to the pandemic, has come taking place on 28 January. https://gvf.org/webinar/ground- The new satellite will network with the realisation of effective alternatives Airborne Again? The Future Post- segment-transformational-antennas- the Tiantong 1-01 and Tiantong to travel that employ cyberspace to Pandemic Mobility Horizon i-end-of-the-parabolic-paradigm/ 1-02 satellites to improve resource convey ideas and enable exchanges Global Eagle; Intelsat; PJT Partners; 5G & Satellite: Driving Forward the efficiency and service capabilities. of knowledge. This will mean a and KenCast. Moderated by Access ‘Network of Networks’ All three are operated by China permanently different world when it Partnership. Norsat; Liquid Telecom; SatCom, a specialist in communica- comes to the means and platforms we https://gvf.org/webinar/airborne- SpaceBridge. Moderated by tion and broadcasting services. use to collaborate and cooperate, debate again-the-future-post-pandemic- European Space Agency. Africa’s telecom operators are and discuss, negotiate and forge deals. mobility-horizon/ https://gvf.org/webinar/5g- currently facing a growing demand Producing GVF’s Webinar Series has Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster satellite-driving-forward-the- for quality connectivity. been an interesting experience and Response: The Evolving Role of network-of-networks/ Demand for the internet is a rewardingly successful response to Satellites in Disaster Response The Satellite Integral Factor II: Will growing as remote areas, poorly this different world. With 15 events in Eutelsat; Inmarsat; Thuraya; and Working from Home Render the covered by mobile telephone the main 2020 webinar series, and a Knight Sky. Moderated by GVF. Cloud a Different Animal? operators, represent market niches further number produced for embed- https://gvf.org/webinar/ Hughes; SES Networks; and ST that are still largely untapped. ding within partner online events, it humanitarian-assistance-disaster- Engineering iDirect. Moderated by GVF. This launch will make it easier to was a notable year. A notable end to response-the-evolving-role-of- https://gvf.org/webinar/the- reach them, giving telecom opera- the year too, with the finale exploring satellites-in-disaster-response/ satellite-integral-factor-ii-will- tors a way to navigate the obstacle NewSpace, with a panel of speakers The Regional Satellite Operators’ Voice working-from-home-render-the- of network expansion in areas that moderated by one of the big names ABS; Arabsat; and Yahsat. cloud-a-different-animal/ often prove tricky to access. in space and satellite, the Founding Moderated by Euroconsult. Space Segment Disruptive It also means guaranteed new President of the Society of Satellite Pro- https://gvf.org/webinar/the- Evolution: GEO, MEO & LEO – Does revenues for telecom operators and fessionals International, Dean Emeritus regional-satellite-operators-voice/ a Global Crisis Make a Difference? internet service providers in Africa, at the International Space University, A Regional Perspective on C-Band – SES; Hughes; and Telesat. Moderated which rely on the Tiantong 1-03 and member of the Executive Board of The Next Battleground? by Satellite Evolution Group. satellite to extend their network cov- the International Association for the Ad- Intelsat; TV Globo; Sentech; and https://gvf.org/webinar/space- erage to new parts of the continent. vancement of Space Safety – Dr Joseph Hispasat. Moderated by ANATEL. segment-disruptive-evolution- The three Tiantong 1 satellites N. Pelton, https://gvf.org/webinar/ https://gvf.org/webinar/a- geo-meo-leo-does-a-global-crisis- will establish a mobile network with building-newspace-enterprise-applica- regional-perspective-on-c-band- make-a-difference/ ground facilities to provide all- tion-in-a-rapid-growth-ecosystem/. the-next-battleground/ Don’t forget to periodically visit the GVF weather, all-time, stable and reliable It is important to note that the GEO/MEO/LEO – Satellite in the webinars home page to check the 2021 mobile communications services various thematic dialogues we created Finance Markets online event schedule and make the such as voice, short message and and produced through 2020 can still Quilty Analytics; Melody Investment most of the opportunity to join in with data to users. They will cover China be experienced through the webinar Advisors LP; and Seraphim Space the industry’s important dialogues. and its surrounding areas, the Middle archive on the GVF’s YouTube channel Fund. Moderated by Milbank. You don’t have to listen only, because East, Africa and other regions. and accessed through the GVF website https://gvf.org/webinar/geo-meo- just as though you were attending a Launched in January 2020, at https://gvf.org/webinars/. Another leo-satellite-in-the-finance-markets/ physical and in-person event you can Tiantong 1-03 was developed and example of a key, future-looking Serving Underserved Communities put questions to our speakers, and built by the Chinese Academy of dialogue took place on 24 September, Kacific Broadband Satellites; Gilat what’s more the registration is free-of- Space Technology. bringing the United Nations Environment Satellite Networks; ViaSat; and SES. charge. See you online!
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 11
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AWCY 20 p23 (Mobile Mark).indd 4 28/07/2020 13:56 WIRELESS BUSINESS
Ethio Telecom nets 12% rise in H1 Airtel Africa Ethio Telecom saw a 12% rise in first-half Ethio has hired KPMG to determine its secures licence revenue to end-December to US$650m, the firm economic value ahead of a part-privatisation, reported. The operator said mobile voice services while the Ministry of Finance has hired Deloitte Airtel Africa has been issued a national telecom contributed 49% of the revenue and data services Consulting as its own adviser. operator licence in Uganda after paying some 26%. Ethio plans to launch mobile money US$74.6m through its subsidiary Airtel Uganda. services soon but has yet to give a timeframe. Following a period of negotiation and transition In June 2020, regulator the Ethiopian Com- to a new licensing regime, the new licence will munications Authority (ECA) said it had received commence on July 1 and be valid for 20 years. 12 bids for two telecom licences the government “Airtel Uganda will retain all its current plans to award to multinational companies. spectrum subject to the law and terms of However, it has not given a deadline for when assignment,” the group said. “The scope it will award the licences. Ethiopia’s telecoms of services will be the provision of basic industry is considered the big prize in a push telecommunication services, infrastructure to liberalise the economy as a protected market services, and value-added telecommunication which serves more than 110 million people. services. In addition, Airtel Uganda commits to The government said last year it will retain a achieving coverage of 90% of the geographical 55% stake in the state-run Ethio Telecom, with Ethio Telecom said mobile voice services boundary of Uganda within five years of the 40% going to international companies and the contributed 49% of the revenue and data effective date of the licence - with a minimum remainder to local investors. Meanwhile, services some 26% obligation of providing voice and data services.” Internet and data Liquid appoints Abu as new CEO
Liquid Telecom has appointed Wole Abu as we continue to expand our fibre network reach provider Seacom as chief executive officer (CEO) for Liquid on the African continent,” said Mohamed Abdel Telecom Nigeria effective January 2021. Prior Bassit, regional CEO, MEWA, Liquid Telecom. reveals changes to joining the pan-African firm, he was the CEO of Pan African Towers (PAT) and prior to Wole Abu will take Claes Segelberg has quit his post as chief tech- that, he served as the vice president of sales over as chief executive nical officer (CTO) at internet and data transmis- at Airtel Nigeria. Abu also held several senior officer (CEO) for sion provider Seacom, the company confirmed. management roles in the human resources, Liquid Telecom In a statement, the firm said Prenesh engineering, operations, finance, legal and Nigeria effective Padayachee, former CTO at internet solutions and marketing departments. January 2021, leaving former chief sales and marketing officer at Telkom “Abu brings over 14 years of experience in the the same position at Openserve, will officially take over as Seacom Group telecommunications industry which will be integral Pan African Towers chief digital officer (CDO) effective January 4. “Seacom is heading into a new future of invest- ment and growth, focusing on the rapidly expand- ing corporate segments in our key markets,” Sege- Xoom offers transfers to mobile lberg said. “This requires fresh ideas and new skills that will take Seacom from its current strengths wallets in 12 African countries into its future expansion and development.” In addition to the CTO’s responsibilities, Paday- Xoom, PayPal’s money transfer service, said channels has always been expensive. We wanted achee will also be absorbing the chief information customers in the US, UK, Canada and Europe to help bring down the cost and speed up the officer role, resulting in new title of CDO. “Claes has can now send secure and convenient money process to boost financial inclusion,” said Julian been a true asset to the Seacom team, playing a transfers directly to mobile wallets in 12 key King, vice president and general manager, pivotal role in shaping our organisation into the in- markets across Africa. Xoom. “There is nowhere else in the world that dustry leader it is today,” added Byron Clatterbuck, This new service, which has a focus on the moves more money on mobile phones than the outgoing chief executive officer (CEO). “We wish underbanked segment, expands the company’s sub-Saharan Africa. While there are only five him the very best with his future endeavours and offering to send money to mobile wallets in bank branches per 100,000 people as of 2019, are grateful that he will be staying with us until the Burundi, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, there are 1.04 billion registered mobile money end of March 2021 to ensure a seamless handover Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, accounts in sub-Saharan Africa.” into the capable hands of Prenesh.” Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are also The cost of sending money through Incoming Group CEO Oliver Fortuin added: plans to include more markets in 2021. traditional channels to Africa is one of the most “We know that Prenesh will continue to lead In Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe for example, expensive in the world - making it prohibitively the team professionally and uphold the high over 60% of adults have mobile money expensive to a number of people - with an standards our customers have come to expect accounts. This new service expands Xoom’s average cost of 9.3%. The cost of sending from Seacom. This transition marks the start offerings in Africa as the current service already $200 to the Sub-Saharan African region of exciting changes and new beginnings for our enables money transfers for cash pick-up, averaged 9% in 2018 and in the southern group. Thank you for supporting me, Claes, direct banks deposits and mobile reloads to 41 African subregion, the average cost was 18.7 Prenesh, and the rest of the executive team as countries in the continent. percent, almost three times higher than the we make this necessary transition.” “Sending money to Africa through traditional global average according to the World Bank.
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 13
NAWC 2101 p13-15 (Wireless Business) RS.indd 13 02/02/2021 17:18 WIRELESS BUSINESS
Airtel Uganda and Mastercard Nigeria’s 9mobile launch virtual debit card makes executive
Airtel Uganda has joined forces with Mastercard to seamless access to payments and a superior level changes introduced a virtual (non-plastic) debit card offering experience. We are very excited to partner with the operator’s customers a safe, convenient and Airtel to lead the transition to digital by enabling Nigerian operator firm 9mobile has made secure platform for online transactions. access to their millions of consumers for online several new executive appointments, including Airtel Money customers, even those without and in-person payments across the globe. new chief technology officer (CTO), deputy CTO a bank account, can now make payments Mastercard is uniquely positioned as a single and director of strategy. to local and global online merchants that technology provider to enable our digital partners Juergen Peschel has been appointed as the accept Mastercard cards like Netflix, Uber, like Airtel to transition seamlessly into digital.” new CTO, Baqi Salihu as his deputy and Karn Amazon, Google play, Aliexpress, Alibaba. Both The virtual card is valid for one year and can be Gulati as director of strategy. companies also said the customer’s financial deleted by the customer at any time. Customers “As CTO, Peschel, an experienced data is always secure and private. can also generate a new one immediately. All trans- professional with an international executive “Airtel and Mastercard have a shared passion for actions have a maximum charge of Ush 1,000. track record within the IT, managed services digital transformation and making mobile financial The new card also means Airtel is poised and telecommunications industry, including services accessible to everyone across the country,” to tap into the customers who already use the expertise in a wide variety of industry verticals said Amit Kapur, chief commercial officer Airtel Airtel mobile money service but might be having and markets, will oversee the evolution Uganda. “Airtel Money customers can conveniently problems making international transactions and integration of the company’s technical do online shopping, pay tuition and subscrip- outside Uganda. functions,” the company said in a statement. tions to their favourite sites and Apps by sim- As deputy CTO, Salihu will support the CTO to ply registering for a virtual card through drive technology decisions in line with current very easy and familiar steps.” trends and align the technical and transformation Amnah Ajmal, executive initiatives of 9mobile. He executed the LTE re-farm vice president for market solution using 1800MHz spectrum, achieving development, Mastercard Middle wider mobile broadband coverage, slashing the East and Africa added: “Across number of sites, and reducing carbon emissions the MEA region our digital while ensuring high-quality data service. partnerships strategy remains The new director of strategy, focused on enabling digital Gulati, will be responsible for transformation for our partners developing strategic, tactical, so that their consumers can enjoy and operational initiatives. “He is a long-serving manage- ment consultant with over 12 years of experience in the telecom and New global money technology sector,” 9mobile added. He has led advisory services teams focusing on transfer solution in Kenya Telecom, Media & Technology (TMT) industry and has worked across India, Africa, and south Co-operative Bank of Kenya, financial foreign bank account or mobile number. Thunes east Asia for various telecom clients. He also took institution in Kenya and the larger east says money transfers through this platform a break and founded a tech & food start-up during Africa region, has partnered with Thunes, a will bear no extra charge beyond the tariff, thus his entrepreneurial stint for three years. His ac- cross-border payment provider, to launch an offering full transparency on forex fees. complishments include programme management alternative global money transfer solution. Thunes said that Co-op Bank will enhance its of large-scale projects, achieving operational ex- Called Co-opRemit, it streamlines the digital banking services and deliver a convenient cellence with digitisation and process engineering, process of real-time money transfers, and cost-effective money transfer experience to its customer strategy, and greenfield launches.” particularly within Africa, allowing Co-op Bank customer base of over eight million. Meanwhile, 9mobile said it has introduced its customers in Kenya to move funds across the Co-opRemit users will be able to access the intelligent portal for instant verification to help world quickly at an affordable rate. service from a number of channels starting off with its customers link their SIM cards with their Customers may send money directly to a any of Co-op Bank’s branches across the country. National Identification Number (NIN). Covid-19 leads to MoMo explosion in Kenya
Mobile Money (MoMo) usage in Kenya has ex- greatly from the coronavirus crisis to the detriment represents a growth of 26.17% driven by ploded by 26.17% in 2020 compared to 2019 of that of bank cards. The number of transactions, the recent message of the president Uhuru - with a financial value of US$45.3bn between which was 1.7 billion from January to November Kenyatta, March 20, 2020. He urged people January and November, as nationals followed 2019, rose to 4.4 billion during the same period in across the country to adopt mobile payments government payment recommendations to curb 2020. That is a growth of 160.45%. to help curb the spread of the virus. The the spread of Covid-19. The financial value of these transactions number of subscribers has also increased from According to data from the Central Bank of amounted to Ksh5,000bn (US$45.3bn) against 58.039 million in November 2019 to 65.766 Kenya, the mobile money segment has benefited Ksh3,962.834bn (US$35.9bn) in 2019. This million in November 2020.
14 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p13-15 (Wireless Business) RS.indd 14 02/02/2021 17:18 WIRELESS BUSINESS
Tanzania joins regional community Mara Phones on the abolition of roaming charges appoints new MD
Tanzania has joined the project to reduce the cost Stephen Mbundi, the permanent secretary of the Mara Phones, the South African manufacturer of of international communications in the region, Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the sub- smartphones, has appointed Sylvester Taku to the following pressure from its peers in east Africa. regional executive body that “the United Republic position of managing director with immediate effect. The republic joins the One Area Network of Tanzania has concluded the consultations and He has been the head of growth at Mara (OAN), adopted by member countries of the is now ready to begin the process, implementation Phones since 2019 and led the opening of the Community of East African States (CAE) for the of the CAE roaming framework ”. first bricks-and-mortar Mara Experience Store in harmonisation of call rates in the sub-region. The missive comes as the country was in the Maponya Mall, Soweto, exactly a year after Mara Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan sights of EAC’s Transport, Communications Phones unveiled the country’s first smartphone already applied the new international mobile and Meteorological (TCM) Sector Council. At manufacturing facility in KZN. roaming tariffs indicated by this initiative a meeting held from June 24 to 28, 2019 in The retail store enables customers to officially launched in January 2015. Kampala, Uganda, Tanzania was given until experience the look and feel of Mara Phones’ Tanzania, five years behind its neighbours, March 31 this year to make a decision on the devices while being able to interact with had until the first quarter of 2021 to catch up. implementation of the “One Area Network”. technical specialists in their own community. In correspondence to the EAC secretariat, Burundi is also expected to join at a later date.. “Sylvester is bold and dependable with an amazing ability to spot the next opportunity. He will continue to do exceptionally well at Mara Phones as we grow together and make a huge Econet says data traffic up 90% positive social impact, bring fantastic sharehold- er returns and create real value for customers,” Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ) registered a presented by digitalisation. said Mara Phones CEO Ashish Thakkar. 90% upturn in data traffic on the backdrop of The group did experience a decline in Taku added “It is a privilege to lead the South shifting Covid-19 linked work patterns by locals, voice traffic volumes following the tariff African operations of the continent’s flagship the company said. The country has been on adjustments in July and August last year, smartphone brand; Mara Phones. Every South Afri- different levels of lockdowns since March 2020 but they have since started to recover. can can be proud that world-class smartphones roll prompting a shift in work and study patterns in Growth was experienced in SMS volumes out of our South African factory every day and my favour of home-based workstations. reflecting the increased usage of e-commerce focus going forward will be on growth in new mar- Presenting a trading update for the third platforms which drives customer SMS interactions. kets and forging new partnerships while solidifying quarter ended November 30, 2020, EWZ company “As we go into the next decade, we are intensi- the brand where we’re currently achieving.” secretary, Charles Banda said the firm has drawn fying our efforts to adapt our business model to Mara is a subsidiary of Mara Corp, an African dividends from the obtaining environment. deliver digital solutions,” brand and company that has been working “Our past investment in resilient network added Banda. on the continent for over two decades. infrastructure has positioned us to be the “The next few digital connectivity partner of choice,” he said. years will be “We continue to enable our customers to work pivotal to our and learn from home whilst observing social transformation Madagascan gov distancing etiquette. This is reflected in the data from a commu- traffic volumes which have increased by 89.5% nications service cuts telecom from the previous year.” provider to a Banda added that the pandemic has helped digital service the group to understand the opportunities provider.” tax to 8%
The government of Madagascar has cut the excise duty on the MTN offers new range of telecom sector, which rose from 8% to 10% in the 2020 finance law but dropped ‘Back-to-School’ bundles again to 8% in the 2021 finance bill. Ranesa Firiana Rakotonjanahary, the MTN has introduced a range of Back-to-School months, free 5GB YouTube Entertainment bundle secretary-general of the Ministry of Posts, device and data deals for pre-paid and post- and a free once-off 20GB MTN Home Bundle. Telecommunications and Digital Development paid in South Africa. The operator said the Customers already with a PayAsYouGo router (MPTDN), said the decision followed a study deals help nationals get “a fresh start” and can take up prepaid SIM-only deals including conducted by the department which showed offer them the value and flexibility they need for R99 for 15GB data, which includes 5GB Anytime that a decline in the excise duty will benefit online and home-learning. and 5GB Night Express data valid for 30 days, consumers at all levels. All MTN Back-to-School deals include free plus a free 5GB MTN Home Bundle once-off However, the department said it will continue MTN Home bundles for data access to Google or R149 for 30GB data (10GB Anytime, 10GB to monitor the actions of Airtel, Blueline, Classroom and Hangouts, Skype and WebEx. Night Express and 10GB MTN Home Bundle). Orange Madagascar and Telma to improve Furthermore, for a one-off R599, prepaid Subscribers under the age of 25 are eligible the telecom environment. The rationale is to customers will get a Sharelink H220M Mi-Fi for the 10GB MTN Pulse Student Bundle which ensure that there will be a drop in prices for LTE router + 50GB of value consisting of 13GB comes with free 500MB MTN Home Bundle all consumers and not only for users of social Anytime data (once-off), 1GB per month for 12 (5GB Anytime and 5GB Night Express) for R49. networks, which has happened in the past.
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 15
NAWC 2101 p13-15 (Wireless Business) RS.indd 15 02/02/2021 17:18 NEWS
4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
SASIA 19Q4 p12 (CommunicAsia).indd 4 03/04/2020 17:27 ON THE NETWORK
How IoT healthcare is transforming testing for infectious diseases across Africa The road to universal healthcare in Africa is by necessity taking a different route with digital health projects deployed across the continent. Robert Koldys from Telecom26 takes a look at an innovative testing programme made possible by IoT networks
n fact, the World Health Organisa- tion says that there are fewer than I5,000 intensive care beds across 43 of Africa’s 55 countries which is about five beds per million people, compared with about 4,000 beds per million in Europe. However, a shortage of physical infrastructure - hospitals and beds - doesn’t mean that the people of Africa go undiagnosed and untreated both during the current Covid crisis - and in the future. The approach to universal healthcare is by necessity taking a different route from other continents. Just as parts of Africa leapt straight from no telephones to 3, 4 and now 5G coverage, the rollout of Digital Health projects are improving access to health care services for those living in hard to reach areas across Africa. Two companies that have been pioneers in the rollout of ehealth and mobile health solutions are Tele- com26 and its long-term customer, SystemOne. Together our innovative approach of integrating diagnostic The approach Africa is taking towards universal healthcare is by necessity a different route from other continents devices with IoT networks is changing the way healthcare is delivered. where diagnosis and treatment Unfortunately, this limits users the contract has been extended to Traditionally medical samples plans can be immediately to one mobile network operator SystemOne’s projects in Ghana, taken from patients are transported developed and sent back. (MNO) - and adds juggling multiple Mozambique and Zimbabwe. by road to the nearest laboratory In addition, the information SIMs across devices to find the The SystemOne diagnostic devices for analysis. However, many of the that SystemOne gathers helps strongest local network to a long used by medical personnel now have medical centres are in remote rural countries respond more effectively list of headaches for healthcare Telecom26’s global SIM cards inside. areas and so it can take days for to outbreaks of infectious disease professionals on the ground”. In addition, SystemOne is trialling samples to arrive and the results by identifying positive cases faster Telecom26’s global SIM cards were Telecom26’s multi-SIM routers in and treatment plans communicated and allowing a big-picture view of developed with the specific goal of im- Mozambique and Zimbabwe. These back to the patient. Unfortunately, disease spread across a region. proving connectivity in remote areas. enable SystemOne’s diagnostics speed of diagnosis and treatment is Key to the success of SystemOne’s They enable devices to automatically devices to access secure connectivity often the difference between life and real-time remote diagnostic data access and switch between multiple and automatically switch between death with many infectious diseases. software is reliable connectivity. networks both in-country and across multiple cellular and satellite net- Across 43 countries, SystemOne Unreliable bandwidth and borders thus removing the need to works - and any wifi or LANs - so that tests around 250,000 people per patchy connectivity are problems worry about the coverage of a single they always use the best performing month for TB, HIV, ebola - and now encountered by digital health MNO, or the existence of roaming connected network available. Covid-19. It has been operational in programmes across the world but alliances. Multiple-IMSI profiles are Together SystemOne, Telecom26 19 countries in Africa since 2012. particularly in Africa where many pre-loaded on every SIM allowing for and their IoT healthcare approach SystemOne’s technology has medical clinics are in remote areas simple reconfiguration if the primary are saving lives across the world revolutionised testing programmes. with unreliable telecom networks. network has poor or no service. and helping countries respond more Its software connects to any Brad Cunningham, COO at Telecom26 has been providing effectively to outbreaks of infectious diagnostic analyser into which SystemOne, says “The traditional IoT connectivity to SystemOne disease by identifying positive cases samples are fed with information route for us was to buy local SIMs across both Africa and Asia for faster and allowing a big-picture view sent to a remote diagnosis system to provide device connectivity. the last two years. Most recently, of disease spread across a region. n
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 17
NAWC 2101 p17 (OTN).indd 17 02/02/2021 17:18 FEATURE: MOBILE MONEY
Covid-19: a blessing for mobile money? Many countries in Africa have either stopped or limited the circulation of cash in a bid to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus. Robert Shepherd asks: could this be the making of mobile money?
18 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p18-22 (Feature I) RS.indd 18 02/02/2021 17:18 FEATURE: SATELLITE
obile money, affectionately known as transmitting it from person to person. MoMo to many, has been a staple of While that might be the obvious and Ahmad Sayed, the east African economy for years. conscientious thing to do, it’s not always regional director, Middle MAfter more than a decade since its straightforward expecting a population to East and Africa, emergence, the service has evolved as the embrace a new method of payment when Nexign formal financial service of choice for many they’ve spent centuries using cold, hard cash. underserved groups in developing countries. Before that, of course, the infrastructure needs Pre-pandemic days, the rapid adoption and to be established in the first place. widespread use in this part of Africa wasn’t Patrick Roussel, director of mobile financials necessarily to do with convenience, but on its services, MEA, Orange says apart from northern necessity, since it bridges gaps for the “unbanked” Africa and in the Middle East, the countries “Generally, telco operators are ready population that the existing banking sector doesn’t. where it operates as a mobile money operator It comes as no surprise then that emerging (MMO) in Africa have less infrastructure than for MoMo in terms of infrastructure. markets have become the epicentre of mobile in eastern Africa but things are moving and However, implementation of BSS money activity and sub-Saharan Africa has long Covid19 is accelerating progress. been experiencing the most growth. Prior to “For example, bank switches are not yet solutions that support online Covid-19, transaction volume and value in the present in our countries but with Orange Money region saw double-digit growth during the last we have more and more direct bank integrations charging and MoMo transactions can decade, and mobile money accounts are expected (Bank2Wallet) which enable us to propose to reach 500 million at the end of 2020. transfers from a customer’s Orange Money wallet make it even easier for CSPs to fully Championed by the late Bob Collymore, the to their bank account and vice versa,” he says. late chief executive officer (CEO) of Safaricom, “Also, we have more and more retailers that are embrace the trend” Kenya and Tanzania have embraced the technol- willing to integrate Orange Money as a payment ogy that helped the unbanked pay and receive method. In general, we can see that, especially continues. “Big operators and groups in Africa money for goods and services for some time now. since the pandemic, regulators have been try to promote MoMo because it is a huge Nevertheless, we are now in very different times increasingly promoting mobile money adoption.” revenue generator. A good example is Orange - fighting a war with an invisible and indiscriminate That said, Anil Krishnan, head of Africa region with its Orange Money offering and recently enemy, going by the name of Covid-19. Is that at Comviva, the Indian mobile solutions and launched 100% mobile Orange Bank Africa.” good or bad news for mobile money? Let’s start VAS specialist, says even in the pre-Covid era, Sayed says that, generally, telco operators with east Africa, which is now synonymous with “quite a few west African countries like Ghana, are ready for mobile money in terms of the likes of Safaricom’s M-pesa service. Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Mali; central African infrastructure. “However, implementation of Edwin Okoye, chief executive officer of Follow countries like Cameroon, Gabon and Democratic BSS solutions that support online charging and Me Talk, a smartphone financing company, Republic of Congo and southern African MoMo transactions can make it even easier for says that while mobile money is popular, it is countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, CSPs to fully embrace the trend,” he continues. saturated. “What will happen now due to Covid Botswana and Malawi had significant traction on “However, regulatory requirements and local is that people will need to look for ‘deals’ on the mobile money front. “Popular MoMo services laws can be an obstacle. In some countries, mobile - either with cheaper calls, or spreading like Orange Money, Airtel Money, EcoCash, operators are not allowed to operate as a bank the costs of handsets,” he says. MTN MoMo, etc to name a few have been doing – for example, to host a mobile wallet and use it “Mobile Money is already a saturated market extremely well in multiple African countries to transfer money – which means that CSPs have in Kenya - with nearly all the banks trying to have even before the onset of Covid pandemic,” he to partner with banks and other institutions to a go at it. Covid has had a massive impact on the says. “We are also seeing other markets in the launch these services. In this case, the operator Kenyan economy and one big impact has been region warming up to mobile money services provides the front end for financial services to that smartphone sales have gone through the in the post Covid times. For example, Nigeria its clients, but the actual transactions happen roof. People are at home looking for new business has approved regulations to launch of mobile within the partner bank’s systems.” ideas and consuming more data looking for jobs money in the country through Payment banks. Good news then that, in the current climate, or communicating with loved ones.” While Egypt took slew of regulatory measures MoMo is not the preserve of a handful of east He says that one implication of Covid that like easing KYC rules and increasing transaction African nations. However, it still begs the question Follow Me Talk can predict is that there will be limits, Ethiopian regulators have also cleared as to how the more ‘unbanked’ countries with more take up of financing of smartphones. “At the decks for the lone operator in the country to little internet access survive if cash is no longer the moment people are still conscious of the offer mobile money services. Morocco recently in circulation if app-based transactions become economy but we predict that before Christmas saw launch of three new mobile money services the dominant form of money transaction? and certainly in 2021, there will be a big rise including Inwi Money and Orange Money. MTN Krishnan says one of the key success factors in financing,” Okoye continues. “Covid has in South Africa re-launched MoMo. These are of mobile money among the “unbanked” in Africa increased phone usage in Kenya - especially with positive trends that show the popularity of is that the services are fundamentally device and more people working from home. People also mobile money now transcends east Africa.” “channel agnostic”. In simple English, that means want to try new alternatives for cheaper calls, or It’s a view shared by Ahmad Sayed, regional the services work seamlessly across access new international numbers for cheaper calls to director, Middle East and Africa at fellow VAS channels supported by any type of phones – friends and family abroad. It’s actually a great specialist, Nexign, who says pandemic aside, basic feature phone to smartphone. “Internet time to be launching an MVNO service.” MoMo “has been a hot trend”, especially availability has proven less of a challenge in However, head left to the west coast of the countries in western and north western Africa. the adoption as the mobile money services world’s second largest nation and you’ll find What’s more, he has the stats to back up the are being offered over other popular access that “Cash is King”. Well, that was true until the claim. “According to the 2019 GSMA report channels like USSD, IVR, etc,” he continues. Covid-19 pandemic ripped through the continent, on Mobile Money, Africa is by far the leading “In fact, a significant portion of transactions in making the governments of Nigeria and its continent for MoMo services with 50 million Africa (over 90% in some countries) are done neighbours nervous of handling banknotes, owing new accounts created on the continent in 2019 through USSD, which does not require internet. to the fact they can carry the novel coronavirus, and a 12% increase in registered users,” Sayed On the other hand in markets with reasonable
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 19
NAWC 2101 p18-22 (Feature I) RS.indd 19 02/02/2021 17:18 FEATURE: MOBILE MONEY
Popular MoMo services like Orange Money, Airtel Money, EcoCash, MTN MoMo, etc to name a few have been doing extremely well in multiple African countries even before the onset of Covid pandemic
Internet connectivity, we are also seeing the rise their other operations directly from their mobile. speed internet and mobile broadband (4G/5G) of mobile money apps, which provide better One of the Orange Money strengths is to put in is not absolutely necessary, which means this user experience as well as more flexibility for place a huge number of point of sales i.e. more won’t be much of an obstacle for African CSPs,” innovations such as ‘Scan & Pay’ (QR Code), ‘Tap than 300,000 across our footprint in order to he adds. “Moreover, MoMo can be a good solution & Pay’ (NFC) and so on.” facilitate customer cash in and cash out.” for banks that need to develop remote service If you don’t have a smartphone, there are oth- Roussel says Africa is already seeing channels in places where financial infrastructure er options, such as the mobile payment option increased proliferation of smartphones, such is not well-developed. Here operators can help that is Orange Money. Even more than that, it’s a as the Orange Sanza mobile phone range, banks by providing them with solutions that service that is very easy to use, accessible from “providing an affordable way for consumers enable remote card issuance in compliance with almost all phones and does not need to have in the UEMOA region” to gain access to more all KYC procedures and reach the existing mobile internet access, according to Roussel. advanced technology. “These smartphones will subscriber base with new financial services.” “The service works from a simple 2G network deliver new ways for customers to access mobile Unlike other forms of technology, such through the very classic USSD interface,” he money services through easy to use apps, as methods of communication, the uptake continues. “ Customers register free of charge at and new functionality which will improve the tends to be more evolutionary. People see an Orange Money point of sale near their home: customer experience,” he says. their friends using an app, so they join them. this can be an Orange store of course, but also, For Sayed, even countries without widespread Yet while one could argue that the slow, but depending on the country, an Orange franchise, a internet connectivity can have operators that offer steady appreciation of mobile money in grocery store or a petrol station for example. Then, mobile money solutions. “In fact, today primary northern, western and southern Africa is or was once registered, our customers can perform all of channels for MoMo are USSD and SMS and high- evolutionary prior to the pandemic, one could
20 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p18-22 (Feature I) RS.indd 20 02/02/2021 17:18 NEWS
4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
NAWC 2011 p19.indd 4 11/11/2020 10:41 FEATURE: MOBILE MONEY
also retort that it has now become a medical bringing global economies to a grinding halt, back of this debilitating, the world at large will necessity – a revolution, if you will. some positives have come from it, depending on have to continue looking at ways to minimise If the latter is to be believed, does that mean one’s own personal circumstances. For Krishnan, the spread. If, in this case, Africa is looking to mobile money will be more than a short-term it has reinforced the need and demonstrated migrate from paper to digital money, it’s not a catalyst and – for want of a better expression – the multiple benefits offered by mobile money bad idea to know what’s out there. “the future”? Sayed says there is no doubt the services. “A large number of users beyond “Today you have to be an Orange customer pandemic has accelerated the trend towards east Africa where MoMo was already popular to use the service,” says Roussel. “Now it is virtual products and remote channels. “When have experienced the benefits of contactless possible in many Orange Money countries to personal visits to banks and cash payments payments at merchants, P2P transfers, enabling make money transfer transactions to non-Orange became dangerous, all market participants financial transactions like bill payments, etc Money countries such as for example between started looking for a contactless infrastructure during the lockdown period,” he continues. Botswana where Orange is implemented and that would be ready for operation with minimal “Mobile money is also enabling government and Zimbabwe where Orange is not.” modifications,” he continues. “Covid-19 might be humanitarian organization to disburse financial Comviva is also doing its bit, with customers a short-term catalyst for use of MoMo, but the aid directly to mobile wallets of the vulnerable in over 40 countries in Africa. It also takes a lot growing trend for transactions without physical people, collecting Covid-19 relief donations of pride in what it calls its “dominant” position contact makes MoMo extremely attractive digitally, paying salary to front line workers etc.” in the African market for its digital financial both for CSPs and end-users in a long-term Krishnan believes these use cases and solutions that include our mobile money perspective. Earlier people were not making benefits will – in Comviva’s view – propel the platform, digital banking suite and electronic use of MoMo, mainly due to security concerns. adoption of mobile money in these markets as recharge & voucher management solution. Now, after Covid-19 forced them to use MoMo we have witnessed significant growth in mobile ”Today we not only serve telecom providers, solutions, many subscribers feel more confident money transactions during the pandemic period. but also banks, fintech and digital payment about it, even those who were initially sceptical. “It is our strong belief that the interest in mobile providers,” adds Krishnan. “We are building on Now the trick for CSPs is to convince people to money is not short-term and this service is here our strong leadership position in the region to continue using MoMo and change the ‘Cash is to stay even in post Covid-19 era,” he says. expand our reach into other countries for our King’ mindset with new digital offerings.” However, it’s not all roses for players in the digital financial solutions both in greenfield as Roussel says the pandemic has definitely mobile money space. well as transformation opportunities.” been a catalyst for accelerating trends in digital The success of such services attracted the What about Nexign? SAYED says the Russian adoption by Orange’s customers. He adds that attention of tax authorities seeking to expand their firm is willing to develop its Network Monetisa- during the pandemic, the BCEAO Central Bank revenue base. After all, in sub-Saharan Africa, the tion Suite and offer its functionality to African and others like BEAC in central Africa and BCC in formal economy represents about 34% of the customers to help them embrace mobile money DRC have asked Orange and other MMOs to cut population, putting extra pressure on states to and its benefits, like fast money transfer, mi- transaction fees for Orange Money and reduce seek new sources of revenue. Mobile money ser- cropayments and NFC-based payment products. KYC requirements, in an attempt to encourage vices have been such an opportunity. While there “Nexign has already a successful example people to avoid using cash and therefore help is no doubt that African governments have to raise of partnering with MegaFon - a pan-Russian slow down the spread of the virus. “For example, taxes and broaden their tax bases, they must also provider of digital opportunities and a leader the person-to-government (P2G) payments, like approach tax policy with a discerning eye. Despite in the Russian and global telecommunications public benefits and pensions, school fees, etc. is the diverse methods proposed to tax mobile mon- market - to create a popular mobile money particularly vital during a pandemic for people ey, in most cases the results – especially on mobile product,” adds Sayed. “MegaFon subscribers and governments,” he says. “There is a growing money transaction – are controversial, proving the were offered a virtual bank card that mirrored understanding that the effects of Covid19 will structural weaknesses of taxation in the region the mobile balance and could be immediately be long-lasting. The crisis has increased mobile and putting Africa’s financial inclusion at risk. used with an NFC-based smartphone payment money adoption, and the strategy of Orange is A recent report from GSMA notes: “State system. As a result, MegaFon received a to accelerate the Orange Money digitalisation for authorities are unable to fully understand the convenient product closely integrated with the a better customer experience and more services. nuances of emerging sectors, such as mobile- connectivity services and loyalty programmes. And Orange is encouraged by the governments money services or even the wider digital Within the 1st year of the project MegaFon and the Central Banks in this strategy.” economy.” The result has been “badly designed issued one million virtual cards bound to The irony is that despite the pandemic taxes which, although they may seem attractive subscribers’ mobile accounts and increased at first sight, fail to consider the impact on the ARPU by 100% for mobile money users.” Anil Krishnan, broader economy and society.” He argues that Nexign’s solutions are flexible head of Africa region, Independent research and reports from enough to support multi-currency and be imple- Comviva prestigious organisations, such as the above men- mented in various countries. “Despite different tioned GSMA, reveal aspects of the problematic regulatory requirements in each region, Nexign’s way in which mobile money services are treated. delivery team is ready to share its experience This includes specifics of the population that and work closely with African CSPs to develop uses these services or the negative impact on MoMo offering that will be fully integrated with financial inclusion those taxes bring about. partner’s solutions and will be suitable for the According to another report of GSMA, 77% local market,” says Sayed. “Ultimately, Nexign of mobile money providers reported paying can help African CSPs be fintech advocates in “One of the key success factors sector-specific taxes in 2019, whether on fees, their region and become trusted partners for of mobile money among the transaction values, or total revenue. Additionally, customers that use financial services.” 23% of those affected said taxation was While the bad news is, we don’t know how “unbanked” in Africa is that the harming the uptake of mobile money services things will pan-out in the short or even long- and their business, revealing the regressive term, the good news is you don’t have to have services are fundamentally device effect of poorly designed taxes. all the mod-cons synonymous with wireless Sadly, in the absence of a vaccine/cure, we’re technology to make or receive payments. This and channel agnostic” still no closer to knowing when we might see the could make mobile money. n
22 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p18-22 (Feature I) RS.indd 22 02/02/2021 17:18 NEWS
4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
SASIA 20Q1 p36 (YB).indd 4 03/04/2020 17:33 INDUSTRY VIEW: INFRASTRUCTURE
Empowering businesses and subscribers through investment and collaboration Africa is seeing steady growth, but there are ways to make it grow faster, writes Clementine Fournier from BICS
obile infrastructure in Africa is year, mobile money transactions with a total Smart healthcare is also thriving. Zipline, for evolving. There are moves to make value of over $456 billion were carried out instance, recently announced that its drones are cross-continent roaming affordable. across sub-Saharan Africa. That’s three and a now responsible for delivering more than 20% MWe’re seeing investment in infrastructure half times the value of transactions recorded in of Rwanda’s national blood supply outside the from home and abroad. Lower-cost handsets South Asia, the second-highest ranked region in country’s capital city of Kigali. are helping to democratise internet access terms of such services. This is helping to fuel Connected industries and services such as and communications. All of these factors are enterprise and commerce across the continent. these are helping to attract investment and boost- allowing individuals and communities to benefit Connected agriculture, meanwhile, presents ing home-grown businesses. But there is still a lot from mobile digital services and the growing IoT. fertile ground (pun intended!), and offers a more investment and progress that can be made. They are also crucial for businesses to realise solution to enduring problems of food poverty. the potential of the African continent. Since 2016, over US$19m has been invested in Clementine Fournier, However, challenges remain. This year, connected agritech in Africa alone, according to regional VP, these have included Covid-19 and fraud, both a report released last year by Disrupt-Africa. Africa, of which present barriers to progress. If Businesses in the sector include AgroCenta, BICS such challenges can be overcome, intelligent which is aiming to improve the agriculture connectivity will drive Africa’s digital value chain in Ghana. Its online platform transformation. It will support everything from allows smallholders to access finance and the harvests to healthcare, and enhance the lives agricultural market, cutting out middlemen and of the continent’s 1.2 billion residents. Last selling goods directly to buyers.
24 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p24-25 (Industry View) RS.indd 24 02/02/2021 17:19 INDUSTRY VIEW: INFRASTRUCTURE
Investing in connectivity for on the other hand, the situation has been very separate process to launching next-generation Africa’s future different. Without connectivity, smartphones or services on a national level. First, a national computers, many employees have been unable backbone must be upgraded, and only then can In terms of attracting investment, you couldn’t pick to work remotely. Others have had to contend an operator reconfigure roaming infrastructure. In more high-profile partners than Google and Face- with network congestion caused by a sharp rise many regions, there’s still some way to go. book. In May, Facebook announced 2Africa, one of in the number of people trying to get online. The GSMA predicted that 3G connections would the largest subsea cable projects in the world. The Supporting the surge in internet traffic overtake 2G connections in 2019. We’ll await more 37,000km cable will deliver internet capacity, re- has been a challenge for some operators. recent announcements to see if this has been dundancy, and reliability across Africa, connecting The pandemic will have highlighted to many the case. However, we do know that in 2018, 4G both sides of the continent on a single system. governments the level of investment that’s accounted for 7% of total connections in sub- At the start of July, the Kenyan government gave required to develop connectivity infrastructure Saharan Africa, compared to the global average the go-ahead to Google-owned Loon to launch a and improve national backbones. Nigeria’s of 44%. It won’t be too long before this improves, network of internet-enabled balloons across the government, for instance, recently approved though 4G adoption is predicted to overtake 2G in country. The balloons will provide 4G coverage and the National Information Communications 2023 and rise to 23% of connections by 2025. will initially cover a region spanning 50,000sqkm. Technology Infrastructure Backbone, an initiative 4G connectivity will help to support the That initiative has sinced been cancelled, but to extend fibre infrastructure to 19 states in the kind of IoT applications discussed earlier. In it shows Africa’s ambition. However, it’s also north of the country. Cameroon, meanwhile, is the meantime, 3G is adequate for many IoT worth noting the wider business, political and set to complete the country’s component of the applications. Deployments of 5G across Africa soft-power benefits that such a strong presence Central Africa Backbone by the end of this year. remain few and far between, and we’ve not on the continent can afford. To ensure investment To ensure that subscribers receive a high received any requests for 5G roaming in Africa. in connectivity is intelligent – not just for the main quality of service, it is important – especially In July, South African operator MTN launched players in question, but for the continent, its across a continent as huge as Africa – that its 5G network in the country, with the initial citizens and telco community – partnering with traffic is kept locally. This can be achieved by deployment of 100 5G sites. However, this local businesses and governmental organisations routing traffic via points of presence, or PoPs. is limited to regions in Johannesburg and is crucial. Investment, wherever and whoever it’s If operators and service provider don’t utilise Cape Town, so remains far from the kind of from, should empower African regions. Loon’s pro- PoPs, voice calls placed in Africa have to be accessible service needed to guarantee what we ject is a collaboration with carrier Telkom Kenya, rerouted via international PoPs, impacting the can term ‘intelligent connectivity.’ while Facebook said it has ‘partnered with leading quality of service. A call made from Kenya to African and global operators to build 2Africa.’ Tanzania, for example, would normally be routed Fighting fraud Connecting Africa makes business sense, but through London and back to Tanzania, travelling what of the end users of connected services? thousands of kilometres in the process. Another major challenge is fraud. Again, Cov- According to the GSMA, there are 456 million Leveraging PoPs means that voice and roaming id-19 served to highlight what still needs to be unique mobile subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa. data traffic stay within the region. By keeping achieved by many African countries to ensure By 2025, this is predicted to reach 600 million. traffic in Africa local, customers can benefit safe, secure, high quality services for subscrib- This latter figure represents about half the total from an increase in the quality of service, no ers. Traditional SIM box fraud has always been population of Africa, which is still fairly low com- latency and increased internet speeds. an issue in Africa, and during the Covid-19 peri- pared with other global regions. The opportunity od we also witnessed a surge in Wangiri. In addi- for telecoms providers to grow in Africa is there- Roam free in Africa? tion to a reported increase in victims of Wangiri fore huge. In fact, the GSMA forecasts $51 billion on the continent, a number of global reports in operator revenues by 2025. In 2018 they were Africa is home to around 1.2 billion people, pointed the finger of blame at African countries, $42 billion; an increase of around 21%. and many businesses and livelihoods are where many of the scam calls originated. dependent on the seamless movement of As with the need for upgrading infrastructure, Challenges of working from home people and goods. An ‘intelligent’ approach to Covid-19 has demonstrated there is a need to connecting the continent must therefore include improve security and anti-fraud solutions on 2020 and Covid-19 have highlighted the a focus on developing roaming infrastructure. operators’ networks. This includes deploying importance of access to reliable, affordable Upgrading infrastructure from 3G to 4G (and solutions like SMS firewalls, IPX security, and connectivity. At the start of the pandemic there thus delivering a better QoS for subscribers) fraud detection and blocking platforms. was much talk of Covid-19 as a virus that does is a global trend. In January, BICS’ findings on not discriminate. However, it quickly became worldwide mobile traffic growth revealed an Tackling the bottleneck apparent that those with limited access to uplift in roaming traffic across all continents. services would obviously be the worst hit. Those We’ve also noted an uptick in the number of Despite the global crisis of Covid-19, services include healthcare of course, but they our African operator customers launching LTE developments in connectivity are continuing also include digital services and the underlying roaming. Two years ago, only around 10% had throughout Africa. The pandemic will connectivity infrastructure that supports these. done so; today its approximately 60%. undoubtedly impact what is already the biggest Since March, working from home became ‘Intelligent connectivity’ needs to be bottleneck in improving technology and access the norm for many employees across the world. accessible and affordable for end users. to technology: cost. However, we’ve seen positive For many – myself included – this was perfectly We’ve seen great strides in this area in 2020. moves by OTT players and traditional telcos, and feasible. Decent broadband and cellular New members continue to join the SMART this investment activity must continue. connectivity meant we have been able to do Africa Alliance, for instance, and support its Investment must be a combination of the basics, like access emails and make phone One Africa Network project. The Alliance is government and private sector. It must go hand calls. A smaller, though still sizable proportion, working to reduce roaming charges among in hand with industry regulations that enable have also been able to make and take video the 30 participating African countries, which competitive pricing for the customer. Finally, calls, attend virtual events, and collaborate collectively represent over 750 million people. to ensure that connectivity really is ‘intelligent’ with colleagues using cloud-enabled unified Upgrading roaming infrastructure and delivering for end-users as well as for businesses communication and collaboration platforms. For ‘intelligent connectivity’ is not without significant and operators, collaboration and regional many employees based in countries in Africa, challenges. Upgrading to LTE roaming is a participation is needed to drive innovation. n
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 25
NAWC 2101 p24-25 (Industry View) RS.indd 25 02/02/2021 17:19 FEATURE: 5G
Ooredoo Algeria deploys Nokia Cloud Mobile Gateway Ooredoo Algeria becomes the first telecom operator in north Africa to deploy a virtualised telco application as part of its key partnership with Nokia
ast year, Ooredoo Algeria partnered with Nokia’s Cloud Mobile Gateway has been in- capacity and to start the process of cloudification Finnish gear-maker Nokia to take the first stalled and placed into commercial service. Nokia for telco applications. With this solution, we will be step towards next generation networks will be deploying more gateways in the near future. able to support more users, devices and services Land reinforce its technology leadership in the Next Generation Core (NGC) is a service-based over wireless and fixed access. We are proud to region with the successful deployment of North architecture that calls for the evolution of the core continue our pioneering technology deployments Africa’s first virtualised Mobile Gateway. network. Deployment of the Cloud Mobile Gateway is with the implementation of this first virtualised This is a crucial step for the migration of core one of the most important steps in this transforma- network application in north Africa. We look forward network elements to the cloud and paves the tion. It will help Ooredoo Algeria “deliver a seamless to working with Nokia for future projects as well.” way for the transformation of the core network network” experience across fixed and wireless access Pierre Chaume, head of the north and west to support next generation mobile network technologies. With the help of the Nokia AirFrame Africa market unit at Nokia, adds: “The consump- technology. The deployment allows Ooredoo data centre solution, Ooredoo Algeria will be able to tion of data is increasing across the world and Algeria to meet growing data demand in the deliver telco applications that demand low latency. telcos are grappling with ever-increasing demand region and provide new and innovative services “Collaboration with Nokia for this initiative for capacity. The deployment of the Cloud Mobile like Internet of Things (IoT), in addition to will help us in transforming our networks for Gateway will help Ooredoo Algeria in the evolution enhanced broadband to its subscribers. next generation mobile broadband services and of the core network to enable its customers to Once deployed, Ooredoo Algeria’s reinforcing our technology leadership,” says enjoy high-bandwidth services, delivered with the subscribers will be able to enjoy high Abdullatif Hamad Dafallah, chief executive officer highest possible performance and reliability.” bandwidth-consuming services, delivering the at Ooredoo Algeria. “Nokia’s field-proven, end-to- Africa definitely has the appetite for 5G. It best possible performance and reliability. end solution will enable us to enhance packet core might just need to be more realistic re timings. n
26 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p26-27 (Feature II) RS.indd 26 02/02/2021 17:19 Register here for your free digital edition kadiumpublishing.com/register/nawc.html FEATURE: SATELLITE
Network upgrades during Covid-19: • Procurement of new equipment - and shipping capacity by integrating the latest technology the world’s first remote activation • Integration with 3rd party vendors including with a new network design. Huawei and ZTE DRC’s network is now more agile and able to of a cellular backhaul network • Physical end terminals migration meet changes in demand and needs. As a result, Vodacom DRC is the second largest MNO in DRC • Disaster recovery customer satisfaction and ARPUs are rising. with around 15m customers, with a voice and data • Rollout and Activation Vodacom now has a network that is easier to service provided over nationwide 2G, 3G and 4G • The arrival of Covid-19 manage, with the ability to pro-actively monitor networks. The operator’s cellular backhaul needed Unfortunately, Covid hit the DRC before the and earlier identification of problems. an overhaul and as Vodacom’s largest operational network upgrade had started. Equipment was Gilat Telecom is also working on a similar overhead, the network needed to be more efficient stuck in the port and overseas engineers were project in West Africa to reduce OPEX by re- with capacity maximised and the flexibility to meet unable to enter the country. designing a nationwide cellular network - and the TTM (Time-To-Market) changes. It also needed However, Covid didn’t stop Gilat Telecom from aligning existing technologies and equipment. to be able to adapt and be upgraded so Vodacom improving Vodacom DRC’s network Davor Folkenfolk, head of business develop- can continue to grow its revenues. Thanks to the strong relationships of Gilat Tele- ment, Gilat Telecom says: “The OPEX of many Vodacom turned to its long-term supplier and com’s team on the ground, they were able to organ- MNOS across Africa can be reduced by under- trusted advisor, Gilat Telcom, for help with re- ise the shipping and customs clearance with small standing the actual needs, bottlenecks and over- designing and upgrading its network. engineering teams assembled across the country in heads. The network’s re-design becomes much In 2019 after two months of extensive both cities and rural areas. Deployment, integra- easier with all data now available. Deployments research and analysis, Gilat Telecom presented a tion and activation were all completed remotely. are never easy in the DRC and COVID complicat- thorough plan which included: The network upgrade has been a fantastic ed matters. However, we were determined to see • A complete network re-design including RF success. Vodacom’s OPEX has been reduced this project through. The results were immedi- and satellite by 20%. This was achieved by squeezing more ate, and the customer delighted”. n
How mobile money is helping to ing given the fast- paced, informal nature of market connect the women of Ghana transactions. In 2016, an estimated 99 per cent of all transactions in Ghana were made in cash. Access to financial services can be a critical driver Women’s prominent role in market commerce of economic growth and opportunity. In Ghana, in Ghana, combined with low mobile money up- mobile money has opened access to financial take for vendor payments, signalled an opportu- services for millions of people for the first time, nity for MTN to promote a new mobile money use strengthening the payment ecosystem and deep- case while also driving mobile money use among ening financial inclusion. Despite its capacity to this underserved group by launching a dedicated widen access to financial services, mobile money merchant payment service – “MoMo Pay”. has not proven to be equally accessible for women Women tend to dominate commerce in Ghana’s MoMo Pay is a use case that is most likely in Ghana. According to the World Bank’s Global open markets, making up the majority of both to be embraced by those already using MTN Findex 2017, women in Ghana are 23% less likely customers and merchants Mobile Money. Most existing MoMo Pay users had than men to have a mobile money account. already registered for Mobile Money before MoMo Mobile money is particularly relevant for money when paying market merchants, including Pay launched in January 2017. It has therefore women in Ghana given the prominent role they cost and lack of convenience, and has commercial not driven significant uptake of MTN Mobile play in commerce. As both merchants and benefits for merchants that offer the service and Money by new customers, either male or female. customers, women dominate the open markets actively promote it to their customers. However, both the qualitative research and that drive trade and business in many towns Mobile money was first launched in Ghana in transactional data analysis show that, for those who and cities across the country. 2009 by MTN. Uptake has increased quickly since use the service, MoMo Pay can encourage more To encourage the digitisation of merchant then and today Ghana is one of the most mature regular use of MTN Mobile Money and engagement payments in these markets — the economic mobile money markets outside East Africa. In 2012 with a wider range of Mobile Money services. lifeblood of the country — MTN Ghana launched there were only 345,000 active mobile money After customers adopted MoMo Pay, several a merchant payment service in January 2017 accounts in Ghana, and by March 2019 this had effects were observed that led them to rely more called MoMo Pay. While MTN Mobile Money grown to 12.7 million — a rapid pace of growth. heavily on MTN Mobile Money, maintain a higher could already be used informally by customers However, some research suggests that access to balance in their mobile account and spend more to make payments to vendors, MoMo Pay mobile money in Ghana has not necessarily been using mobile money. Some of the more engaged simplifies and streamlines the process and equally distributed: according to Findex, in 2017, users of MoMo Pay were also acutely aware of offers reduced customer transaction fees. women were 23 per cent less likely than men to the indirect savings MoMo Pay provided, such There is evidence that MTN MoMo Pay is provid- have a mobile money account– although a phone as reduced travel times and cost that would ing two important and distinct benefits to women survey of MTN Mobile Money customers conducted otherwise be needed to acquire cash. in Ghana, particularly those who work as vendors for this study found a more equal gender balance. Our qualitative research also demonstrated in the open markets. First, MoMo Pay empowers Women tend to dominate commerce in that particularly engaged users, both male and female microentrepreneurs in markets through the Ghana’s open markets, making up the majority of female, began using Mobile Money in other ways, digitisation of their transactions, thus deepening both customers and merchants. In an economy such as connecting their bank account to their their financial inclusion. Second, it drives greater where 80 per cent of the workforce is employed Mobile Money account, ordering home deliveries, mobile money use and engagement among female in the informal sector, these markets play a vital saving through an MTN Y’ello Save account and customers. This study found that, after adopting role in driving commerce and economic activity. using Mobile Money for leisure applications, MoMo Pay, customers increased both the frequen- Most markets currently operate almost exclusive- such as paying for Uber ride sharing, making cy and value of transactions and became more ly in cash, while mobile money transactions are typ- purchases through e-commerce sites like Jumia likely to remain active users, especially women. ically used for either non- commercial purposes or and Kikuu, paying bills and buying airtime and MoMo Pay addresses barriers to using mobile high- value transactions. This is perhaps unsurpris- accessing loans like the MTN Qwik loan. n
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 27
NAWC 2101 p26-27 (Feature II) RS.indd 27 02/02/2021 17:19 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS
Last mile Base stations designed to unit is easy to disguise serve low populations
This new wire- Service providers planning capacity and coverage while or third-party antennas to cover less device greenfield deployments in areas of reducing complexity and TCO. a full 360 degrees. Each of the from Infinet low population face the challenge Radwin says the new base stations radio carrier resources are split Wireless is of supplying high-quality omni- minimise the amount of glue between two antennas in the time said to be directional coverage inexpensively components and cabling wiring per domain, avoiding signal power loss ideal to supply for a limited number of potential site. They incorporate dual radios, when using an RF splitter. a last mile service to businesses customers, says Radwin. built-in GPS antenna and Layer-2 This model, says Radwin, and homes and for CCTV. The company says its two new PtMP Switch. Self-backhaul removes the was designed for MicroPoP The Quanta 5-18, the latest in dual-carrier base stations, MultiSector, need for an additional PtP radio. coverage supporting short range the company’s range, is claimed to suit these providers and network oper- MultiSector Integrated includes connectivity of up to 2-3km. deliver an industry-first throughput ators with a similar challenge. 180-degree (dual 90-degree) sec- MultiSector Connectorized is a of up to 460 Mbit/s in just 40 MultiSector, it says, delivers tor MIMO anten- self-contained base station, connect- MHz of spectrum with lower power 1.5Gbps throughput and supports nas and connec- ing up to four external MIMO anten- consumption and easy installation. up to four sectors per base tors to attach nas to enable ultra-high flexibility It uses Infinet’s software defined station with integrated or external an additional in antenna selection radio (SDR) technology and is said antennas for 360-degree coverage. 180-degree Rad- per deployment. to deliver stable connection in the They enable increased network win antenna unit radwin.com most difficult weather, including extreme temperatures. Infinet says it can be easily fitted to lampposts and buildings, including Wireless products find the best connection those of historical significance. It says that unlike other wireless prod- New Wi-Fi 6 devices from Nokia are This, it says, ensures that the XS-2426G-A: dual-band, AX1800 ucts which often have curved details said to be the first self-optimising best channels and bands are capable ONTs (optical network ter- that are hard to paint and impossible mesh products. They use EasyMesh, selected to provide the fastest and minals) with GPON (global passive to cover with film, Quanta Q5-18 as certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. most reliable connection for every optical networks) and XGS-PON (a can be painted over to easily blend The new products include fibre user and every device. passive optical networks standard) with its surroundings. It measures gateways, 5G fixed wireless access There is a cloud controller uplinks respectively; Beacon 2 and 188x188x45mm and weighs 1.3kg. (FWA) gateways and mesh Wi-Fi designed to provide full visibility Beacon 6 are dual-band AX1800 It has a claimed reach of 5km and beacons. The company’s Wi-Fi mesh on all access points and allows and tri-band AX4200-capable mesh can serve up to 10 CCTV cameras. middleware is optimization of access points with ethernet and Infinet has 500,000 deployments embedded in their Wi-Fi performance Wi-Fi uplink, to extend the mesh from the plains of Siberia to the operating systems across neighbour- network; and FastMile 5G Gateway Sahara and is one of the largest to automatically and ing buildings. 3 and 5G Gateway 3.1 which are privately owned broadband wireless autonomously solve any The new range dual-band, AX3600-capable mesh access (BWA) development and issues with perfor- includes: ONT access points with 5G uplink with manufacturing companies in the mance, including inter- G-2426G-A high-gain and omni-directional world. infinetwireless.com ference and congestion. (pictured) and antennas respectively. nokia.com New access points deliver Wi-Fi 6 indoors or outside
Four new Wi-Fi 6 access points have offices, shops, schools and clinics. is suited for remote workers, smaller first cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 access been introduced to appeal to users AP32 is equipped with an offices and schools that do not points with integrated AI-driven from small businesses to those which integrated omni BLE antenna to require advanced location services. automation and insight. This, it need to cope with extremes of weather. support Wi-Fi and basic asset AP12 is a compact wall plate says, simplifies Wi-Fi 6 operations Juniper Networks says the new visibility location services for cost AP for multiple devices and said and delivers features such as products are driven by Mist AI and sensitive customers. Jupiter says it to be easy to deploy. It is, says the intelligent load balancing between are operated via its cloud services. company, ideal radios/bands, service levels that AP63 (pictured) has a vBLE for home offices, monitor and enforce orthogonal antenna array to deliver Wi-Fi and remote workers, frequency-division multiple access location services in outdoor and school dorms (OFDMA) subcarrier assignments, harsh environments; AP33 has an and hotel rooms. Basic Service Set (BSS) colouring integrated vBLE antenna array to The new APs, assignments for high-density Wi-Fi support Wi-Fi and location services which follow environments, sticky client preven- for moderate density needs that Juniper’s flag- tion using AI-driven algorithms and also require accurate location ship AP43, are advanced radio resource manage- services, such as smaller enterprise said to be the ment (RRM). juniper.net
28 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p28-29 (Wireless Solutions) RS.indd 28 02/02/2021 17:19 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS
Two-way radio eases move Look out for... NGMN unveils from analogue to digital plans for 6G
Specially designed for small- to proven worldwide in affordable digital profiles designed to deliver enhanced The Next Generation Mobile medium-sized businesses in systems with low complexity. audio quality when speaking Networks (NGMN) board has sub-Saharan Africa, the Mototbro Motorola says the radio makes languages with distinct rolled “R”s launched a 6G project, while DP540 two-way radio has the transition from analogue to dig- such as French or Afrikaans. continuing its 5G efforts, it said. been introduced by ital smooth because it can operate Motorola points out that in NGMN published the first 5G White Motorola Solutions. in both digital and analogue modes. mission-critical areas such as Paper in 2015, which helped pave The company says Made to withstand harsh healthcare it is not ideal for the way for standardising 5G and its it is suited to cost- conditions and resist corrosion, it is personnel to handle their radios. commercialisation. A second 5G White conscious businesses said to have superior audio output Like other models in the range, the Paper (5GWP2) followed in July 2020 looking to move to and unique features, such as voice DP540 is equipped with voice-activat- The new 6G Vision and Drivers pro- digital technology for announcement customisation, ed transmit (VOX) which allows users ject is designed to provide early and reliable and efficient allowing users to adapt the default to operate their radio without the timely direction for global activities communications. It voice announcement languages need to press the push-to-talk (PTT) around the next generation. NGMN is based on the ETSI using their own audio files. It is also button. In addition, there are compat- will facilitate an information exchange digital mobile radio (DMR) designed for multi-language working ible earpieces designed for handsfree within its internal partnership and with standard, which it says is environments, with special audio operation. motorolasolutions.com relevant external stakeholders. With its new “6G Vision and Drivers” project, NGMN intends to provide early and timely direction Lancom’s new entry-level Wi-Fi 6 access for global 6G activities, which will develop the mobile network point looks like a smoke detector technology for operation in the future. In this context, NGMN Styled to look like a smoke detector, fast access to clients in the 2.4- concurrently, rather than consecu- will also facilitate an information Lancom’s new entry-level Wi-Fi 6 and 5-GHz frequency bands. In tively. The available bandwidth is exchange within its internal access point is priced to appeal to dual-concurrent mode, it achieves exploited to the full and delays in partnership and relevant external small- to medium-sized organisations. aggregate data rates of up to the wireless network are reduced. stakeholders. NGMN said it is “very With aggregated data rates of up to 1,775 Mbps (up to 1,200 Mbps Power is supplied via PoE excited” to be working on this 1,775 Mbps, the LW-600 is said to be with 5 GHz and up to 575 Mbps meaning that it can be installed future vision project and to set the ideal where small to medium numbers with 2.4 GHz in parallel). independently of power sockets. footprint for generations to come. of users require high-throughput Wi-Fi. And it says genu- Alternatively, it can use “As we continue to implement and Lancom says its inconspicuous ine 2x2 multi-us- the power adapter and further develop 5G to maximize the smoke detector design blends er MIMO dis- country adapter sup- benefit of its potential, our goal as harmoniously into hotels, offices, tributes all of plied. It includes a NGMN is to remain at the forefront of medical practices or small schools. the available number of security next generation mobile networks,” said It is managed automatically from downlink and features and has a Arash Ashouriha, SVP group Lancom’s cloud service, with a web uplink spatial three-year warranty technology innovation, Deutsche interface or by a WLAN controller. streams to (five years optional). Telekom and chairman of the board The LW-600 is said to provide several clients lancom-systems.com of NGMN said. “It is therefore essential that we start anticipat- ing the future societal needs and elaborate the drivers for mobile Wireless router is ready for the future communications in the future.” Anita Döhler, CEO of NGMN add- Targeted at businesses with branch embedded gigabit-class LTE modem, supports customisable services ed: “The NGMN Board is committed networks, the E3000 range is integrated Wi-Fi 6, gigabit Ethernet like Wi-Fi guest portal and IoT edge to further drive the implementation said by Cradlepoint to be the first ports for WAN/LAN connectivity, computing capabilities. of 5G. At the same time, we are 5G-optimised, all-in-one wireless and expansion slots accommodate a It is said to be ideal for branch- looking at the future with our new edge router for the market. secondary LTE modem module today oriented sectors such as retail stores, work on 6G. Our organisation with Customers, it says, can set up a with 5G modem and Bluetooth 5.0 restaurants, healthcare clinics, its network operators, vendors and wireless WAN today using LTE and modules due later this year. financial services, construction sites, research associations has played Wi-Fi technology and seamlessly Cradlepoint says it can run and field service offices. such an important role for the upgrade to 5G in the future. processor-intensive WAN edge Cradlepoint, now owned by Erics- requirements setting of 4G and 5G, Packaged as part of the company’s features within the NetCloud service son, claims to provide the most path- and we will continue to provide NetCloud Enterprise Branch at gigabit speeds, including BGP ways from LTE to 5G in the industry. guidance also for the next gener- Service, E3000 products contain an routing and application-aware In February, it introduced the W-Se- ation mobile networks beyond 5G. SD-WAN and security functions, ries 5G Wideband Adapter, said to be Interested parties are welcome to such as firewall, analytics, IPS/ the first 5G product purpose-built for contribute to the “NGMN 6G Vision IPS and content filtering. It also the enterprise. cradlepoint.com and Drivers” activity.”
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 29
NAWC 2101 p28-29 (Wireless Solutions) RS.indd 29 02/02/2021 17:19 NEWS Do you want more? Then why not read about wireless communications from outside your region?
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4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
NAWCHouse 2011 p19.inddAd NEW.indd 4 1 02/02/202102/02/2021 17:32 17:33 WORLD NEWS
CK Hutchison and Ooredoo Etisalat launches 4G talk Indonesia merger LTE service
CK Hutchison and until April 30, as both firms try to operations, and their contribution Etisalat Afghanistan, a Qatar-based Ooredoo compete against state-owned PT to the Ooredoo Group,” subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s QPSC have entered talks to merge Telkom Indonesia, the nation’s larg- Ooredoo which operates across Etisalat Group, has launched 4G their Indonesian wireless phone est operator and Axiata Group Bhd.’s the Middle East, north Africa and LTE services in the country’s businesses in a bid to fight growing local arm PT XL Axiata, in southeast southeast Asia. CK Hutchison, a northern Balkh province. competition in the country. Asia’s biggest market by subscribers. conglomerate founded by Hong The introduction of the fourth-gen- A deal would require the merger “Ooredoo is in the early stages Kong’s richest man Li Ka-shing, eration technology means customers of Jakarta-listed PT Indosat, in of assessing the merits of such said in a separate statement the in Mazar-i-Sharif can now enjoy up to which Ooredoo owns about 65% a potential transaction,” the firm potential transaction is subject to 10 times high-speed internet at the and CK Hutchison’s PT Hutchison said in a statement. “As part of our due diligence, agreement on terms, same price as their 3G plans. 3 Indonesia unit, the companies corporate strategy, we regularly signing of definitive agreements In a statement, the operator said in a statement. review our strategic priorities and and obtaining all required corporate said the launch would also enable The negotiations will be exclusive market position across all of our and regulatory approvals. customers to choose from a wide range of 4G LTE data plans. “We are pleased to witness the launch of our 4G network in the beau- Orange shifts fixed fibre assets tiful city of Mazar-i-Sharif,’ said outgo- ing Etisalat Afghanistan CEO, Matthew French operator Orange The move comes as the telecoms mobile networks as infrastructure Willsher. “With Etisalat 4G, businesses has agreed to sell part of industry must invest to keep on deploy- valuations surge on interest from and individuals will benefit from faster its fixed fibre assets in the country ing upgraded broadband networks in investors such as U.S. private equity and more reliable internet.” to a consortium of three investors Europe as well as a costly new mobile firm KKR and Spain’s Cellnex. Etisalat said it plans to expand its for about €1.3bn. The firm said in a Internet technology, or 5G. Stéphane Richard, chief execu- coverage after the 4G LTE launch in statement that it agreed to sell 50% This deal values Orange tive officer and chairman at Orange Mazar-i-Sharif and has published a of Orange Concessions, a vehicle Concessions at €2.7bn, the said the “achieved valuation reveals list available on its website and Face- that will include some of its French fi- company said. The entity covers the value of Orange’s investments book page to show the exact locations bre assets, to Banque des Territoires, circa 4.5 million fibre-to-the-home in fibre as well as the relevance of where its 4G LTE service is available. part of France’s state-owned bank (FTTH) plugs in rural France. such a strategic move”. Etisalat launched Afghanistan`s Caisse des Dépôts, insurer CNP As- Orange said it will update markets Orange’s decision to sell comes first 3G service and – to date - has surances and EDF Invest consortium. about its plans for its European mo- as the company prepares to outline been offering the most affordable This is the first time that the bile assets when it reports full-year its strategy for its mobile towers, voice and data plans in the country. Paris-headquartered company has results on February 18. The group is worth an estimated €10bn, follow- The 4G LTE launch ceremony announced a sale of part of its following similar moves by other Eu- ing long-term rumours about the was held at Etisalat’s Mazar-i- prized broadband network in France. ropean firms that are looking to sell future of the assets. Sharif branch December 28. CVC Capital acquires Myanmar’s Irrawady Green Towers
Luxembourg-based private a year to be completed. equity firm CVC Capital Law firms Freshfields Bruckhaus Partners has agreed to buy Myan- Deringer and SCM Legal acted as legal mar’s largest telecom tower company, counsel to the selling shareholders. Irrawady Green Towers, in a deal “This landmark transaction was reportedly valued at about US$700m. the largest mergers and acquisitions The purchase marks the global buy- deal in Myanmar in 2020 and out firm’s first venture into the south- another example of the attraction east Asian country and sees it absorb of the Asian digital infrastructure 4,000 towers across Myanmar. sector, including data centre and According to reports, CVC fibre optic asset portfolios, for was given exclusivity after it was private equity investment” said shortlisted from potential buyers, Freshfields major projects partner including regional telecoms groups Don Stokes in a statement. and other companies. Irrawaddy serves all major mobile Potential bidders – yet unnamed network operators in Myanmar, suitors – hired local consultants including Norwegian telecom giant and technical advisers to conduct Telenor, Qatar-based Ooredoo and site visits and due diligence during local firm Mytel. CVC has yet to The purchase marks the global buyout firm’s first venture into the southeast the sale process that took just over comment on the deal publicly. Asian country and sees it absorb 4,000 towers across Myanmar
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 31
NAWC 2101 p31-34 (World News) RS.indd 31 02/02/2021 17:19 WORLD NEWS
Vietnam Starlink launches satellite slaps ban on 2G, 3G Internet in rural UK
Elon Musk’s Starlink Rural broadband has long been UK (in Surrey, England) recorded an smartphones broadband satellite network a thorny issue in the UK with much average speed of just 0.12 Mbit/s. has secured a licence to install user of the union only getting online Despite being in the world’s top six Vietnam said it will terminals in Britain, the UK’s telecom through the telephone lines. economies, the UK ranks 47th in the ban the importing and regulator Ofcom has confirmed. Approximately 5% of UK homes world for average download speeds. manufacturing of 2G and 3G The terminals consist of a Wi-Fi don’t have access to download Starlink has also received the phones, as part of move to router and a small satellite dish which speeds of at least 30 megabits per green light from regulators in the promote widespread adoption of the company’s official installation second. The slowest street in the US Greece, Germany and Australia. smartphones to support digital guidelines call “Dishy McFlatFace”. transformation in the nation. Starlink said it will focus on rural The southeast Asian country’s areas currently deprived of fibre broad- Ministry of Information and band, where in the UK it will compete Communications said the new rule with government-backed satellite ser- will come in effect from July 1. vice OneWeb, which was rescued after However, phones that do match up filing for bankruptcy in March 2020. to the spec requirement but were Costs will run to £439 for the already in the country before the equipment and £89 a month for deadline can still be sold. the service, with the UK trial’s first Furthermore, the government said invitation emails going out last week. the move is considered a step towards Musk’s Space Exploration Tech- plans to switch off 2G networks by nologies Corp (more snappily known Q1 2022 and its “programme of as SpaceX) has also set up a UK universalisation of smartphones”. company, Starlink Internet Services. Hoang Minh Cuong, Ministry of SpaceX will undertake an initial pub- Information and Communications lic offering once its revenue growth Starlink said it will focus on rural areas currently deprived of fibre director of the Telecommunications becomes “reasonably predictable,” broadband, where in the UK it will compete with government-backed satellite Department, said production of Musk said in December. service OneWeb, which was rescued after filing for bankruptcy in March 2020 phones with 2G technology had “decreased significantly” with units falling 6-7 million to 12 million, between the end of Q4 2019 to Q3 Deutsche Telecom looking to sell 2020. Hoang tipped the remaining 12 million phones will be “wiped out” T-Mobile Netherlands for over €5bn by advanced models by Q1 2022. The country aims to have all citi- Deutsche Telekom (DT) is company to private equity investors, in size, merging with the Dutch zens to own smartphones by 2025 looking to sell its Dutch seeking to raise €5–6 billion. operations of Sweden’s Tele2, but by providing smartphones retailing subsidiary for €5–6 billion, a Dutch In 2015, it was also reported that rumours of selling the unit have up to US$50 under its “Made in newspaper has reported. the German operator was consid- long been circulating, with private Vietnam” nationwide digital trans- According to Het Financieele ering a sale, in part to reduce debt equity firm EQT a company cited as formation programme, which was Dagblad, T-Mobile Netherlands could and raise funds to help purchase a potential buyer November 2019. backed by operators and smart- soon find itself up for sale again spectrum for T-Mobile US. Since Rivals KPN and Vodafone Ziggo phone vendors such as Vingroup. and that DT is looking to offload the then the Dutch division has grown will not enter the bidding. Vietnam announced previously to have 5G become the universal stand- ard by 2023-2025, with operators already running pilots in prepara- India: Airtel becomes first telecom tions for a broad commercial rollout. Meanwhile, Intel has invested $475 company to operate 5G network million in its Vietnamese assembly and test facility, pushing the com- Bharti Airtel has Using dynamic spectrum sharing, investment the company has made pany’s total investment in the local become India’s first Airtel operated 5G and 4G concurrent- and is making is future-proofed. site to $1.5 billion. The fund injection telecom operator to successfully ly within the same spectrum block. He added that India has the poten- went towards “enhancing” produc- demonstrate live fifth-generation The new technology will be made tial to become a global hub for 5G tion of Intel’s 5G product line, Core (5G) service over a commercial available to customers across the innovation and to make that happen, processors integrated with its hybrid network in Hyderabad city. country when the adequate spectrum they need the ecosystem to come to- technology, and 10th Gen Core chips. It operated the 5G network over its is available and required government gether including applications, devices Located in Saigon Hi-Tech Park, Ho existing liberalised spectrum in the approvals have been received. and network innovation. Chi Minh City, the facility is Intel’s larg- 1,800 MHz band through the NSA Managing director and CEO of Airtel has operations in 18 est assembly and test sites worldwide. (non-standalone) network technology. Airtel, Gopal Vittal said that every countries across Asia and Africa.
32 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p31-34 (World News) RS.indd 32 02/02/2021 17:19 WORLD NEWS Deutsche Telekom and PTCL gets 25- year licence O2 to share network renewal
Deutsche Telekom and such as site sharing or the agree- Markus Haas, added: “German State operator Pakistan Telefónica/O2 have agreed ment to close white spots, no second consumers and business are Telecommunication to share mobile networks in a bid to separate wireless technology or addi- demanding rapid progress in mobile Company Limited (PTCL) has close the coverage gap in Germany. tional antennas need to be installed. network coverage. Co-usage of sites had its licenced renewed by the The pair said they aim to “Joint projects like this are is an important step in this direction government for a further 25 years. overcome several hundred grey becoming increasingly important and a positive signal to Germany’s The terms of the licence renewal spots in 4G network coverage for to network build-out – in both mobile communications customers.” state that PTCL must adhere to their customers before the end broadband and mobile communica- In Autumn 2019, Deutsche “enhanced quality of service (QoS) of 2021. They will share active tion,” said Srini Gopalan, managing Telekom, Telefónica/O2 and parameters” and will be obliged to network technology at the sites. director of Telekom Deutschland. Vodafone signed an agreement deliver a 5% year-on-year rise in However, unlike previous projects, Telefónica Deutschland/O2 CEO covering under 6,000 new sites. Next Generation Access Network (NGAN) connections. The new validity period began at the start of the year and the Thai operators TOT and CAT Telecom Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that the complete long-delayed merger integrated licence is technology- neutral and permits the company Thailand’s state-owned Somsak Khaosuwan, the former from privately-owned businesses. to deliver all telecom services operators TOT and CAT acting chairman of TOT, initially That resulted in loss of earnings nationwide, except mobile services. Telecom completed a long-delayed will serve as acting CEO of the new at both companies, while their PTCL must pay 2% of its annual merger to become National Telecom, company, which plans to boost combined share of the kingdom’s gross revenues into Pakistan’s which was made necessary by earnings in the short term by mobile communications market is Universal Service Fund (USF) and growing private-sector competition. capturing demand from public-sector around 2% to 3%. Research and Development Fund. The new company will consolidate agencies to introduce 5G networks. There was talk of a merger a The operator recently appointed overlapping administrative staff, TOT and CAT long-enjoyed and decade or so before new entrants Matthew Willsher as the new chief initially in the financial, human controlled monopolies over domestic were allowed in, but the deal was executive officer (CEO). Previously resources and legal departments. and international telephone services, postponed repeatedly. CEO of Etisalat Afghanistan, National Telecom said this approach respectively. However, that changed The completion was scheduled Willsher succeeds Rashid Naseer will streamline operations and reduce post 2000 when Thailand opened for July last year, but was stalled Khan, who was appointed as the costs, with no staff cuts planned. the telecom market for competition by the arrival of Covid-19. CEO of PTCL on February 12, 2019. Vandals burn down MTN and Vodacom towers
Towers belonging to Natur, sumquib Vodacom and MTN usapis ipid qui were burned down by vandals in voluptat apit as South Africa, with the government ra isim laborem blaming conspiracy theorists who essima atibus et link 5G airwaves to Covid-19. experch itiorer In a statement, Stella Ndabe- ferferatur, sus ni-Abrahams, minister of commu- rem quiam fugit nications and digital technologies occuptatque “condemned” the vandals and urged sunt enitatiorios South African police to arrest those alicat. responsible “for this anarchy”. Em ullo tendi ut “The burning of the cell phone labo. Nessinietus towers follows a resurgence in con- ex eos et arum spiracy theories which link the emer- gence of the coronavirus pandemic to 5G”, the statement read. Three telecommunications towers in the KwaZulu-Natal region were efforts and initiatives to stem the network stations or towers.” tions Authority of South Africa (ICASA), destroyed between January 5-6, spread of the virus,” added Ndabe- Vodacom urged for people to report the International Telecommunication according to local reports. ni-Abrahams. ”We therefore, urge the those “deliberately spreading fake Union (ITU) and the World Health “The destruction of network police to arrest anyone who is threat- news” about the virus to the govern- Organisation (WHO), have confirmed towers compromises multi-pronged ening the removing of infrastructure ment. The Independent Communica- 5G does not spread Covid-19.
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 33
NAWC 2101 p31-34 (World News) RS.indd 33 02/02/2021 17:19 WORLD NEWS Telefonica to sell Telxius Indigo Telecom’s Telecom to American 100 new jobs
Telecoms support services group Indigo Telecom will Tower in €7.7bn deal create 100 jobs in Limerick over the next three years, the company said. Spanish telecom giant The new roles at its international Telefónica agreed to sell fibre centre of excellence will come its towers in Europe and Latin through its Irish subsidiary 4site. America to American Tower in a Among the new jobs are fibre plan- €7.7bn cash deal. ners, GIS engineers, design engineers, Under the terms of the deal, telecoms surveyors, project manag- Telefónica subsidiary, Telxius ers and business support roles in Telecom, will relinquish over around accounts, sales and operations. The 30,722 telecommunication towers. company’s Irish headquarters are Telxius also has an extensive located in Raheen Business Park. submarine cable portfolio. This new recruitment drive is The Spanish firm said that once the to support the group’s planned transaction is complete, the group’s international expansion as it seeks net financial debt will be reduced to capitalise on the growing market by approximately €4.6bn and the opportunities around fibre to the leverage ratio by around 0.3 times. home (FTTH), the implementation “This operation is part of the of wireless and 5G technologies Telefónica Group’s strategy, which and telco network services. includes, among other objectives, “We looked at various locations an active portfolio management The Spanish firm said that once the transaction is complete, the group’s to expand our existing fibre centre of policy of its businesses and assets, net financial debt will be reduced by approximately €4.6bn and the excellence, as we see unprecedented based on value creation and at the leverage ratio by around 0.3 times demand for our services in new mar- same time, accelerating the organic kets such as Germany and the US,” reduction of debt,” it said. “This transaction is transforma- ing our relationships with key tenants. said Ian Duggan, chief executive of American Tower said it expects tional for our European business and We are excited to broaden our part- 4site. “We decided on the midwest the assets to generate around will establish American Tower as one nership with Telefónica by acquiring of Ireland due to the very best local US$775m in property revenue, of the largest independent commu- a high-quality, well-located portfolio talent that we can continue to build approximately US$410m in gross nications infrastructure providers in of sites that will further diversify our on and develop further. This is a margin, and around US$390m in Europe,” said American Tower’s chief global footprint and enhance our great vote of confidence from Indigo adjusted earnings before interest, executive officer, Tom Bartlett. “It is ability to help provide broadband Telecom Group and is testament to tax, depreciation and amortisation also complementary for our Latin connectivity for billions of people.” the brilliant local talent and the work at current foreign exchange rates, American portfolio and positions us to Telefónica has a global reach, we already do here in Limerick.” in their first full year in its portfolio, drive strong long-term organic growth with a raft of a subsidiaries Indigo Telecom Group currently pro forma for contributions from across both regions while augmenting including Movistar, O2 Vivo and employs more than 400 people in the committed future build-to-suits. our new build programs and enhanc- Distrito Telefónica. 10 offices located in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Last year the group added 140 jobs, about 90 of which were in Ireland. Telemedia partners with ABS for Earth Tánaiste Leo Varadkar welcomed the news of the new jobs and station and teleport services said it underlined the company’s commitment to the region. “This Telemedia, a broadcasting ground station and teleport services. pandemic shows its commitment to year more than ever we have relied and teleport service provider “Our collaboration with Teleme- excellent customer service.” on our communications networks in South Africa has partnered with dia reinforces and strengthens our Steve Bretherick, CEO Telemedia to keep in touch, and I welcome the ABS, a global satellite operator, to presence in the MEA and provides an added: “This partnership with ABS expansion of this sector here.” provide teleport services for the extension to our global connectivity invigorates Telemedia’s ground Meanwhile, Ireland is set for Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. network. Telemedia was chosen to infrastructure potential and its another jobs boost after Chinese Under the terms of the deal, the provide teleport fibre connectivity, data global coverage enables us to tech giant Huawei said it will companies are forming a strong centre hosting and satellite uplink ca- further expand our broadcast and create a further 110 jobs by 2022. alliance with ABS gaining a full pabilities,” said Ron Busch, ABS’ EVP satellite connectivity services in the It will invest €80m into its research suite of telecom services provided engineering and operations. “Its infra- MEA. The technical teams on both and development department over by Telemedia at its Johannesburg structure offering with a solid track re- sides are working closely to leverage the next two years. The new jobs teleport. Its diverse facility provides cord, excellent customer support and expertise to establish technical will be mainly based in Huawei’s seamless integration of satellite can-do attitude during the Covid-19 ground support within the region.” Dublin headquarters.
34 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS December 2020/January 2021
NAWC 2101 p31-34 (World News) RS.indd 34 02/02/2021 17:19 THE LAST WORD
Q&A What has been your misgivings. You learn when you Lucky La Riccia career high to date? fail, to apply that learning and Quite a few years back generate the wanted outcome head of digital services now and after 10 shows that failure in itself is Ericsson Middle East and Africa months of effort and a starting point for something hard work, we managed special, if you can adjust your Who did you want to be when munities, digitalizing to rollout 3G nationwide thinking … It also builds humility. you were growing up? industries and enabling in Australia for Telstra Knowing that pushing the bounda- I’ve always been a big fan of financial ecosystems by our delivering coverage to 95% of ries can result in failure, it teaches Steve Jobs and I grew fonder technology. It’s not easy to say the population. It was the first you to listen, learn and collab- of him after he managed to that about all roles, but we can rollout of its kind at an interna- orate more with others – rather turnaround Apple. How he see real-life benefits to consum- tional level, and to play a major than taking the “it was invented cultivated a customer focus ers and societies from what we role in that achievement gives me here” position every time. that boosted the company’s do every day. Today, one of my a lot of pride. It’s a while ago bottom line and the innovation real highlights is being able to now, but experiencing the impact If you had to work in a different shown prioritising customer in help drive Mobile Financial Ser- that major technology change industry, what would it be? production and products. He was vices uptake in Africa as an ex- brings to society such as 3G at I’d have to return to Finance; an truly ahead of his time in terms ample, helping the unbanked get the time or even 5G as we deploy industry that can benefit from of Design Thinking; the ability to access to Financial instruments it today, gives an immense sense design-thinking, agile ways of learn from mistakes and “fail- that drive both basic banking ser- assuredness that we do everyday working and digitalization! Given fast”. The other element which vices and spur entrepreneurship. can really benefit consumers, the impact that financial trade and was inspiring at the time was his enterprises and society at large. inclusion has in communities of all unwavering and relentless focus What is the hardest thing sizes and across all geographies, on pursuing his vision. about your job? Who has been your biggest its one of those industries that The “distance” in market maturity inspiration? continues to play a pivotal role in What was your first job after within geographies is the barrier I think the story of Ginni Rometty the way we live, interact and grow leaving school? that stands between those coun- as the first female leader of IBM prosperity. It would also be a great I was so eager to hit the work tries and the benefits of advanced is quite impressive; the hard- opportunity to apply learnings force so took a role combined with technologies. While at the same ships and challenges but the from the experience of deploying my last year of University studies. time that we are making history perseverance and belief of one’s mobile financial services in a Joining a small Software Company with our 5G technology, in the own skills are a tremendous telecom sense and how mobility is that had the endorsement of Greg same Middle East & Africa market story. We don’t often talk about much more than just data transfer. – “The Shark” – Norman, I landed we are trying to address basic it specifically, but “resilience” Let’s hope it’s not too late! a software engineering role with telecom needs still with 2G and for me is one of those qualities a golf swing coaching software 3G spectrum. Addressing both I look for in both those I want to What do you want to do when company. It was the perfect job, market dynamics at the same time work for and with. The ability you retire? traveling from one golf tourna- is difficult to balance while we are to sustain pressure, sustain set- I haven’t locked down those plans ment to another working on the eager for all markets to benefit backs and recover and perform yet, but I can already see lots of state of the art on site technology from 5G technology and it impacts can be truly inspirational. good coffee and morning newspa- to assist golfers with their swing. not only on the telecommunication pers. Reflection is probably one of It’s a pity my golf swing hasn’t front, but also entertainment, What is your biggest regret? those things we don’t get enough improved so much over that time! healthcare, transportation… I believe I should have taken on a time to do daily so if I can impart role in the global market earlier some learning from my years in When was your big career break? What has been your career on. The learning opportunities are technology, it’s probably an area Having spent 10 years in the low to date? multiplied on the global level. Dif- I’d invest my spare time and ener- finance industry working in None other than the Millennium ferent technology shifts, exposure gy either via teaching, coaching or Systems Integration and IT, I was bug. It had a huge impact on the to different cultures, new techni- consulting... ready for a pure technology role. ICT industry as a whole. It affect- cal difficulties to learn from… The Ericsson presented the perfect ed the perception the masses scene differs from a local market What would you say has opportunity being one of the had on computer programming to a global one, the experience I been the best technological pioneers in ICT. I’ve been with and technology rendering doubts gathered rubbing shoulders with advancement in your lifetime? Ericsson since 2004 and haven’t on the ability for ICT to truly global markets would not have I got to witness the Sony Walk- looked back since! The role be fundamental in society. The been possible to acquire from man, which I think before we got has given me access to multiple recent Covid-19 pandemic went one location. How you apply the Iphone, started to scratch the markets, multiple disciplines and some way in my view to correct learnings across different markets surface of a “pro-user experi- varied customer environments. those perceptions. Technolo- also has different impacts – the ence”. It also combined the con- gy and the quality of remote learning you achieve in this regard cept of mobility, user experience What is the best thing about communication services became becomes invaluable. and content; something that is your job? critical for all – and largely as pivotal to the Telecom industry The world as we know it is being an industry we have been able What is the best business today! It also was the advent digitized, and at Ericsson we to maintain a positive commu- lesson you have learned? of technology ‘add-ons’ where get a front row seat. It’s a pride nication experience for all those The motto “Fail-fast” is true to the ecosystem of accessories to take part of connecting the working and studying from home being able to re-ignite at the same and variants based on use case world: we’re connecting com- during this period. time improve beyond the original become an industry in itself! n
December 2020/January 2021 NORTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 35
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