For communications professionals in southern Africa SOUTHERN AFRICAN
WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2020 Volume 25 Number 1
l The LEO vs. GEO debate: what the experts have to say l Firms future proof themselves with new tech investment l Satellite’s key role in the future of rural banking
‘Preparing for the new age of industry in the 4IR’ – Deon Geyser, head of southern Africa sub-region, Nokia
SAWC 2008 p1 (Cover).indd 1 02/09/2020 17:14 SAWC 2004 (Avanti).indd 4 03/09/2020 15:33 SOUTHERN AFRICAN CONTENTS
COMMUNICATIONSWIRELESS JUNE/JULY/ 5 NEWS u AUGUST 2020 Telecom26 helps testing programmes u TNM launches the first KaiOS-enabled phone Volume 25 u Telkom enters financial services space Number 1 u Madagascar: Telma’s 5G network suspended u TN targets remote connectivity 5 NEWS u Econet curbs MoMo transactions u Millimetre wave firm restructures 18 FEATURE u UFO turns out to be internet balloon u City threatens action against Paratus Nokia creates the technology to connect the world. Only Nokia offers 14 WIRELESS BUSINESS a comprehensive portfolio of network Angola Telecom ditches Angorascom for equipment, software, services and Africell partnership licensing opportunities across the 18 FEATURE globe. With our commitment to Should you consider Low Earth Orbit 26 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS innovation, driven by the award- networks above geosynchronous satcoms? winning Nokia Bell Labs, we are a leader in the development and 26 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS A look at Hytera’s smart, new PoC radio with deployment of 5G networks. integrated DMR Our CSP customers support more 28 WIRELESS USERS than 6.4 billion subscriptions with our Talia and KNP partner up to connect the radio networks, and our enterprise 28 WIRELESS USERS underserved in Cameroon customers have deployed over 1,300 30 INDUSTRY VIEW industrial networks worldwide. How satellite-based cloud services offer Adhering to the highest ethical opportunities that rural economies can rely on standards, we transform how people live, work and communicate. 32 WORLD NEWS u Huawei and UnionPay team up u Thuraya modernises network using Ericsson Nokia solutions enable the digital u Belgium grants temporary 5G licences transformation of CSP’s networks u Singapore chooses Nokia over Huawei to address capacity needs, reduce u Canada’s Telus picks Samsung for 5G complexity and leverage network u Bouygues adds users and boosts reach u Claro Brasil launches 5G intelligence to create and deliver u China Telecom makes push for US licence 30 WORLD NEWS new services. The company also u Afghan and Uzbek state operators expand 4G has a strong track-record in helping enterprises, cities, and nations SUBSCRIPTIONS: harness major technology shifts to Southern African Wireless Communications is a controlled circulation bi-monthly benefit from ubiquitous connectivity, magazine. Register now for your free subscription at www.kadiumpublishing.com Readers who do not qualify under the terms of control can purchase an annual subscription analytics, cloud and the Industrial IoT. 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. Visit www.nokia.com and follow us on Twitter @nokia EDITORIAL: ADVERTISEMENT SALES: Editor: Robert Shepherd Sales: Kathy Moynihan Designer: Sean McNamara [email protected] Sub editor: Gerry Moynihan +44 (0) 1932 481731 Contributors: Lucky La Riccia, Gavan Murphy, Kyle Whitehill, Caroline Production & circulation: Suzanne Thomas De Vos, Biju Nair, Martin Jarrold [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1932 481728
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SAWC 2008 p3 (Contents).indd 3 02/09/2020 17:21 NEWS
4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019
SASIA 19Q4 p12 (CommunicAsia).indd 4 03/04/2020 17:27 NEWS Telecom26 helps TB, HIV, Ebola and Covid-19 testing programmes Telecom26 is helping long-term both Africa and Asia. The contract customer, SystemOne, with its has been extended to provide initiative to enable real-time test connectivity to the new projects in result communication, timely Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Ghana. containment and treatment actions In addition, SystemOne is trialling for infectious disease programs in Telecom26’s multi-SIM routers Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Ghana. in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The testing programmes are These allow diagnostic devices from implemented in conjunction with the SystemOne to access connectivity and Ministry of Health of each country switch automatically between multiple and build on the existing work of cellular networks-and any WiFi or SystemOne across Africa addressing LANs-so that they always use the best numerous diseases including TB, performing connected network. HIV, Ebola and now Ccovid-19. “We need a reliable connectivity SystemOne’s Aspect software en- supplier so that we can concentrate ables connected diagnostic data in all our efforts on enabling timely real time, which helps countries re- disease identification and treatment. spond more effectively to infectious Wherever we are in the world, Tele- disease outbreaks by identifying com26 provides the best connectivity positive cases more quickly, reduc- service, enabling our software to ing loss-to-follow-up, and enabling operate on multiple devices and net- a comprehensive picture of disease works with a single SIM under a single spread across a region. contract,” said Brad Cunningham, Aspect is compatible with mul- chief operating officer at SystemOne. tiple diagnostic devices, including Mike Ashdown, CEO of Telecom26 GeneXpert and Abbott m2000, both added: “Our new multi-SIM router widely used for multiple diseases, dynamically enables connectivity to including Covid-19 testing. the best performing network giving Multiple-IMSI profiles are our customers access to the most preloaded on each SIM, allowing for reliable and cost-effective networks simple reconfiguration if the primary available - cellular, WiFi or satellite.” network has a poor service or not. Telecom26 SIMs are compatible The software enables connected diagnostic data in real time, which For the past two years, Telecom26 with 1100 cellular networks from helps countries respond more effectively to infectious disease outbreaks has supplied its global SIM cards more than 620 mobile operators in by identifying positive cases more quickly, reducing loss-to-follow-up, to SystemOne’s operations across more than 220 countries. and enabling a comprehensive picture of disease spread across a region TNM launches the first KaiOS-enabled phone in Malawi
Integrated mobile network and ICT tions unique to KaiOS. interface, an in-house app called Life useful to the people of Malawi”. services provider TNM has partnered TNM chief executive officer (CEO) which features training and lessons New Information Minister with KaiOS Technologies to launch Michiel Buitelaar said this device related to digital literacy and other Gospel Kazako commended TNM “the most affordable” 4G KaiOS-ena- has been designed to suit the educational content. It also provides for its unflinching efforts towards bled smart feature phone in Malawi. communication needs of first-time access to Google Assistant that Malawi’s economic development Priced at MK 24,999, the users and people in rural areas. allows first-time internet users to through investments in mobile TNM Smart 4G will come with “These devices will help people to use voice to easily navigate and internet technology and ICT. a value of MK28,000 worth of entertain and educate themselves or connect with the digital world. “TNM takes a long view,” he said. bonuses comprising 500 MBs, 150 have broadband internet,” he added. Sebastien Codeville, CEO of “They have invested significantly in SMSs and free Caller Tune every The CEO said the 4G phone would KaiOS Technologies, added: “As the a 4G mobile internet network that month for six months. This offer, help disseminate timely and accurate first company to make KaiOS smart has transformed the TNM network apparently, makes it the most information on Covid-19 at a time feature phones available in Malawi, into one of the most reliable Inter- affordable 4G device in the history when cases are escalating and the the launch cements TNM’s repu- net service providers in Malawi.” of mobile internet in Malawi. United Nations has warned of disas- tation as a pioneer in offering new KaiOS Technologies was founded The phone will offer customers trous effects on the least developed services that help improve the lives in 2016 and launched in 2017, access to essential and popular countries, which include Malawi. of the country’s people and increas- with a focus on feature phones. Its apps such as WhatsApp, Google To address low digital literacy es economic prosperity. We will work flagship product, KaiOS, sees more Assistant, Google Maps, YouTube, issues, Buitelaar said the KaiOS with TNM to ensure that our devices than 135 million devices shipped Facebook, and many other applica- phone comes with an easy-to-use carry content that is relevant and in over 150 countries.
June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 5
SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 5 03/09/2020 15:15 NEWS SA operator Telkom enters financial services space South African operator Telkom is ment, which now represents only 20% siso Ngwenya, managing director of Telkom’s strategy comes amid launching a new mobile funeral of its revenues against 56% in 2013. Telkom Financial Services. the coronavirus context that has insurance offer in collaboration “In recent years, Telkom has made In addition to funeral insurance, increased demand tenfold. In July with the insurer Guardrisk. a strategic shift to digital distribu- Telkom also plans to launch a 2019, Vodacom Group announced This investment is in line with the tion, which puts it in an ideal position digital wallet service soon, allowing its ambition to create, in partnership strategic reorientation adopted by to distribute insurance products us- customers to purchase products and with the digital payment provider Telkom to diversify its revenues to cope ing its considerable digital structure pay for services via its Yep! app and Alipay, an app for online shopping, with the rapid fall in the fixed-line seg- and intellectual property,” said Sibu- other online transaction platforms. bill payment, and remittance. Madagascar: TN targets remote connectivity
Telma’s 5G Telecom Namibia (TN) has upgraded its very small aperture terminal (VSAT) hub to ensure faster and network reliable IP-based connectivity for users in remote areas. suspended Pilot installations of TN’s modern VSAT hub, called Satlink, have had Madagascar’s Communication Tech- satisfactory results, the company said. nology Regulatory Authority (ARTEC) The operator recently migrated blocked the 5G network open to the the Gobabeb Namib Research Insti- general public by operator Telma. tute to the upgraded VSAT platform It has sealed all equipment related and the mission of Gobabeb is to to the technology, which Telma be a catalyst for gathering, under- disputes. The telecoms company is standing and sharing knowledge accused of having overstepped the about arid environments, especially VSAT is a customised integrated voice/fax, data and video satellite scope of the experiment granted to it. the hyperarid Namib Desert. communication solution available everywhere, even in the most remote On July 1, 2020, Telma announced “We have started engaging our cus- areas in Namibia the commercial launch of its 5G tomers and will soon commence with services, in partnership with Swedish the roll-out,” said Justus Shalihu, Tele- technology and supports delivery flat rate as well as transmission of telecom equipment manufacturer com Namibia VSAT project manager. of both narrowband and broadband integrated, voice, fax and internet Ericsson. The company indicated VSAT is a customised integrated connectivity anywhere in the country. on one network. Residential and that it was making Madagascar voice/fax, data and video satellite The company said farmers, banks, business customers can choose from “the first African country to benefit communication solution available schools, NGOs and mining companies a variety of packages on offer and a from the new generation of mobile everywhere, even in the most would be likely beneficiaries of VSAT fixed contract period of 36 months. connectivity”. However, ARTEC remote areas in Namibia. TN’s service in remote areas. TN also said it will absorb all underlined that Telma was not upgraded VSAT is based on TN’s Satlink service comes with once-off device and installation/ granted an authorisation to market the latest high-capacity, high- unlimited data volume downloads service replacement cost for its 5G services, but rather a temporary throughput and low-latency satellite and high-speed internet access at a existing customers. one to experiment with the technology for a month. ARTEC said in a press release that “the use of 5G services is still in an Durban residents fight against 5G experimental phase in Madagascar as in many member countries of the In- towers being built on their property ternational Telecommunication Union”. In addition, the experimentation Community leaders in Berea, a and digital technologies, is part of been a huge issue in the past with allowed in Telma was to be done ridge above the city of Durban, the government’s expansion into cell towers etc. It seems that as indoors only. However, the operator have railed against a proposed the 5G network. citizens in South Africa, we do not finally extended it to the outdoors government law that would allow Heather Roos, chairperson of have any rights anymore.” and to several sites without the prior network service providers to build Umbilo Community Policing Forum, The World Health Organisation approval of the telecoms regulator. 5G towers and other electronic said the policy would represent an (WHO), which established the Telma believes that the communication devices on any infringement on people’s rights. International Electromagnetic information is “totally incorrect private and public land. “This is taking away people’s Fields (EMF) Project in 1996 and reserves the right to The draft proposal, which was rights to privacy on their property,” looking at potential health risks take ARTEC to court for this gazetted by Stella Ndabeni-Abara- she said. “This is so unfair. What from cell phone towers, found no irresponsible communication”. hams, minister of communications about health risks as this has health risks associated with 5G.
6 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020
SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 6 03/09/2020 15:15 NEWS Spacecom teams up with Gilat for satellite service development Spacecom, operator of the AMOS The service satellites fleet, has partnered with uses Space- Gilat Telecom to develop a faster, com’s AMOS-17 more reliable and more cost-effective fully digital and satellite service for organisations of advanced High all sizes across Africa. Throughput The service uses Spacecom’s Satellite (HTS), AMOS-17 fully digital and advanced on both C and High Throughput Satellite (HTS), Ku band and on both C and Ku band and Gilat Gilat Telecom’s Telecom’s unique SD-WAN MAX tech- unique SD-WAN nology. It is available immediately and MAX technology can be used for home and office con- nectivity including video conferences, e-health applications, e-learning, e-education amongst other things. Telecom’s intelligent routing, capacity Microsoft cloud services etc.) – Africa, and invite all to gain great The biggest benefits from this can be expanded by up to 20% to be identified with automatic value from this unique collaboration cooperation for African MNOs and (the equivalent of 6 Mbit/s can be prioritisation, according to the and join us today.” ISPs include CAPEX savings, in achieved from a 5 Mbit/s downlink). customer’s needs and demands. Amir Cohen, VP of marketing that Spacecom’s AMOS-17’s HTS Furthermore, when it comes to “This partnership enables us and business development at fully digital payload enables Cross- smart traffic management, Gilat to boost the services offered Gilat Telecom added: “We are an Connection between all beam and Telecom’s SD-WAN enables service to customers along with fast innovative company always focused all bands enabling the use of the providers and MNOs to centrally returns on investments to these on how we can improve the service existing equipment that can be also control the route that both satellite growing markets,” said Ofer Asif, we provide to our customers. set-up remotely by the end customers and fibre traffic takes to and from SVP BizDev and marketing at Our partnership with Spacecom (on existing or new terminals). In the customer. It enables different Spacecom. “We are sure this fruitful demonstrates how we work across addition, there is higher throughput at applications – voice, streaming, cooperation will lead us to many the ecosystem to drive down costs reduced operational costs: using Gilat caching (Facebook, Netflix, great business opportunities in and improve capacity.” Public urged to help stop cell tower battery Econet theft after Gauteng syndicate arrested curbs MoMo MTN welcomed the arrest of two security measures and more driven by communities, the private transactions men allegedly caught stealing on-the-ground security initiated sector, police and prosecutors. We back-up batteries at one of its last year seemingly decreased have therefore adopted a 360-de- Econet Wireless has imposed restric- towers in Durban and called on the theft and vandalism incidents, but gree plan that permeates across tions that limit the size and range public to play its part in ending the current trends indicate that our business and have noticed of transactions on its mobile money the scourge of battery theft that syndicates are only getting more that when combined with greater platform to comply with an order leaves thousands of people with no brazen in trying to regain the community awareness and involve- from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. connection. ground they lost,” O’Sullivan said. ment, an immediate dent is made The latter wants to curb Jacqui O’Sullivan, executive for Criminal syndicates are finding in criminal activities. Members of foreign-exchange trading in the corporate affairs at MTN South ways to navigate security measures the public need to blow the whistle black market, which it blames Africa said despite a fall in the and this has made things more diffi- on criminals that steal essential for weakening the local currency. number of cell tower battery theft cult for the industry and the public, infrastructure,” O’Sullivan said. The government has accused incidences towards the end of working hand-in-hand with law en- Econet’s mobile-money unit, 2019, increased incidences of theft forcement and security companies. EcoCash, which accounts for 98% and damage early in 2020 shows O’Sullivan said all national Jacqui O’Sullivan of commerce in the country, of the battle is far from over. cellular networks remain under from MTN facilitating such dealings. It has Over 200 network infrastructure increasing pressure to improve South Africa denied the allegations. vandalism were reported in May recoveries and reduce theft as the said “A broader EcoCash has limited daily trans- alone and this is adding additional knock-on effects will become more initiative needs actions to Z$5,000 (US$60) for strain on networks. Gauteng severe if left unchecked. to be driven by individuals, restricted its wallet ser- remains the hotspot province She added that greater community communities, the vice to one per customer and abol- for these syndicate, particularly involvement and awareness can private sector, ished agent lines, which previously Soweto, Mamelodi and Vosloorus. make an immense difference. police and could process large transactions, “The installation of high-tech “A broader initiative needs to be prosecutors” the company said in a statement.
June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 7
SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 7 03/09/2020 15:15 NEWS Millimetre wave firm restructures Cambridge Broadband Networks backhaul, small cell backhaul, VectaStar product range, and will Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. Group (CBNG) has spun off its enterprise access and ISP networks operate directly in the North and “We are thrilled to unveil our re- African millimetre wave fixed at 26GHz and 10.5GHz mmWave South America, Europe, the Middle brand as we build upon our world-re- wireless access business after bands. Customers include seven of East and North Africa and APAC re- nowned reputation for setting the bar going into administration. the world’s top ten mobile operators. gions. It is also looking for new value in network resilience and support Cambridge Broadband Networks However, the company collapsed added reseller (VAR) partners. in the licensed FWA space. Our new Ltd (CBNL) was established in into administration in February The company said it has ‘reset’ structure enables us to continue to of- 2000 when 10 engineers from 2020 owing £14m to creditors. It existing manufacturing and supplier fer the reliable, superior FWA solutions Cambridge University in the UK has now restructured as Cambridge relationships, and started developing we are known for while breaking into secured private equity funding Broadband Networks Group a new mmWave, fixed wireless point- new markets,” said Nigel Hall, chief for its millimetre wave (mmWave) (CBNG) and Cambridge Broadband to-multipoint platform. executive officer at CBNG, who joined communications technology. Networks Limited Africa. Cambridge Broadband Networks CBNL in 2019 as the chief restructur- The firm raised over £99m for its CBNG retains the IP and manu- Limited Africa, now a separate compa- ing officer. “With the rollout of 5G, the point to multipoint platform called facturing capability of CBNL as well ny, will provide VectaStar products and emphasis is very much on ubiquitous, VectaStar which has been deployed as all the engineering, design and services directly to customers in the high-speed coverage and FWA provides in over 50 countries for mobile support know-how of the existing African region from its offices in South a vehicle for delivering this.” Ukheshe UFO turns out to be internet balloon
launches TPP An unidentified flying object (UFO) with solar panels and wires, which iting the site around 10 km (6 miles) parachuted into dense Congo jungle had landed in the tropical forest of south of the provincial capital Buta. to the confusion of local authori- Bas-Uele province in the northern “I’m not able to say exactly what payment ties, until a subsidiary of Google Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), kind of device I observed,” he said. parent company Alphabet identified trailing a large deflated balloon. “What intrigues us is that neither the service in SA the device as an internet balloon. Locals told security after the object intelligence services nor the local Images shared on social media fell to earth around 1pm local time on aviation authorities claim to have Ukheshe Technologies, the showed people inspecting a large Monday 24 August, Bas-Uele Governor any information on the overflight of payments platform specialist, has silver-coloured contraption fitted Valentin Senga told Reuters after vis- Congolese air space by this aircraft.” launched its third-party processing services (TPP) in South Africa through an extended partnership with Mastercard and Nedbank. City threatens action against Paratus This latest announcement by the fintech specialist gives everyday The City of Windhoek has threat- businesses access to prepaid and ened to send in its security forces virtual cards, which were typically on Paratus Telecom if it does not only available to large enterprises. stop installing its cables around Clayton Hayward, chief executive the Namibian capital. officer at Ukheshe said that through The two have been arguing for the innovative payment solutions, busi- months as both continue to imple- nesses in South Africa can now issue ment their plans to penetrate a tele- virtual prepaid cards to employees communications industry currently or customers. Recipients now have dominated by MTC and TN Mobile. improved financial freedom where they Suspended City of Windhoek infor- have the option to earn rewards, incen- mation technology manager Reckliff tives and have a secure card that can Kandjiriomuini recently wrote to work anywhere in South Africa, while Paratus accusing it of deliberately ig- building brand association. noring municipal laws by continuously Paratus is also under fire for allegedly trying to block the municipality’s “From providing a path to financial digging trenches on municipal land. plans to provide free internet to residents inclusion to the underserved to acting “The City management has picked as a safer, more convenient payment up that your company has continu- “You are thus hereby once again from “unlawfully confiscating, seiz- option while travelling, or enabling ously acted in ignorance,” he said. instructed to stop with all your ing, taking or removing the Paratus people to shop online, prepaid The letter was written to Paratus trenching and duct installations equipment being utilised for the payments have a broad appeal and chief executive officer Barney in public space,” Kandjiriomuini installation of infrastructure”. room for growth in South Africa,” Harmse on 2 July 2020, accusing wrote. “In the meantime, the City Paratus is also under fire for Hayward added. “For businesses, this the company of “unauthorised ex- will deploy law enforcement to its allegedly trying to block the offers a more secure and trackable cavation, trenching and/or putting fullest to ensure that you comply municipality’s plans to provide free way to pay for things. It will also help up structures on public streets and with this instruction,” Kandjiri- internet to residents. to eliminate fraud while also making sidewalks without the council’s omuini said. “The pressure on The company has yet to comment arduous administration tasks much permission and/or not complying Paratus comes after the High Court publicly, and has not responded to easier to manage and reconcile.” with the council’s conditions”. ordered the municipality to refrain questions sent to it two weeks ago.
8 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020
SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 8 03/09/2020 15:15 Preparing for the new age of industry in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
magine a continent that has working to allow for social variety of real-time state-driven been marred by a pandemic distancing considering the information along with contextual Ithat no-one anticipated and now current pandemic. and historical data. needs to rebuild its economies Connecting everything from Companies must have the from the ground up. What basic the workforce to devices, ability to understand the state building-blocks would be required machines, and tools to supply across complex operational to re-energise economies, chain elements and even systems if they want to automate kick-start growth, and refocus products, requires a network physical industries effectively to industries to pick up the pieces? with the ability to sense, analyse, drive productivity. By gathering Productivity is the cornerstone optimise, and control what and processing state information Networking solutions for of any business, particularly matters, to unlock business value from the multitude of devices, the new age of industry. in the current working and drive efficiency. sensors, and machines within environment. Without the right The cloud has brought the enterprise they will be able to nokia.com/networks/go-allwhere infrastructure, organisations enterprises new levels of agility shift from big data to big insights will struggle to fulfil their and efficiency. It has given and close the loop on automation commitments to clients and will them the ability to dynamically with predictive approaches that put themselves at risk of not scale and adapt compute and are fully automated, driving delivering. The need for digital application workloads in their efficiency even further. This, transformation and improved own data centres or the public in turn, will lead to timely and productivity must therefore be cloud, providing increased actional insights to guide human prioritised to allow organisations resource efficiency. decision-making. Again, this to adapt to this new style of That said, enterprise requires a network with the working, which, in turn, requires productivity applications and capacity to provide richer human- robust, and reliable connectivity. centralised hybrid clouds, machine interfaces leveraging Successful digital transforma- might not meet the stringent augmented and virtual reality, tion relies on three imperatives requirements of tomorrow. A precise control over autonomous – connect everything; compute, shift towards a more automated systems, and more efficient where you need to; apply insights future will require high digital operations. and execute with precision. performance, ultra-low latency, and uninterrupted computing The network at the core in 4IR Connect, compute, and apply power and connectivity, which in The network must be at the core insights to execute with precision turn requires proximity. of true digital transformation. As All organisations have some To make compute available smart devices and systems in- The future of connectedness in 4IR form of assets in their inventory. wherever it is needed, fuels the crease, and business applications The future of connectedness re- These cut across the physical, need for edge clouds. These evolve there is a dramatic need for quires a robust network that takes digital, and human assets edge clouds push applications more bandwidth to deliver richer all these elements into consider- required to produce their closer to distributed assets and data about the state of systems ation and incorporates them in a products and services and users, even making the capability and the operating environment. meaningful way taking the reali- are often broadly distributed available on-premise in local This will demand new bandwidth ties and unique considerations of across different territories. clouds where required. This and latency requirements that different industries into account. Companies must know the state gives the enterprise the ability vastly expand on the capabilities It must also have the flexibility to of all relevant assets all the to analyse information about required of today’s mission-critical adapt to accommodate them to time to inform decision-making the state of their assets and network infrastructures. drive increased productivity and and to orchestrate or control operations efficiently but requires Dedicated, high-performance enhance customer experiences. the allocation or a network that seamlessly and network connectivity will become Nokia’s Future X for industries, behaviour of reliably connects users and a key requirement, regardless of a connected systems approach those assets, applications to the relevant cloud the access medium. Networks based on Bell Labs Future X regardless of while adapting quickly to changes must also become dynamic and architecture, can leverage the location. This in workload placement. This programmable, allowing them to power of digital value platforms, is even more underlying network must provide automatically adjust to optimise distributed clouds, pervasive dedi- true today its own level of resource elasticity resource utilisation and meet cated high-performance networks, as countries and uninterrupted availability to application needs. These networks and ingrained security to bridge promote remote support the needs of the cloud. must be resilient, ensuring the gap between people and ma- As the number of sensors availability at all costs, yet also chines and the business applica- and connected systems within be scalable enough to adapt tions they drive and rely on. Nokia the organisation grows, so does to expansion requirements of has a proven history of providing the amount of data. Advanced bandwidth, processing, and other Future X architecture, not only for analytics systems are required to required capabilities. Finally, these communications service providers make sense and operationalise networks must be secure, ensuring (CSPs), but for enterprise cus- that data to drive human deci- that it consists of a smart network tomers as well. To date we have sions and machine actions. fabric that assists in minimising more than 180 global enterprise This enables the organisation certain threats and strictly aligning customers across several different to collect and draw on a changes with enterprise policy. industries using our solutions. n Deon Geyser head of southern Africa sub-region, Nokia
SAWC 2008 (Nokia Ad).indd 4 02/09/2020 17:28 NEWS Cassava and Blue Label takes 10% hit Liquid join South Africa’s Blue Label Telecoms re- ported a 10% drop in revenue for the year ended May 2020, to R21.1bn. forces to Gross profit declined by 2% from R2.17bn to R2.12bn, partially limited launch new due to an increase in margins from 9.21% to 10.05%, the group said. Earnings before interest, taxes, Wi-Fi finder depreciation, and amortisation declined by R111m, to R1.21bn. Cassava Fintech International (CFI) As the carrying value of Blue and Liquid Telecom Group (LTG) Label’s investment in Cell C was fully have joined forces to develop a impaired for the year ended May service aimed at accelerating digital 2019, the financial results of the The group’s retail business, starter pack distribution, gaming vouchers and and financial inclusion in Africa. latter had no impact on Blue Label’s ticketing were negatively impacted during the initial lockdown period Through the newly launched Sa- earnings for the current year, it said. sai WiFi Finder, the partners plan to In addition, Blue Label said that voucher trading volumes are now sult of reduced incentives from the establish an expansive network of the lockdown regulations and the back to pre-Covid-19 levels. mobile networks and an increase in data access points across the conti- downturn in economic activity have The lockdown, however, had a sig- product costs, exacerbated by Cov- nent and build ‘Africa’s Missing Net- not impacted negatively on airtime, nificant negative impact on the retail id-19, necessitated an impairment work’ by partnering with broadband data and electricity sales volumes. operations of WiConnect, a provider of goodwill in Blue Label Connect providers, internet service providers “The products and services that of mobile and electronic accessories. of R156.5m, a partial goodwill and local community hubs. Blue Label provides fulfil essential Blue Label said that given the uncer- impairment in Glocell Distribution The service, which is set to be needs of the consumer, even more tainty of the duration of the pandem- of R57m and a fair value downward rolled out across thousands of so during the lockdown period due ic, it decided to suspend operations adjustment of the Glocell loan, net hotspots across Africa, can be to home confinement,” it said. of the WiConnect retail stores. of taxation, of R47.8m. accessed through an intuitive and The group’s retail business, This resulted in a negative impact Blue Label Telecom’s easy-to-use in-application feature on starter pack distribution, gaming of R318 million on the group’s basic management said it remains the Sasai super application, where vouchers and ticketing were earnings for the year ended May 2020. upbeat about Cell C’s prospects users can identify hotspots where negatively impacted during the Challenging economic conditions, and is of the opinion that Cell C they can access affordable data. initial lockdown period. Starter an unfavourable trading environ- will continue as a going concern “We designed this service to pack distribution and gaming ment, margin compression as a re- for the foreseeable future. be as easy-to-use as possible. A smartphone user will get free connectivity on-the-go through accessing the Sasai WiFi Finder Tanzania: new Vodacom product to network to download the Sasai application and gain access to a wide enhance telecom services range of in-application services,” said Sasai chief operating officer Vodacom Tanzania has introduced consumer business unit, Linda Riwa “Realising that customer needs Tapera Mushoriwa. ‘build your own bundle service’ that said the firm is once again bringing are different yet all customers want Once users have registered and gives customers the freedom and cost efficient innovative product more value for what they pay for, we opened the Sasai application, convenience to create their bundle into the market to enhance usage decided to create this service giving an automatic notification pop-up mix at own cost and preference. of communication services and them the freedom to get exactly alert will show available Sasai WiFi The company’s director for contribute to economic growth. what they want and at a cost, they Finder hotspots nearby. are willing to pay,” she said. “They also receive additional The company provides a wide services, such as distinct indoor range of communication services to and outdoor WiFi hotspot markers, consumers and enterprises namely directions to WiFi hotspots, session voice, data and messaging, video, use, range and signal strength cloud and hosting, mobile solutions details, making it easier than ever and financial services to over 14.1 before for African users to access million customers. the internet,” Mushoriwa added. The use of mobile money services, The Sasai WiFi Finder will allow in particular M-Pesa has provided greater connectivity in a variety of both individuals and businesses with locations, including retail, health- an effective and reliable method to care, education, government and save and invest money, as well as small business trade facilities, as access to a range of other financial well as access to social, enter- services, including digital payments. tainment and on-demand services The company provides a wide range of communication services to Mobile money has also helped pro- offered on the Sasai super applica- consumers and enterprises namely voice, data and messaging, video, vide small to medium enterprises in tion, including Sasai Moments. cloud and hosting, mobile solutions and financial services Tanzania with an opportunity to grow.
10 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020
SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 10 03/09/2020 15:15 NEWS Africa’s smartphone market ‘resilient to impact of Covid-19’ Africa’s overall mobile phone market The average selling price (ASP) for saw shipments decline just 6% quar- smartphones declined 9.8% QoQ in ter on quarter (QoQ) in Q2 2020, Q2 2020, partially due to the market according to the latest set of figures conditions created by the pandemic released by technology research and and partially due to a continuation consulting services firm, Internation- in the declining trend of prices. The al Data Corporation (IDC). US$0 Seacom chief strategy officer Suveer has been responsible for overseeing “He recently concluded the company said in a statement. Ramdhani, who has played an Seacom’s strategy, market develop- the acquisition of FibreCo “Suveer has been a cornerstone of integral role in the company since its ment, and mergers and acquisition. Telecommunications, which has our business, driving growth strate- launch in 2009, has quit his post. This includes the recent acquisition positioned Seacom to operate a gies for new products and services, He initially was responsible for the of FibreCo, which has enabled the network that runs along South Africa’s new markets and transformative firm’s product development before company to operate a network that highest-traffic transmission routes and acquisitions,” said Brian Herlihy, he assumed his current role as chief links all major South African cities to links all major South African cities to chairperson of Seacom’s investment strategy officer in 2014. In this role he Seacom’s submarine cables. Seacom’s submarine cable assets,” and strategy subcommittee. Cellular looting in SA by ‘WASPS’ Investigations have uncovered from each person. reported, conservative estimates by themselves acted as the WASP. widespread theft of airtime by They fraudulently subscribe industry players suggest it amounts That means the airtime was unscrupulous wireless application South Africans to content to billions of rands. stolen from Vodacom and MTN service providers (WASPs), enabled subscription services without Mobile operators can block subscribers through fraudulent by network operators like Vodacom, their knowledge or consent. WASP billing by default, but despite subscriptions to content services MTN and Cell C in South Africa. Furthermore, through these a decade of fraud and billions offered by Vodacom and MTN According to My Broadband, fraudulent subscriptions, they steal in airtime stolen, they refuse to themselves. A rogue WASP can these WASPs sign cell phone users millions in airtime from mobile implement this solution. fraudulently subscribe 60,000 up to subscription services without subscribers every day. The problem goes even deeper. mobile users to their services and their permission, and siphon off Although the exact scale of this In some of the cases where airtime bill them R5 each per day, adding small amounts of airtime each day fraud has never officially been was stolen, the mobile operators up to R110m per year. June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 11 SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 11 03/09/2020 15:15 NEWS Madagascar HAPSMobile and tops Africa’s net speeds Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT Madagascar has the fastest internet in Africa, according to new research, with its improved average speed of and Innovation Sign MoU 32.07Mbps placing it 33rd globally and ahead of developed countries Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Inno- like the UK and Australia. vation and HAPSMobile, a subsidiary The improvement is due to of SoftBank Corp., have signed a the underwater Eastern Africa memorandum of understanding Submarine Cable System that which both parties will conduct a supplies the island’s urban centres joint research project (JRP) that stud- with fibre broadband speeds, ies the use of high altitude platform according to Cable.co.uk. stations (HAPS) to provide mobile Madagascar also had Africa’s internet connectivity in Rwanda. fastest internet in 2018, when it As part of the JRP, the parties plan took the title from east African to conduct demonstration flights nation, Kenya. using HAPSMobile’s solar powered Fellow Indian Island nation the Sey- unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in chelles, with a population of 98,347 Rwanda to provide 4G/5G Internet people at mid-year, according to UN connectivity. The results of the JRP data, came third with an internet will be used to guide discussions speed of 26.76Mbps. As one of the between HAPSMobile and MINICT most sought after tourists’ destina- on potential commercial services in tions in Africa, the country has invest- Rwanda and other African countries. ed massively in internet connectivity. “Our mission at HAPSMobile Most resorts, hotels, and is to bridge the digital divide and guesthouses in Seychelles have revolutionize mobile networks by free WiFi. Internet cafés are also leveraging HAPS,” said Junichi available on the three main islands Miyakawa, representative director As part of the JRP, the parties plan to conduct demonstration flights of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue to & CTO of SoftBank Corp., and using HAPSMobile’s solar powered unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in give internet access to locals. also president and chief executive Rwanda to provide 4G/5G Internet connectivity Surprisingly, after improving from officer of HAPSMobile. “So, we are third to second in 2019, South Africa very pleased and encouraged that this research project so we can study project is well aligned with our fell down the ranks to fifth in 2020 we can work with the Rwandan potential commercial applications in government’s vision of becoming after services in other African coun- government, a leading technological Rwanda, and beyond.” a Proof of Concept Nation and we tries were developed. It has an aver- power in Africa, to study how our Paula Ingabire, minister of ICT commit to supporting it towards age download speed of 23.17Mbps HAPS solution can be used to reach and innovation of the Republic fruition. This project will contribute - and the time it takes to download a remote communities and enable of Rwanda, added: “We enthusi- to Rwanda’s utmost goal to bridge typical 5GB high-definition movie is better access to information. We astically welcome HAPSMobile, a the digital divide and increase dig- one hour and 21 minutes. look forward to working with the SoftBank Corp. subsidiary, to do ital inclusion, not only in Rwanda Nearby Mauritius has made sig- Ministry of ICT and Innovation on business in Rwanda. This joint R&D but also across our region.” nificant improvements over the past year, doubling the average broad- band speeds available in the country. In 2018, the country responsible Paratus invests in satellite tech for for Africa’s current ninth-fastest in- ternet speeds was only ranked 139th enhanced internet access globally with speeds of 2.39Mbps. Mauritius is now much improved in Paratus South Africa, part of pan- Africa has invested in hub acquisitions “To amplify our support for the world ranking thanks to infrastruc- African telecom service provider, to improve the quality of their connec- growth in Africa, we have upgraded ture improvements providing increased Paratus Africa, is investing in the tion and service offering to ISPs who our DVB-S2 hub to the DVB-S2x speeds of around 19.24Mbps. country’s satellite market to offer lease VSAT capacity or multinational hub, allowing us to sustain excep- Cape Verde in second place, along quality connections to the region organisations that require reliable, tional performance and improve with Ghana, Gabon, Liberia, Togo and the rest of Africa. secure and end-to-end control. VSAT end-user expectations,” said Para- and Senegal made up the top 10. Satellite technology provides inter- forms an integral part of the commu- tus South Africa MD, Kallie Carlsen. Countries like Uganda, Rwanda, net service providers (ISPs) and busi- nications solution as it enables both The firm has also invested in addi- Namibia, Tunisia, Morocco and nesses flexible, universal, reliable and internet service providers and busi- tional capacity to expand communi- Kenya, all of which appeared in the cost-effective technology to address a nesses to enjoy an easily accessible, cations needs in Africa via powerful 2019 ranking, were knocked off in wide range of communication needs. secure and cost-effective connection satellite – the AMOS-17, through a the 2020 ranking. Over the past year, Paratus South anywhere in South Africa and Africa. partnership with Spacecom. 12 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 12 03/09/2020 15:15 NEWS Martin Jarrold, chief of international South Africa Talking satellite programme development, GVF mobile fraud Covid-19: a new (INDOPACOM, formerly Pacific Command, representative PACOM) Multinational Communications body for the Extensive data collec- challenge for Interoperability Program (MCIP) in HADR satellite industry tion and analysis by the – for the annual Pacific Endeavor event. that is – along with Paris-based anti-fraud firm Evina has global HAD In an approximately triennial cycle, a number of its member determined that one out of every In my previous column for this the focus of Pacific Endeavor alternates companies – signatory to the UN Crisis three mobile subscription attempts publication, written on 13 March, between, “Wireless Endeavor”, “Cyber Connectivity Charter, and is the only in South Africa is fraudulent. South I began with this sentence: “As I Endeavor”, and “Satcom Endeavor”. This private sector representative entity in African cellular users are very often write this column more than 120 of year was to feature a Satcom Endeavor the World Food Program administered subscribed to mobile services without the world’s nations are experiencing programme, the content being organised Emergency Telecommunications Cluster their consent, the company says. After the spread of the Coronavirus. To by GVF, and led by GVF’s Lead on HADR, (ETC). As I prepare this column, I note Kenya, it is the African country most state the obvious, this public health Riaz Lamak ([email protected]). that the ETC Annual Report 2019 has re- affected by fraud that daily fleeces emergency is impacting on all facets In the context of the entirely cently been published, featuring Cluster millions from the mobile accounts of life as well, of course, as very sadly natural preoccupation with the current response operations for emergencies in of cellular users around the globe. causing so many deaths.” So much has pandemic – and of collectively looking Africa: Central African Republic, Libya, “As Africa’s most advanced economy, changed since I wrote these words. forward to a global mass vaccination Mozambique, and Nigeria; and South it is particularly tragic that South COVID-19 – the disease resulting from programme when the efforts of the Asia: Bangladesh. (Plus, The Bahamas African mobile users are falling victim the zoonotic, interspecies, jump of the world’s virologists and pharmacolo- and in the Pacific.) The Report can be to subscription frauds that are well novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) from an gists succeed in combatting the coro- read by clicking on the following link: managed in many other countries,” animal species to human, and declared navirus – it is important not to lose https://www.etcluster.org/docu- said David Lotfi, CEO of Evina. pandemic by the UN World Health sight of other disasters, those arising ment/etc-annual-report-2019. Organization (WHO) on 12 March – has from the forces of nature, and those Pacific Endeavor 2020 in cyber- affected the entire world to a degree resulting from human action, some- space will be different, a move away that, in significant measure, and on times mistakes, sometimes malign. from the usual person-to-person and Liquid hires the broadest scale, is unlikely to be Of course, natural disasters take hands-on experience. Since 2012 we reversed. (Indeed, it may be argued that many forms: earthquakes, tsunamis, have variously conducted presenta- new GCBO there are some changes that we may cyclones/hurricanes/typhoons, tion sessions, and hands-on practical not really want reversed. However, this volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts, training workshops to certify J6 Liquid Telecom has made discussion is for another time, in another and famine. Parts of Africa, the military officials – of the approxi- Clayton Naidoo its group place.) From its almost certain origin in a Middle East and south Asia have mately 25 participating nations – in chief business officer (GCBO). He Wuhan wet market, and then impacting recently been facing a “plague” the installation and maintenance will be responsible for driving growth, most of the world’s most advanced and of locusts consuming its way of satellite terminals to ensure that innovation and strategy in the wealthy nations, the epidemiology of westwards. Super-Cyclone Amphan during crisis or disaster GVF-certified enterprise market across the Group’s COVID-19 is illustrating that the worst of has wreaked havoc in Bangladesh first responders are on the ground. holdings. Naidoo will join the team in the consequences of the disease spread and north-eastern India. The Pacific Communications capacity building this role on October 1, 2020. Group are now happening for the poorer Ocean islands were hit by Typhoon for these militaries and their civilian chief operating officer Ahmad Mokh- countries of the less-developed world. Harold. It is usually these, and also partners – advancing reliable and les said the company “is thrilled that Such developments, since mid- human-made disasters such as war interoperable communications Clayton will be joining Liquid Telecom March, have put into better perspective (too numerous to list, and which are and cyber operations – will still be as we progress in our journey to so- certain of my remarks of the time; both immediately disastrous and the goal. However, whereas the lidify our position as a leading digital remarks concerning the impact of the consequently disastrous in the form non-pandemic norm provides GVF services provider across Africa”. pandemic on the satellite industry’s of displaced and refugee populations), member companies and others with international events schedule – a which usually grab the headlines the opportunity to showcase new combination of postponements as requiring the kinds of solutions solution innovations, equipment and and cancellations – which pale in for immediate response logistics systems, and share case studies, TCRA decides the context of the 460,000 deaths operations and longer-term recovery and best practices (as well as GVF worldwide (as of 20 June 2020). There programmes that only satellite can providing hands-on practical training) to fine Raha is, however, something of an irony that provide. In the context of pandemic on a face-to-face basis, cyberspace this catastrophic global public health the recurrence of these other disasters will instead provide the platform Tanzanian ISP Raha crisis – necessitating the activation of exacerbates both the instance and for GVF-managed remote technical has been hit with a humanitarian assistance and disaster effects of the coronavirus, as infection sessions with mentored online TZS11.8bn fine as the Tanzania response (HADR) resources and takes hold in lower-income countries, training modules with voice calling Communications Regulatory capabilities – has now also disrupted affecting communities with weak support. Of course, Pacific Endeavor’s Authority (TCRA) accused the a major international event in the health systems, affected by conflict, cyberspace participants will contribute Liquid Telecom subsidiary of using field of HADR, not as postponement comprising displaced peoples, or to the programme from their own spectrum in the 1452MHz-1482MHz or cancellation, but in transitioning spreading through permanent, high- respective time zones, from the band without a valid licence since into the virtual. This event is known as population density, slums. Maldives in the Indian Ocean at 73 March. Local newspaper The Citizen Pacific Endeavor and its 2020 iteration With reference to the entire sweep degrees East longitude to Hawaii in reported TCRA director James will now happen in cyberspace. So, of disaster situations, and beyond the Pacific Ocean at approximately Kilaba as claiming that despite what is Pacific Endeavor? the specifics of just Pacific Endeavor, 158 degrees West longitude – that’s using spectrum, Raha had failed Since 2012 GVF has collaborated GVF’s pedigree in the sphere of HADR almost nine time zones spanning the to “provide internet services and with the United States Department extends to working with the United International Date Line. This will be a submit financial statements”. of Defense IndoPacific Command Nations. GVF is the only globally-based new endeavour for all involved. June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 13 SAWC 2008 p5-13 (News).indd 13 03/09/2020 15:15 WIRELESS BUSINESS Gilles de Dieuleveult joins DAMM Airtel teams up DAMM, the provider of critical radio and DAMM chief executive officer Jens Thostrup with MoneyGram broadband communication across Africa, has added: “With his solid understanding of the hired Gilles de Dieuleveult as its new solutions market and his deep technical knowledge Airtel Africa has forged a new partnership with Mon- manager. He joins from manager at aerospace, he’ll be a great value-add to partners and end eyGram International to enable 19 million customers space and defence specialist Thales, where he customers alike, who will benefit from his ability to receive transfers directly into their mobile wallets. was the business development manager. to analyse their communication needs and It is the second partnership announcement “I’m extremely happy to be part of the advise them on the best solution, big or small.” this month for the telco, following earlier con- DAMM team,” he said in a statement. “There’s firmation that Airtel Africa would partner with a great energy in the company as a whole, and Standard Chartered to develop “co-developed, in- it’s extremely gratifying to work in a company novative” new financial products for key markets. where you’re not just a number but a truly Dieuleveult will use Under the latest partnership, Airtel Money valued member of the team.” his many years of customers who receive funds can use them to Dieuleveult will use his many years of experi- experience in the pay for utility bills, goods and services, transfer ence in the industry to support sales activities industry to support to other individuals, or convert to cash at any of in Europe and MENA and guide customers to sales activities in Airtel Africa’s branches, kiosks and agents. choose the right radio communication solution. Europe and MENA “We are delighted to work with MoneyGram to provide millions of customers with fast, secure and convenient options to receive and send money as well as access their funds from a Angola Telecom ditches vast distribution of exclusive kiosks, agents and branches at their convenience,” said Raghunath Angorascom for Africell partnership Mandava, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa. “This is a significant step forward in our ambi- Angola’s state-owned fixed provider which was recently confirmed as Angola’s fourth tion to transform lives through greater financial Angola Telecom (AT) is scrapping its recipient of a Unified Global Licence. AT noted inclusion and empowerment across the conti- mobile partnership with Angorascom that the partnership would avoid the construction nent. Maximizing access to global remittances Telecomunicações, according to reports. of any redundant duplicate tower and fibre assets. is a key part of this - even more so given the dis- In November 2019, Angorascom received “We are very committed to being an infra- ruption and economic hardship faced by many presidential permission for a ‘sub-concession’ structure sharing company and if it depends because of the Covid-19 pandemic.” that allowed it to deliver mobile services using on Angola Telecom, Africell will not take long “This partnership with Airtel will enable AT’s Unified Licence. The partnership was to enter the market, because our infrastructure millions of consumers instant access to our aimed at injecting competition into Angola’s will be available from a commercial point of global platform to receive money from over 200 mobile market – breaking the duopoly of Unitel view”, said dos Santos. countries and territories without having to and Movicel – with the partners aiming to Angola’s even step outside,” added John Gely, head launch mobile services by February 2021. Ministerio of MoneyGram Africa. “We’re excited about However, news agency Lusa reported that das Teleco- how this customer-centric partnership AT chairman Adilson dos Santos said that municacoes with Airtel will expand our mobile wallet Angola Telecom “will no longer follow up on the e Technologias capabilities, build upon our strong momentum authorisation request for the sub-concession of de Informacao, in Africa, and further accelerate our digital the mobile service”, citing “legal and technical” MTTI recentl growth across the globe.” failures and broader changes to Angola’s economy. confirmed the Angorascom is a startup with the backing of government’s Egypt’s Orascom Investment Holding. selection of In the same press conference dos Santos Africell to receive Billionaire announced a new partnership and said that AT the fourth Unified would now share infrastructure with Africell, Global licence. dos Santos MTN names new CEO steps down Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos will leave her MTN Group has named current group CFO of MTN group president and CEO position,” said MTN Group job in the administration of telecom operator Unitel Group, Ralph Mupita, as the new group president chairman Mcebisi Jonas. “Ralph’s experience as amid ongoing tensions between board members. and CEO with effect from 1 September 2020. the group CFO, strong knowledge of our businesses “After 20 years dedicated to the creation, Mupita has served as the MTN Group CFO and markets, as well as successful background in development and success of Unitel, I chose to since April 2017 and has played a key role in financial services, M&A and emerging markets, place leave the position of member of the company’s the development and execution of the group’s him in an excellent position to lead the growth and board of directors,” dos Santos, who holds a strategy, capital allocation processes, financial sustainability of the business going forward.” 25% stake in Unitel, said in a statement cited by performance as well as in the resolution of a The current group president and CEO, Rob Portuguese media. Dos Santos’ decision to leave number of complex regulatory matters. Shuter, will step down from his executive respon- her position at Unitel, which dominates Angola’s “After a rigorous and extensive search process, sibilities on 31 August 2020 and will thereafter telecoms market, is related to a “climate of per- we are pleased to have appointed someone of support Ralph as required until the end of his manent conflict” among the company’s board of Ralph’s calibre, experience and ability to fill the fixed-term contract in early 2021. directors, she said in the same statement. 14 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p14-15 (Wireless Business).indd 14 03/09/2020 15:16 WIRELESS BUSINESS Cell C to cut more jobs Ciena names Hall Cell C is reportedly set to shed 546 new jobs accentuated by the impact of Covid-19 which as Africa head as the mobile operator is planning to close 128 has rapidly changed the purchasing habits of stores across South Africa. This new wave of consumers. “Just as banks are moving away redundancies would be added to the 960-job from physical branches, Cell C is embracing Ciena has appointed Pete Hall as its new head of reduction plan initiated since June 2020. technology solutions that drive digital Middle East and Africa (MEA) region and subsea Cell C, which launched in June a workforce inclusion by leveraging collaborations and sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). reduction plan targeting 960 employees includ- partnerships,” the company explained. He will lead the team that supports Ciena’s cus- ing junior executives and semi-qualified staff, At the start of August 2020, Cell C said tomers in MEA as they adapt their infrastructure plans to separate again from 546 employees it was still looking for solutions that could to changing network demands. through the closure of 128 stores on the Na- improve its liquidity, debt profile and long- Hall joins Ciena with more than 20 years of sales, tional territory. The target goal is still to reduce term competitiveness as part of its recovery business development and international telecom ex- spending and stabilise finances. strategy. With 546 new jobs in the sights of perience. Previously, he was a key member of Orix- In a statement, Cell C, which currently has the telecoms company, a total of 1,506 people com’s management team, where he drove telecoms, 2,500 employees and 240 stores in South could be unemployed by the end of 2020. network and cloud sales, marketing and strategy. He Africa, justifies its intention to lay off more Cell C did not respond to calls from Southern established Orixcom’s go-to-market strategy and the by the changing retail environment. A change African Wireless Communications. primary relationships that delivered a strong base of anchor customers, partners and hyperscalers, including Microsoft, AWS and Oracle. “Over the last year, we’ve made a number of Telkom chief executive takes strategic decisions for our organization and go-to- market approach to best leverage our talent and R1.3m pay cut this year build on our momentum,” said Virginie Hollebecque, vice president and head of EMEA regional sales at Telkom chief executive Sipho Maseko took home ers grew 23% to 12m while mobile broadband Ciena. “Pete’s two decades of leadership experience R1.3 million less during the year ended in March numbers rose 28% to 8.2m. “Our challenge for will play a key role in driving Ciena’s success in the than the R23m he took home last year. the year was the impact of the fixed-voice reve- region and facilitating cross pollination between The company said in its annual report that Mase- nue on group earnings before interest, taxation, terrestrial and Subsea network dynamics.” ko’s pay included a guaranteed salary of R8.3m, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) as the Ciena currently serves more than 1,800 unvested shares of R2.4m, and R10.5m in vested decline intensified,” said Maseko. “The growth customers worldwide and operates in more than shares. Telkom also said that he did not receive a in new revenue streams, which have lower margins, 17 countries in the EMEA region. Ciena serves short-term incentive during the year under review. was not sufficient to offset the decline caused a number of leading operators in the region, However, the group paid R76m to prescribed of- by high margin fixed-voice on group Ebidta.” He including Batelco, BT, Colt, Deutsche Telekom, ficers, including R26m to its chief investment officer, added that as revenue Etisalat, Telefónica UK and Telia Carrier. Deon Fredericks. Last year they received R63m. mix evolved MTN chief executive Rob Shuter took R58m over time, while Vodacom’s Shameel Joosub received the group R43.4m which amounted to R23.9m after tax. expected Vodacom Telkom, which operates BCX, Gyro, Telkom fixed-voice reve- Consumer, Telkom Small and Medium Business nue to decline and appoints CFO and OpenServe recorded a 3 percent revenue the contribution growth to R43bn despite a 22.2% decline in from the mobile Vodacom Group has named fixed-voice revenue. business, with Raisibe Morathi as its new chief Mobile service revenue increased 54.4% with improved Ebidta, financial officer (CFO), effective fibre-to-home connectivity improving to 48.2 % to increase and 1 November 2020, when she will from 38.4% a year earlier. Active mobile subscrib- offset the impact. also be appointed to the board. The operator said as one of the most experienced and one of very few African black female CFOs of a listed Seacom’s Ramdhani quits company in South Africa, Morathi’s appointment “underscores Vodacom’s commitment to driving Subsea cable operator Seacom said its chief strategy “During his tenure with Seacom, Mr Ramdhani diversity across the workplace.” officer, Suveer Ramdhani, has resigned from the post. initially oversaw Seacom’s product development Morathi has acquired 26 years of experience, The company said Ramdhani has left the before assuming his current role as chief strategy including 20 years in executive roles at company to pursue other interests and the strategy officer, where he has been responsible for institutions such as Industrial Development and development functions have been absorbed by overseeing Seacom’s strategy, market development Corporation, Sanlam and Nedbank. group CFO Richard Schumacher. Seacom added that and M&A activity for the past six years,” it said. She succeeds Till Streichert following the resignation will not impact on any deals in the “He recently concluded the acquisition of FibreCo his departure in June 2020 and the interim pipeline and said the company will “continue to look Telecommunications, which has positioned Seacom appointment of Sitho Mdlalose as group CFO. for opportunities to expand our business in Africa to operate a network that runs along South Africa’s Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, said: both organically as well as through M&A activity.” highest-traffic transmission routes and links all “I am delighted to welcome Raisibe to the Vodacom Seacom released a statement in which it said major South African cities to Seacom’s submarine Group, where she will drive and continue to modern- Ramdhani has been with Seacom since its inception cable assets. He was also fundamental to Seacom’s ise our finance operations as we position ourselves and was involved in its initial launch in 2009. fundraising efforts over the years.” as a leading pan-African technology company.” June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 15 SAWC 2008 p14-15 (Wireless Business).indd 15 03/09/2020 15:16 ON THE NETWORK 5G and enterprise, a match made for growth As 5G continues to gain traction on the continent, Lucky La Riccia, head of digital services at Ericsson Middle East & Africa, explains why the next generation technology and business are perfect bedfellows igital technologies are transforming indus- tries worldwide. With 5G being deployed Dacross the region, service providers increasingly recognize the new business oppor- tunities that digital transformation of the enter- prise market will bring. However, to successfully address these opportunities and accelerate longer-term growth, they need to extend their focus from traditional revenue streams to center on digitalizing targeted industries. While leading service providers in the region are already taking steps to look beyond connectivity and focusing on a few specific industries, they should also expand their strategic ambition beyond mobile broadband in each targeted industry. According to Ericsson report titled “Capturing business opportunities beyond mobile broadband”, almost half of the total projected value of industry digitalization will be enabled by 5G in 2030. Service providers’ revenues from existing busi- ness, mainly driven by connectivity, are expected to remain stagnant. It is a must to look into new op- portunities to capture a larger share of the poten- tial global ICT revenue enabled by 5G, a figure up to USD 700 billion in 2030 (across 10 industries). Critical capabilities and closing the readiness gap 3. Industry knowledge of targeted verticals: need to meet or exceed those expectations For most service providers, business, operational This capability refers to having the optimal with increased agility and lower cost and technical capabilities are highly critical in processes and resources in place to ensure structures. Orchestration answers the call for capturing business opportunities beyond mobile an organizational understanding of industry more dynamic management of information broadband. As the current gap to reach the trends, as well as customers’ business and technology in converged ICT networks, desired state is wide, service providers must challenges, strategic priorities and digitalization and supports services and resources begin ramping up the most critical capabilities, needs. This is key to efficiently design, develop throughout their life cycle – from planning to particularly on the business and operational and sell relevant solutions to customers. fulfillment and closed-loop assurance. fronts, to ensure successful execution. The top 4. Skills: Developing and selling new solutions in This is a fundamental step in further developing five capabilities pinpointed as most critical are: new ways requires a different set of workforce the capability. Ultimately, it should support 1. Effective B2B and B2B2X go-to-market: To competencies. Therefore, organizations must end-to-end automation from RAN to core, and engage with enterprise customers beyond ensure sales teams are ready to serve enterpris- fully autonomous service orchestration in both legacy business, an effective go-to-market es beyond legacy business by being able to build internal and external customer IT environments. model is crucial. This involves efficient a deeper understanding of their business needs At the same time, service providers around the and scalable processes for engaging and strategically engaging with other decision world are not the same, and their digital strategy with customers and partners, and for makers. Moreover, the workforce must adapt to must be adapted to suit their unique circumstanc- distributing insights and learnings across the automation and software-based operations. If es. Furthermore, the development of execution organization. Moreover, it concerns making these competencies are not acquired through capabilities should reflect the strategic ambition. sure sales teams are properly equipped partners, service providers must ensure appro- Service providers are in a strong position to to understand and address enterprise priate processes and tools to upskill, cross-skill, capture emerging digitalization opportunities customers’ business challenges. recruit and retain sought-after competencies. based on their strong customer relationships, 2. Leadership and culture: Leadership involves 5. Service orchestration, assurance and extensive network coverage and deep knowledge ensuring the enterprise segment receives automation: This capability refers to of digitalization connectivity requirements. the right level of attention from both top and automating the design, creation and Notably, they can offer end-to-end data and middle management, and that the strategic delivery of end-to-end network services, network security, which is a key prerequisite in priorities are clear. The culture should support while guaranteeing quality and optimizing enterprises’ digital transformation. and strengthen the strategic ambition and data analysis and decision-making. This is Only by addressing these key capability gaps, priorities beyond legacy business, for example important, as networks are becoming more service providers can truly gain the ability to through encouraging co-creation and a real-time oriented, driven by customers’ engage, sell and deliver solutions to enterprise customer-oriented and innovative mindset. preferences for innovation and speed, and the segments and truly capture this revenue growth. n 16 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p16 (OTN).indd 16 03/09/2020 15:17 obile Mark is a leading supplier of innovative, high performance antennas to wireless companies across the globe. We’ve been in the wireless industry for over 30 years and have our roots in the Mearly Cellular trials. Today, we benefit from enhanced design capabilities and expanded production capacity – along with a greater understanding of new and emerging markets such as mining and exploration. Modern mining operations rely on a battalion of vehicles, ranging from massive extraction vehicles to modest-sized material transport trucks. These vehicles operate in tough environments where high vibration is a frequent wear and tear challenge. Mining companies throughout Africa have relied on our rugged, foam-filled mobile antennas for consistent connections. Mobile Mark’s infrastructure antennas have been used for rapid deployment and redundancy coverage for effective wireless coverage in isolated settings. www.mobilemark.com | [email protected] | (+44) 1543 459 555 AWCY 20 p23 (Mobile Mark).indd 4 02/09/2020 17:28 FEATURE: SATELLITE Is LEO taking off? Low Earth Orbit networks are grabbing the headlines, thanks to firms like SpaceX. Should you consider them above geosynchronous satcoms? Jon Howell and Smita Sarkar explain 18 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p18-22 (Feature).indd 18 03/09/2020 15:17 FEATURE: SATELLITE ellular networks might appear satellites provide a cross-linked network Gavan Murphy, ubiquitous these days but they have around the whole globe, but the history of director, their limitations. No matter how good both technologies goes back many decades. In marketing EMEA, Cthe coverage statistics are, they never cover 100 fact it was Telstar 1, launched into a low orbit Globalstar percent of the land, and very little of the sea. on 10 July 1962, that was the first satellite So if you need genuinely global communications to transmit live television images between then you need to look at satellite solutions. Europe and North America. Whereas the first There are many vendors who offer satellite geostationary communications satellite didn’t connectivity and even plenty of firms with launch until 19 August 1964, the Syncom satellites in orbit, but before you worry about 3 was used to telecast the 1964 Summer that, you have a choice to make – GEO or LEO. Olympics from Tokyo over to the United States. “Our LEO constellation and L-and What are GEO and LEO? Location location location S-band are perfect for IoT applications” GEO is short for Geosynchronous Equatorial “Fundamentally, GEO has the advantage of being satellites and sees low Earth orbit as the ideal Orbit. GEO satellites orbit along a path parallel to a highly cost efficient and the most robust way location for their purposes. “Assuming similar Earth’s rotation at a height of around 35,000km of providing communications links from space,” ground processing delays, LEO satellites (22,000 miles) above the Earth’s surface. Also says Kyle Whitehill, CEO, Avanti Communications. such as Globalstar’s demonstrate about 10 known as geostationary satellites, they stay He goes on to point out that the GEO times less propagation time, in other words, located above the same physical point on the communications market has successfully grown less latency,” says Gavan Murphy, Director of Earth at all times, thereby providing coverage to on the basis of its unique capability to cover Marketing EMEA, Globalstar. an area surrounding that location. Typically used a huge region of the earth, one third, from Whitehill doesn’t see this as a problem. “To for weather forecasting, satellite radio, television, a single location. This coverage only takes date, the round trip time of a GEO signal of data connectivity in remote locations. a single launch and a single satellite with a half a second has clearly not been an inhibitor LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit. LEO satellites lifespan of more than 15 years. to the development of the GEO market,” he revolve around the earth at an altitude between It’s not all plain sailing though. “Due to the says. “The requirement for low latency satellite 160 to 2,000 km (99 to 1,200 miles). Unlike fixed nature of GEO satellites, signal blockages connectivity is limited and niche given that GEO they don’t necessarily stay above the same between a user and satellite can easily occur,” in most cases demand for low latency is point on the surface of the Earth, for example says Iridium, which owns and operates a LEO concentrated in areas where there is or will be an Iridium satellite flies at approximately network. “Since LEO satellites are always fibre and cellular wireless networks.” 17,000 mph and completes an orbit every 100 moving, the chances of a long or persistent However, Murphy believes that there’s more minutes. The orbits also don’t have to be around signal blockage are greatly reduced.” to be gained than just a reduced latency. He the equator, again for example Iridium has six There’s also the subject of latency. The times believes that service reliability is improved by rotational planes that are all longitudinal and pass it takes for a signal to transmit up to a satellite using low earth orbit. “It’s simple physics,” he over both poles of the planet (see PIC 1). Typically and bounce back down to Earth will rely on says”. “With LEO, because the satellites are used for communications or imaging applications. how far away the satellite is. A higher orbit will moving relative to the planet, there are fewer Interest has piqued in LEO constellations necessitate a longer round trip, a larger latency. handoffs for calls or transmissions. When recently, where a network of low-Earth orbit Globalstar has a LEO constellation of 48 a LEO satellite picks up a signal, it ‘hand Iridium’s 66 satellites orbit in six individual planes June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 19 SAWC 2008 p18-22 (Feature).indd 19 03/09/2020 15:17 FEATURE: SATELLITE delivers’ it directly to a gateway.” believes help keep operational costs for the LEO wasn’t until the 1980s that engineers began to The idea is that the fewer the handoffs, the bet- fleets lower than for GEO. Consequently, service challenge the effectiveness of GEO satellites,” ter the reliability. “And while geostationary players prices for end users can be lower. says Iridium. “That’s when the idea for a LEO argue about the effects of weather, smaller LEO Both technologies use the ‘bent pipe’ satellite constellation first occurred. A small satellites just get on with the job,” finishes Murphy. principal, where a signal from Earth is group of engineers at Motorola began research- transmitted to the satellite only to be amplified ing and designing a LEO satellite system that The cost equation and sent back on a different frequency. This allowed the satellites to communicate with avoids the satellite having to decode and re- each other through cross-links.” A key factor for any business is the cost. “A encode the signal, leading to simpler systems This cross-linked architecture can provide the priority for Globalstar since our inception is required in orbit. The consequence of this is additional advantage that communications can the delivery of services that are competitively that most of the ‘intellgence’ can reside on the be “grounded” near their desired destinations, priced and consumer-friendly”, says Globalstar’s ground which helps reduce costs. but it requires many satellites to make this work. Murphy. However he acknowledges that in order Murphy thinks that LEO has another cost Iridium, for example, has a network of 66. This is to provide coverage it’s necessary to have many benefit. “LEO requires less switching, therefore something that Whitehill sees as a big problem. more satellites than the comparable GEO setup. requires less on-the-ground investment, but “The expected lifespan of a LEO satellite is 5 “But the spacecraft are smaller and are less provides the high reliability and flexibility to add years and although launch costs have reduced complex, with fewer components, so they are bandwidth as needed. The system benefits from and multiple satellites can be launched together less expensive to build. They are also lighter, easily upgradable ground infrastructure,” he says. it is difficult to comprehend how the business making them more economical to launch and This could be a vital factor for LEO because case for LEO is sustainable,” he warns. “Other to replace,” he says. It’s these factors that he the satellites could well be its downfall. “It factors include the complexity and therefore Spacecom’s Amos-17 geostationary satellite has C-band spot beams covering a large proportion of Africa, some Ka-band steerable beams centered on Nigeria and South Africa, and Ku-band beams covering Western Africa and Southern Africa 20 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p18-22 (Feature).indd 20 03/09/2020 15:17 FEATURE: SATELLITE cost of operations of LEO constellations in Whitehill. “It has proven to be highly successful some cases 1000s of satellites compared to the for sectors such as broadcasting, defence, Kyle Whitehill, operation of singular GEO units.” mobility, and backhaul to remote regions.” CEO, He additionally thinks that the cost of tracking He says that Avanti Communications intends Avanti and switching modems is still very high and unlikely to make further investments in GEO. “We will Communications to reach mass market production for many years. adapt our service capabilities and adopt the latest and best technology development based The technology battle? upon a solid GEO strategy. We are actively investigating the latest in software defined Neither camp is resting on its laurels though. satellites, digital on-board processing and For example, Whitehill points to the advent of smallsat technology.” The company’s focus is “The business heritage for GEO satcoms phase array antennas which have reduced the on the Defence, Industry, and Carrier sectors terminal size for GEO to now being portable. and high value customers that require the is over 40 years in the making” Another big problem for geostationary reliability and flexibility of GEO systems and satellites is the time taken to get them from are “prepared to pay for it”. This is particularly poignant as OneWeb filed the drawing board and into the air. “One However, there has been a recent buzz about for bankruptcy in March 2020, blaming the Cov- downside of GEO’s which is progressively being LEO networks. Three big-name entrepreneurs id-19 crisis as the reason it failed to secure any addressed by advances in technology and are all involved in trying to launch networks: new investment but subsequently was bought by production techniques, is the time from design Elon Musk (SpaceX’s Starlink which has a consortium of Bharti Global and the UK Gov- to launch which can typically be 5 years,” he almost 300 satellites operational), Sir Richard ernment. It’s looking like Whitehill’s warnings says. He believes this will give GEO the edge Branson (OneWeb with 74 out of 648 satellites about the business stability of LEO networks over LEO which he says suffers from the cost of launched), and Jeff Bezos (Amazon’s Project might have some foundation, but then it has continuously having to build and launch the short Kuiper still at the R&D phase). always been a case of finding a reliable partner lived LEO spacecraft which are highly susceptible Globalstar’s Murphy certainly sees LEO as to provide you with the services you require. to failure and collision, despite how much a sensible business choice. “The services and If you absolutely need low latency then a cheaper those satellites are to build and launch. capabilities our network provides are designed LEO network is undoubtedly the best option, Iridium, however, doesn’t see this as being for low power, small, low-cost devices for mass- but if not then perhaps you’re better off finding a battle. Geostationary satellites often offer market, with low airtime charges,” he says. a provider than can offer you both solutions C-, Ka-, and Ku-bands (for example, see PIC “GEO satellites tend to use high Mbps. With and a degree of protection against individual 2 & PIC3). “C-, Ka-, and Ku-band systems their large payloads, the economics, scope and networks going bankrupt. n are used for satellite TV and VSAT networks,” scale of the GEO operations and user base are says Iridium. “LEO networks, like ours, are of a different order.” traditionally L-band systems, which operate in So much like with the technology, it isn’t so the lower part of the radio spectrum, around much of a battle, more a case of choosing the the same frequencies as mobile phones.” The right tool for the job. benefit of this is that L-band is renowned for its ability to send and receive transmissions even Making your mind up in adverse weather conditions because lower frequencies are less susceptible to interference “Being able to offer businesses, organisations, and from atmospheric and weather conditions. consumers reliable, ubiquitous satellite communi- The topology of a cross-connected web cations equipment that is economical, and airtime of satellites with a much lower latency also that is competitively priced, is a core priority for offers improved voice calling, claims Iridium. Globalstar. But it is particularly important for the “Regardless of where a user is, anywhere on fast-developing countries in Africa,” says Murphy. Earth, from the North Pole to South Pole, Whereas Whitehill says, “we provide our LEO constellation ensures dependable wholesale MHz and Mbps on fixed HTS communications with a quality user experience.” networks across the EMEA region and we This is particularly true for users at high latitudes provide highly agile and secure steerable who might not be able to get GEO coverage at all. beams to relocate high performance and high Murphy, much like Whitehill for GEO, believes throughput where and when the customer that progress is being made to make small needs it. This is a different market requirement consumer devices available for LEO too. He to that of the LEO market.” However, he also thinks that LEO doesn’t have to fight GEO does concede that if Avanti Communications because it has niches that it is ideal for. “For encounters specific demands from its example, our LEO constellation and L-and S-band customers then it would partner with a LEO are perfect for IoT applications,” he says. constellation operator. So perhaps it’s not an ‘either/or’ situation. His final mantra for choosing a solution,”at Maybe it’s down to your use case and whether the end of the day, the deciding factors are you can make the numbers add up. simple to summarise as cost, cost & cost!” But he offers one final warning, “whereas the The business case key USPs of a LEO system are low latency and smaller terminals, the demand has yet to be “The business heritage for GEO satcoms is over proven both on paper and in service and as low 40 years in the making and, as in any business latency is only achievable with a sizeable con- sector, it has adapted with the changing stellation of several hundreds of LEO satellites, Globalstar allowing the tracking of horses for demands and evolving technology,” says the business case is questionably risky.” farmers in Central Asia June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 21 SAWC 2008 p18-22 (Feature).indd 21 03/09/2020 15:17 NEWS 4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019 NAWC 2003 p4 (Eshailsat).indd 4 14/04/2020 17:54 INDUSTRY VIEW: SATELLITE BANKING Banking on satellite Caroline De Vos, chief operations officer and co-founder at SatADSL, explains how satellite-based cloud services offer opportunities that rural economies can rely on esearch has shown a direct link between needed in rural areas with otherwise limited or phone ownership and internet access show the expansion of rural banking and no terrestrial connectivity infrastructure, such as unprecedented opportunities to use technology the reduction in poverty, as well as some regions in sub-Saharan Africa. to achieve universal financial inclusion.” Rthe positive affect on economic growth in both Access to basic banking services like savings agricultural and non agricultural sectors. Financial empowerment accounts, credit, and bill paying are key enablers Yet barriers face banks, microfinance organiza- for people pursuing education, living healthier, tions and rural communities as they attempt to Investment in banking, microfinance and establish these essential economic tools such as money transferring services has been identified Caroline De Vos, rural ATMs and access to mobile banking. A major by global financial institutions such as the chief operations issue stalling the rollout of ATMs is the availability IMF, the World Bank, and others of having a officer & co-founder, of affordable, reliable and secured data communi- stimulating effect on rural communities. Jim SatADSL cations to ensure this crucial financial inclusion. Yong Kim, former World Bank Group president, Satellite – a deliverer of low-cost, easily said that “having access to financial services deployable and readily available connectivity – is a critical step towards reducing both poverty could be a vital enabler of the communication and inequality, and new data on mobile June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 23 SAWC 2008 p23-24 (Industry View).indd 23 03/09/2020 15:18 INDUSTRY VIEW: SATELLITE BANKING financing homes and starting businesses. Banking Satellite communica- services are especially important in developing tions are playing an regions with large agricultural economies. For increasingly impor- example, credit and secure savings accounts help tant role in extending farmers prepare for the changing season and ride banking services to out bad weather and soft markets. developing areas of Access to banking amenities that might be Asia, the Middle East, considered basic elsewhere – such as ATMs and North Africa and online banking – can radically empower PHOTO: SATADSL.NET citizens and businesses via financial inclusion, allowing local economies to thrive and granting individuals added financial freedom. The main goal of financial inclusion is to improve the range, quality and availability of financial services and products to the unserved, under- served and financially excluded. Focused on meeting the financial needs of the most vulnerable citizens in society, financial financial transactions. Yet, globally, over a billion Satellite-powered banking in action inclusion is recognised across the globe as a adults remain unbanked. And although Africa is the critical component to economic development world’s fastest growing mobile phone market, many In a display of the potential of satellite’s role and advancement. For this reason, many residents still lack access to the Internet required to in improving financial inclusion in sub-Saharan governments and banks in Africa have set goals connect them to vital financial services. Africa, SatADSL designed a cost-effective ATM that aim to increase access to financial services. With the availability of high-throughput solution to enable financial institutions to rollout Nigeria, for example, has set a goal of further beams in various satellite bands to provide their networks in urban, suburban or rural reducing the exclusion rate by 20% in 2020. backhauling options, mobile operators will be areas in the region. The solution enables the For countries and regions with either a lack able to give customers fibre-like experience secured execution on a real time basis of every of or restricted access to banking services, the using satellites, boosting market expansion and transaction from a large and scattered network of situation is symptomatic of the digital divide. increasing data use per customer. ATM. Ecobank, the largest bank in Africa, was one This means same challenges faced in the effort customer that chose to pilot SatADSL’s solution towards connecting the unconnected – some 300 You don’t need to break the bank and to rollout its ATMs that are too isolated. million in Africa – to internet access are faced to make a bank Testing for the project involved secured in the effort towards connecting rural banking communications to be carried out from an ATM services, yet with the added complexity of the The benefits of utilizing satellite-powered terminal located in a gas station in Accra to the rural banking’s specific requirements, such as connectivity, especially in the context of rural headquarters in Accra, then further on to the sensitive nature of financial services and the banking, are manifold. With satellites positioned bank headquarters in Paris and finally to the criticality of day-to-day reliable connectivity. around the world capable of beaming data to users clearing server located in Cairo in Egypt. The via a base station, the possibility of delivering high global transmission route was the following: Overcoming barriers speed internet to rural areas and remote start-ups Accra to Luxemburg over the ASTRA 4A satellite alike is now a reality. Satellites are making possible link, then from Luxemburg to Accra via optical Access to banking services is an important issue the spread of banking in Africa and banks are fibre, then from Accra to Paris over a C-band in Africa. However, finding an optimal tradeoff opening more and more branches outside of urban NSS10 satellite link and finally from Paris to between bringing financial services as close as areas and using VSAT platforms to connect the Cairo also over a C-band NSS10 satellite link. possible to the end users in remote locations on banks and their ATMs to central processing centers. To ensure the highest level of security, the one hand and keeping implementation and Satellite, which has played a proven role in transactions are performed securely through an operational costs under control, on the other bringing affordable and easy-to-deploy connectivity IPSec VPN. Other VPN options or secured networks hand, is a difficult challenge. solutions to hard-to-reach, rural and underserved are also possible. SatADSL service for ATM has One of the most obvious gaps in developing communities and locations worldwide, is a smart proved to seamlessly cope with end-to-end VPN set banking services for rural Africa is poor choice for those delivering rural banking. The up including, in this case, several satellite hops. infrastructure, impeding effective outreach to advances in this technology, coupled with innovative Also, SatADSL offered the prioritization of customers. A major issue affecting the rollout of cloud-based platforms, have the potential to offer ATM transactions. A predefined amount of ATMs, for example, is the availability of affordable, unparalleled connectivity services. bandwidth can be marked as high priority, which reliable and secured data communications outside Satellite internet delivers a high-quality guarantees that these transactions will always large cities and in particular in remote areas, connection to more places than nearly any go through whatever congestion the network where the connectivity is limited or non-existent. other type of service. Satellite is also resilient experiences at any given moment, regardless Satellite communications are playing an compared to other connectivity means. Because of the number of terminals, and therefore increasingly important role in extending banking satellite internet has less equipment on the the costs – which are related to the use of the services to developing areas of Asia, the Middle ground compared to terrestrial internet providers, satellite – are particularly low. East, and North Africa, and overcoming these the network is less likely to take damage during challenges. For example, individuals and small extreme weather and other emergencies. Also, Satellite holds the power businesses are increasingly using cellular when compared to mobile hotspots and other phones to make payments and access bank connectivity options for people who live in rural Satellite has the power to radically improve the accounts, with satellite providers providing areas, satellite internet often delivers a better access of sub-Saharan Africa’s rural communities much of the cellular backhaul traffic. price mark-up per gigabit of data – especially to banking services, driving financial inclusion According to the Global Findex Database 2017, given the high CAPEX of other means such as and independence. This in turn has the ability, as there has been a significant increase in the use fibre, which would incur high costs of connecting described by think tanks and analysts, to make of mobile phones and the internet to conduct rural areas with physical cables. significant economic changes. n 24 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p23-24 (Industry View).indd 24 03/09/2020 15:18 AWCY 20 p80 (Gazprom).indd 4 02/09/2020 17:30 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS Advantech’s Viavi extends O-RAN spec new line of Viavi Solutions says its TeraVM 5G virtualised testing solution now WAAS satellite supports load testing of the Open Central Unit (O-CU) according to converters O-RAN specifications. This capability follows the March 2020 launch of the Advantech Wireless Technol- industry-first Test Suite for O-RAN ogies boasts its new class of Specifications, which is already being wide area augmentation sys- deployed by Tier-1 operators and tem (WAAS) satellite frequency network equipment manufacturers. converters is designed to pro- The TeraVM F1 Load Generator is vide accurate GPS timing and compliant with the 3GPP F1 applica- the test suite are available, including loaded with complex mobile traffic position for critical applica- tion protocol and capable of emulating 5G standalone/non-standalone core profiles. TeraVM is part of Viavi’s tions, such as air traffic control hundreds of Gbps per hour, thousands emulator for use cases where a real Lab To Field network testing and and aircraft precision landing. These of DUs and millions of devices for core network is absent, or X2 core assurance portfolio as well as its Test products are compatible with the meaningful functional and load testing tester for 5G NSA test use cases. Suite for O-RAN Specifications. European Geostationary Navigation of the O-CU. Based on one of the TeraVM, Viavi says, also enables “The industry roadmap to 5G open Overlay System (EGNOS). first mobile network test platforms to network equipment manufacturers RAN has been accelerated, and man- Furthermore, this new line of harness the benefits of virtualization, and service providers to efficiently ufacturers and service providers alike products will extend the range of Ad- Viavi says, the F1 Load Generator is test mobile RAN and core elements, need standards-compliant testing vantech Wireless Technologies’ WAAS a software-based test tool housed on validating that the equipment works capabilities now to ensure interop- and EGNOS satellite frequency con- x86 hardware. To increase flexibility according to 3GPP standards, erability and performance,” says Ian verters to cover higher C-Band, from and cover a wider set of customer use interoperates with other 5G elements, Langley, vice president and general 6.6 GHz and up to 7.075 GHz. They cases, additional optional elements of and performs optimally when fully manager, wireless business, Viavi. are projected to up convert and down convert L1 and L5 GPS signals to/ from C-band GEO satellites, in order to provide higher precision landing GL’s MAPS LTE conformance test suite and timing for aircrafts, and other critical applications. These frequency GL says its MAPS LTE conformance 36.423 (LTE X2) specifications. It interface, and multiple eNodeB’s in converters are, supposedly, designed test suite has 50+ test cases, as per includes inbuilt conformance scripts X2 interface as per 3GPP standards. to meet very stringent frequency 3GPP TS 36.413 (LTE S1) and TS for eNodeB conformance in S1 Test cases include general evolved stability requirements, exhibit very universal terrestrial radio access low phase noise and experience no network (E-UTRAN); S1 Application parametric drifting over time. Protocol (S1AP) and X2 Application “Without EGNOS and WAAS Protocol (X2AP) messaging and call systems, precision aircraft flow scenarios over LTE network. Log- landing at our airports is basically ging, pass/fail results are reported. impossible,” says Cristi Damian, Test cases verify conformance of VP business development. “This actions such as UE attach/detach, is a critical service carried out by periodic updating, E-RAB setup, X2 GEO satellites to augment the GPS setup, Handover procedure, UE con- satellites’ constellations.” text release, and error indication. Hytera’s smart, new PoC radio with integrated DMR Hytera claims its “intelligent” Cellular) radio device combines It therefore offers a long range, its anti-slip coating on the side, PDC550 PoC (Push-to-Talk over broadband and narrowband diverse PMR functions and the use the PDC550 rests comfortably communication of customer-specific applications. and securely in your hand. The in one device. What’s more, Hytera says its radio also weighs just 375 grams This radio PDC550 is characterised by including the battery, antenna and enables convenient and simple operation belt clip, making the PDC550 a very seamless and its handy and robust design. lightweight in its class. communication In addition, the new PoC radio The 5-inch HD multi-touch screen via public from Hytera has two powerful HD is equipped with Gorilla glass, and private cameras on the front and back making it particularly resistant broadband for image and video transmission. to falls, while the display remains radio networks It’s a rugged device, too. The IP68 legible even in strong light, Hytera (3G/4G/Wi- protection and complies with says. The touch screen can be Fi) as well as MIL-STD 810G, “making it ideal” easily operated with gloves and DMR networks. for harsh environments. With even in adverse weather (e.g. rain). 26 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p26-27 (Wireless Solutions).indd 26 03/09/2020 15:19 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS Nokia commercialises next- Look out for... Telefónica and generation 5G cloud RAN Telesat complete Nokia says its next-generation 5G distributed unit (vDU) as well as requirements and bring the overall LEO satellite test AirScale Cloud RAN solution based a Fronthaul Gateway. The result benefits of cloud computing to on vRAN2.0 will be commercially is what Nokia describes as a Radio Access Networks (RAN). Telesat and Telefónica International available this year with general fully-cloudified and disaggregat- Ed Gubbins, principal analyst Wholesale Services completed live availability expected in 2021, ed 5G base station that provides at GlobalData, says: “Cloud RAN in-orbit testing across a wide range following a series of successful scalability, low latency, high has the potential to fundamentally of applications on Telesat’s Low trials. The Finnish firm’s first-gen- performance and capacity, as well transform mobile networks, making Earth Orbit (LEO) Phase 1 satellite, eration 5G AirScale Cloud RAN as several network architecture them more agile and dynamic and according to both companies. based on vRAN1.0, which has a options, to meet ever-increasing allowing operators to be more The aim of the partnership was virtualised Central Unit (vCU), market demands. Furthermore, the nimble in activating new services to improve agility and operational has been in commercial operation solution helps operators to gener- and revenue streams.” He added efficiencies and both carried out on a mmWave network in the US ate revenue from new 5G services that “Nokia has been more proactive a rigorous testing campaign to since early 2019. Its new vRAN2.0 as well as to enable flexible end- and consistent in driving Cloud RAN explore the feasibility of using LEO solution introduces a virtualised to-end network slicing, meet IoT technology than its peers”. satellites for high-end services. “As we plan, design and build our offerings to provide best-in-class connectivity for our customers, we are Mobile Mark’s antenna for mining in eager to explore how cutting-edge technologies like Telesat LEO can vehicle control and fleet tracking integrate with our global connectivity infrastructure,” said Gustavo Arditti, Mining takes place in very difficult these antennas are designed for and low profile design makes it satellite business unit director at TIWS. and remote environments and mining applications for vehicle an ideal solution for mounting Testing showed that Telesat so Mobile Mark offers several control and fleet management. on vehicles or in other space LEO satellites could be used for private network infrastructure and The rugged, amplified tactical constrained applications. This wireless backhaul and is signifi- vibration resistant vehicle antenna mesh (TMA-24A-3.2CT) antenna antenna is notable cantly better in performance over solutions that are ideal for such model covers the 2400-2500 for its overall geostationary orbit (GEO) links. environments. frequency band with a gain of 2 dBi size. Measuring This is without the use of The antennas are available in and is designed for use in rugged at just 5.5” compression or TCP acceleration many different styles including: and mobile wireless networking (14mm) in height techniques that are typically required rugged mobile, foam filled omni- applications. TMA construction is with a diameter in 650ms latency GEO environments. directional, and GNSS multiband highly durable and water resistant. of 2.2” “The ability to demonstrate surface mount antennas. All of Mobile Mark says the small footprint (112mm). fibre-like performance via satellite across a number of applications that perform poorly on GEO satellite back- haul is a testament to the capabilities Huber+Suhner’s ‘smallest outdoor fibre of our Telesat LEO network,” added Erwin Hudson, vice president of Telesat optic connector for harsh environments’ LEO. “With its high-throughput links, ultra-low latency, and disruptive Huber+Suhner’s brings to market infrastructure providers to access the solution fast and easy to install. economics, Telesat LEO offers an un- its smallest ever outdoor fibre new locations and add more “As our smallest outdoor fibre paralleled value proposition to expand optic connector – the Q-ODC-2 capacity to the network, reducing optic connector to date, the the reach of 4G and 5G networks.” Mini – “to enable more cost- the cost per bit, the firm claims. Q-ODC-2 Mini addresses critical The applications tested on effective, flexible and higher The Q-ODC-2 Mini also challenges in the planning, building Telesat LEO experienced a round capacity deployments of new overcomes the challenge of high and operation of new wireless trip latency of 30-60ms without wireless infrastructure in industrial system sensitivity and increases infrastructure deployments by any packet loss. and communication applications.” reliability. This, the firm says, providing an affordable solution Specific test scenarios included: The company further boasts opens up new areas of application that is simple to install and High definition video streaming, that this compact design and for fibre optics in a number of takes up the minimum amount without interruption; a video size-optimised connector reduces industries, such as wind energy, of physical space,” says Carsten conference with team which dimensions by 50% and weight railway and shipbuilding. Dieckmann, product manager showed a user experience matching by 40% when compared to its The connector is waterproof, at Huber+Suhner. “The product terrestrial and cellular connections; Q-ODC-2 outdoor connector. dust-proof and corrosion resistant adds to our portfolio of fibre optic a remote desktop connection; a VPN These smaller and provides the maximum safety solutions that are suitable for connection without any delay or proportions allow for outdoor installations. It features complex applications with high outages; FTP encrypted file transfers wireless a robust push-pull coupling data rates as network providers of 2GB in both directions; and IPSec mechanism and an extension look to meet the demand for more tunnel encryption with no reduction connector for cable chaining, making capacity at a lower cost per bit.” in the performance of the link. June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 27 SAWC 2008 p26-27 (Wireless Solutions).indd 27 03/09/2020 15:19 WIRELESS USERS: BUSINESS Enabling retail businesses across Cameroon to grow Talia continues to help businesses in Africa. It partnered with local telecom and IT provider, KNP, to connect the underserved in Cameroon n today’s connected world, retail outlets and significant obstacle to achieving universal digital entrepreneurs and retailers, Talia together with microbusinesses cannot afford to be offline. access. Retailers based in rural areas struggle to KNP, a leading Cameroon telecommunication A fast and reliable broadband connection is access efficient and cost-effective networks. and IT provider, is hoping to change that. Iessential for their continued success. Not only Progress is slow, but governments are gradually KNP provides both residential and can the internet help retailers to keep in touch adopting policies, and affordability is improving. commercial customers access to fixed and with suppliers and customers, but it can also One of the latest reports from the Alliance for mobile networks, together with television, provide them with necessary business tools like Affordable Internet (A4AI) shows Cameroon as one connecting people to others across the world. payments, marketing and security. of the few countries that have helped individual The partnership between Talia and KNP At low cost, and at scale, applications users and businesses boost internet access af- is helping connect the unserved market of and services powered by the internet have fordability with new national broadband plans. Cameroon with high-speed internet by satellite accelerated economic growth and created Although the lack of infrastructure and at costs equivalent to terrestrial services. jobs worldwide. However, in sub-Saharan funding is slowing the country’s internet Through the Quika platform, a low-cost Ka- Africa, geographical location is still a penetration creating a major obstacle for many band internet service powered by Talia, a chain 28 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p28-29 (Wireless Users).indd 28 03/09/2020 15:20 WIRELESS USERS: BUSINESS of retail outlets is now able to improve their Mauritania’s leading CSP increases business and provide better customer service. revenue 10% with Nexign A large proportion of their operations can now take place online, from working via cloud-based Chinguitel is one of the largest communications software to transmitting data between different service providers (CSP) in Mauritania, with an stores and carrying out online transactions. excellent reputation for providing subscribers Quika satellite services are location with “top notch services”. Its previous billing independent; therefore, high bandwidth can system was built solely for prepaid subscribers be delivered directly to subscribers no matter – and to serve postpaid subscribers, the CSP Chinguitel replaced its outdated, inflexible where they are. The service does not require used an in-house solution. As the two systems billing system with a modern, converged substantial infrastructure investment with the were not integrated consistently, when new solution designed for the digital era terminal price being less than $500. Customers products and services were introduced, postpaid are in control of how much they spent on a subscribers were not billed correctly. to complete the project. Finishing faster let us month to month basis and have the option to “Our legacy system had limited functionality” improve subscriber services faster.” purchase additional data when they need more. says Radi Abdalla Ali Almamoun, chief technical Shortly after Nexign completed the implemen- The Quika Ka-band terminals comprise officer at Chinguitel. “It was built for prepaid tation, Mauritania’s government announced an an antenna, transceiver and modem. The subscribers, so when people requested addition- overhaul of the country’s currency, which changed single cable connection between the antenna al services they received them but weren’t billed its value. Nexign integrated the changes into Chin- and terminal means that self-installation is correctly which resulted in revenue loss.” guitel’s billing system within three weeks. simplified for a more user-friendly utilisation. To improve subscriber services, Chinguitel “If Nexign hadn’t acted that quickly and In response to the technical challenges and replaced its outdated, inflexible billing system with efficiently, the government could have fined us up the lack of infrastructure that the country is a modern, converged solution designed for the to US$200,000,” Almamoun says. “One of the currently facing, Quika provides fast, affordable digital era. Chinguitel launched 27 new subscriber things we appreciate most about Nexign is loyal- connectivity via an online portal to retailers services within the first 12 months of implement- ty. They didn’t abandon us after deploying their and SME’s across Cameroon which is not yet ing Nexign. Almamoun says one of the most lucra- solution — they’ve been with us ever since. Nex- connected to the internet. tive new services is based on geographic location. ign manages our billing system so we can focus “Given the growing demand by government “We target locations where our market share on providing the very best subscriber services.” agencies, small businesses and NGO’s for high- is low and offer service that is extremely com- The very best subscriber services include digital performance connectivity at affordable costs, Talia petitive,” he says. “We gain new subscribers, services. Nexign is helping Chinguitel address the is helping us provide a sustainable high-speed data and they gain best-in-class service.” challenges of digitalisation, including digitising usage solution to remote African communities”, Chinguitel’s subscriber base is growing fast. It’s business processes to support growth, enabling says Achille Tchekounang, general director of KNP. expected to reach 1.5 million by the end of 2019. analytic-based decisions to improve business “Ka-band connectivity is a no-brainer for “We have more leverage in the market than ever agility, and creating more subscriber services to many parts of Africa as it complements the before because Nexign makes business operations increase loyalty and diversify revenue streams. sparsely distributed terrestrial networks in the more efficient,” Mr. Almamoun said. “Since “We have plans to capitalise on the Internet of hinterlands while leveraging the submarine subscriber information is unified, our call centre Things (IoT) so we can provide subscribers with cables along the African coastline”, says Ayes resolves issues more efficiently. Before we deployed more personalised, relevant services,” Almamoun Amewudah, VP sales of Talia. Nexign, subscribers’ details were scattered in several says. “We’re confident our digital transformation “In addition, Ka-band offers higher throughput locations, and calls were often sent to the technical will be successful and efficient with Nexign.” speeds than any other bands at lower costs, team for resolution. Thanks to Nexign, calls to the Modern, converged solution boosts revenue using a much smaller dish. This enables us to technical team have decreased by 40%, allowing by 10%: Nexign Converged BSS and Nexign offer higher-speed packages, allowing retailers them to focus on core duties such as reporting and Network Monetisation Suite make business and other small businesses to benefit from analysis, which also improves business efficiency.” operations more efficient, giving Chinguitel more a stable broadband supply at the speed they “One of the key reasons for selecting Nexign leverage in the market to boost revenue. choose at a very affordable price.” was efficiency,” Mr. Almamoun said. “The Nexign Subscriber base is projected to increase by 50%: As a result, several retail outlets across team implemented our new billing system Nexign gives Chinguitel the flexibility to offer new, Cameroon are now connected to the internet and migrated our subscribers in record time competitive services that will grow the subscriber through Quika. By saving money on internet — in just over seven months — while Nexign’s base to 1.5 million by the end of 2019. Digital access, retailers can improve their businesses by competitors said they needed up to 18 months transformation will support long-term growth. n investing in more advanced retail software, staff training and improve store security. Launched in 2018, Quika’s unique business New Wi-Fi solution gives Coca-Cola where their warehouses are distributed all over model makes high-speed, low-latency broadband Egypt extra fizz the country. The challenge was to cover the affordable and sustainable for remote African com- entire warehouses yards all over the country in munities. Its mission is to close the gap between The Coca-Cola Company needs little or no order to provide reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for connected and unconnected areas, to resolve a introduction, but if you didn’t know, it’s a the staff for daily operation. significant cause of economic and social inequality. beverage retailer, manufacturer and marketer of Owing to the size of the warehouses and the By doing so, Talia’s platform aims to empower non-alcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups. structure of the buildings, the existing wireless individuals through the educational, economic and The company’s flagship product is Coca-Cola, network provided very limited coverage. NextGen social benefits that online connectivity brings. but it offers more than 500 brands in over Communications, our partner in Egypt replaced the “The combination of technical experience, 200 countries or territories and serves 1.6bn network using Altai Super Wi-Fi Solution to provide human relationship and exceptional customer servings each day. The Coca-Cola Company is 100% outdoor coverage. The staff can now access support make Talia a valuable partner for KNP headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Its stock is the company system with their handheld devices in Africa, and plans are underway to expand Ka- listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). anytime, anywhere. The daily operation of the staff band services to additional stores in Cameroon As Egypt is one of the global markets Coca- has increased greatly by their ability to access the and Congo”, says Achille. n Cola Bottling Company has huge investments company system smoothly and efficiently. n June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 29 SAWC 2008 p28-29 (Wireless Users).indd 29 03/09/2020 15:20 WORLD NEWS Huawei and Thuraya modernises UnionPay team up network using Ericsson Huawei Mobile Services UAE mobile satellite traffic is dense, will benefit from of existing assets and invest in has joined forces with services operator Thuraya higher availability and reliability. infrastructure upgrades so that the China-based financial services has hired Ericsson for a core As a result, Thuraya can provide network is ready to accommodate business, UnionPay, to launch its network modernisation and upgrade consumers more flexible and easy- Thuraya’s Next Generation new mobile payment service – to a 4G- and 5G-ready infrastructure. to-use communication services System. We have a longstanding Huawei Pay, in Thailand. The Swedish giant will modernise integrated with various terminals. partnership with Ericsson and The tool provides a contactless and optimise Thuraya’s network “By modernising Thuraya’s core acknowledge them as a leader and cashless payment service to a virtualised core that supports network, we are looking to build in deploying new technologies for Huawei device users, with existing and new features and its resilience and enhance overall to enable high-quality mobile Industrial and Commercial Bank services in the future. performance,” Adnan Al Muhairi, broadband solutions.” of China (Thai) the first bank to Ericsson will also migrate the deputy chief technical officer By selecting Ericsson for the support the payment service. In existing Thuraya users to the new of Thuraya said. “This would modernisation of its existing mobile- addition, the payment solution platform and oversee its integration also improve other key aspects core, Thuraya extends its existing is one of the key services under with existing systems. The operator’s like guaranteeing more flexible, partnership, in which Ericsson has the company’s Wallet app that mobile-data users, especially those reliable and effective services. Our been the sole vendor for its circuit- supports near field communication in remote locations or areas where strategy is to make optimum use switched core network. (NFC) payments in retail stores. The company’s Wallet app comes pre-installed in the newly- launched Huawei P40 series. For Belgium grants temporary 5G licences the existing smartphone models, the app can be downloaded Belgian telecom 5G auction, delayed in Belgium due The operator’s chief executive from the company’s official app regulator BIPT has to a disagreement between regional officer (CEO) Guillaume Boutin marketplace. In Thailand, the local offered temporary 5G licences governments over proceedings. said: “We are in close contact with merchandises support Huawei to Proximus, Cegeka, Entropia, Proximus, 53.5% owned by all concerned municipalities, and Pay including Boots, Emporium, Telenet and Orange Belgium. the Belgian government, was the with the Walloon region.” Jaymart, Major Cineplex, Mr. D.I.Y, All received 40MHz of channel first mobile operator to launch Boutin said the company is Sushi Hiro, Swarovski, Tesco Lotus, bandwidth each and the temporary 5G mobile network in the country, increasing efforts to demystify envi- The Face Shop and others. 5G licences will remain valid until the using spectrum in existing holdings. ronmental and health aspects of 5G. Singapore chooses Nokia, Ericsson over Huawei for 5G Singapore’s leading Bloomberg. “You have a diversity of telecom providers selected vendors involved in different aspects Nordic firms Ericsson and Nokia of the world 5G system.” to develop the city-state’s main The US has long alleged that 5G network, joining a growing Huawei maintains a tight relationship list of countries that have limited with the Chinese government and Huawei’s role in building the next- that equipment from the company generation wireless network. could be used to spy on other Singapore Telecommunications, countries and companies. Huawei which is the country’s largest has repeatedly denied this. telecom, chose to use equipment Singapore is expected to roll out from Sweden’s Ericsson after a its 5G service early next year, with “rigorous tender process,” while the plans to cover the entire city-state StarHub-M1 joint venture picked by 2025 at the latest. 5G, the next Finland’s Nokia after Singapore generation of wireless networks gave the final green-light to that has been rolling out across the telecoms for the city-state’s 5G world, is live in a number of major rollout. Huawei, meanwhile, will US cities, as well as parts of China, work with Australia’s TPG Telecom, The announcement comes after several countries including the UK and South Korea and the UK, among which is set to build a smaller Canada reduced or eliminated Huawei’s role in developing 5G networks other countries. The new technology network in Singapore. is will make downloads and uploads The announcement comes after networks amid pressure from the communications and information S. ultrafast, but it is also poised to several countries including the UK US to exclude the Chinese player on Iswaran emphasised that Singapore power everything from self-driving and Canada reduced or eliminated national security grounds. Telecommunications didn’t “exclude cars to advanced augmented reality Huawei’s role in developing 5G However, Singapore’s minister for any vendor,” in an interview with experiences. 30 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p30-33 (World News) NEW.indd 30 03/09/2020 15:21 WORLD NEWS Canada’s Telus picks China Telecom Samsung for 5G network makes push Samsung Electronics will Samsung as a 5G vendor for our forward to supporting Telus, and be supplying equipment mobile services, leveraging the in playing a key role in expanding for US licence to build the 5G wireless network for enhanced network capability, new 5G horizons in Canada with Telus, a telecom provider in Canada. exceptional connectivity and state- unparalleled 5G network solu- China Telecom has The move comes as the tech of-the-art technology inherent in tions,” said Cheun Kyung-whoon, become the latest Chinese giant is dominating the network their 5G solutions,” the CEO said. president and head of networks operator to push US regulator equipment sector at a time when “As a longstanding innovator in business at South Korean giant, the Federal Communications telecom companies in different the 5G space, Samsung is looking Samsung Electronics. Commission (FCC) not to shut countries are shunning Huawei, its operations in the country, the top supplier of network arguing its subsidiary does not equipment, over security concerns. pose a threat to national security, “Samsung is rapidly expanding according to Reuters. its customer pool, signing four In a filing, China Telecom new 5G contracts in the last seven (Americas) argued its conduct does months, including with operators in not demonstrate any reasonable Canada, the United States and New basis for a lack of US government Zealand,” it said in a statement. trust, insisting a move to revoke its Back in March, Samsung licence is “based solely on foreign announced it will supply 5G policy concerns in the absence of new radio solutions, including any evidence whatsoever of specific Massive MIMO radios, to Spark misconduct”, the report said, New Zealand, the largest telecom The business previously provider in the country. argued any move to terminate Samsung also acquired TeleWorld an interconnection licence in the Solutions, a U.S.-based network country would be unlawful, after service provider, in January, 2020. various government departments Darren Entwistle, president and pressed the FCC to do so. CEO at Telus, said that Samsung’s China Unicom (Americas) technological state was the main Samsung recently announced it will supply 5G new radio solutions, recently made a filing arguing the reason for awarding it the deal. including Massive MIMO radios, to Spark New Zealand, the largest FCC had no valid grounds to revoke “We are pleased to select telecom provider in the country long-standing authorisations to provide domestic and international services in the US. It said it was deemed qualified Bouygues adds users and boosts reach to do so nearly 20-years-ago, has a record of complying with FCC French operator Bouygues Competition Authority approval. It strengthen the operator’s “commer- regulations, and stated it would be Telecom inked an agreement also agreed to pay an additional cial footprint” by enabling it to sell improper to initiate proceedings to to acquire MVNO Euro-Information €140m to €325m over a number of “through the local bank branches” revoke its licence simply because of Telecom from banking group Credit years, subject to achieving “certain of the company across France. its ownership structure. Mutuel for at least €530m, as part business performance criteria”. Bouygues Telecoms was the fourth- Pacific Networks and subsidiary of a broader deal to boost subscriber Euro-Information Telecom cur- largest operator by connections in ComNet (USA) also defended their numbers and its distribution strategy. rently serves 2 million subscribers. Q1 with more than 12 million, GSMA record of providing services in the US. The company said the basic In addition to bringing those to the Intelligence data showed. In April, the FCC demanded acquisition fee would be paid once Bouygues Telecom stable, CEO Rich- France currently has four mobile the three companies explain why the deal closes, which it expects to ard Viel said a related distribution networks: Orange, SFR, Bouygues it should not cancel clearances happen this year subject to French agreement with Credit Mutuel would Telecom and Free. to operate in the US, requesting they prove they are not influenced or controlled by the Chinese government and do not pose a Claro Brasil launches 5G threat to national security. This followed a call by US Claro Brasil has launched via the same spectrum used for its out a 5G New Radio data test. President Donald Trump to establish its 5G network using a LTE-A network. Claro Brasil did not reveal the a special committee to review combination of 700MHz, 1800MHz This approach was successfully extent of its 5G network coverage, telecoms licences and applications, and 2.5GHz spectrum. trialled in February this year at but its president Jose Felix said its to pinpoint potential security threats. Using a dynamic spectrum Claro’s offices in Sao Paulo, with intent is to provide its customers In May 2019, the FCC unanimous- sharing model, the operator is able the operator using equipment from with “a gradual and transparent ly voted to block a China Mobile to deliver 5G services concurrently Ericsson and Qualcomm to carry migration to 5G”. interconnection licence application. June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 31 SAWC 2008 p30-33 (World News) NEW.indd 31 03/09/2020 15:21 WORLD NEWS 3 Indonesia Telekom Malaysia’s Q2 partners with Nokia earnings sky-rocket Operator 3 Indonesia and Telekom Malaysia Bhd This was reflective of the impact 4% to 1.55 million as of Q2, with to- Finnish gear-maker Nokia (TM) saw its net profit from the Streamyx price adjust- tal fixed broadband customer base are working together to optimise and surge 140.63% year-on-year to ments from September last year as rising to 2.23 million, Imri said at a expand the former’s LTE network cov- RM274.75m in the second quarter well as lower volume and restricted press conference on its Q2 results. erage and capacity to meet customer (Q2) to June 30, 2020. economic activities during the MCO. TM has continued its convergence demand via what is referred to as a Group revenue, however, dropped to For the six-month period, TM’s net penetration leadership with fixed broad- new Zero Drive Test solution. RM2.59bn from RM2.77bn this time profit rose to RM427.27 million from band growth at 53% for households. The operator is the first Nokia last year due to its new internet service RM422.46 million a year earlier, al- “Our unifi subscribers recorded customer in the Asia Pacific and Streamyx’s price adjustments and though revenue was down at RM5.15 positive growth from more Malaysians Japan region to adopt this solution, restricted economic activities during billion versus RM5.55 billion. working from home while TM Whole- which is 100% automated. the Movement Control Order (MCO). Newly-appointed chief executive sale continues to see higher interna- It is powered by Nokia’s AVA TM said the higher earnings were officer Imri Mokhtar said TM had tional and domestic revenue,” Imri Cognitive Services which, Nokia due to lower operating and net seen positive growth in its unifi sub- said. “In the meantime, we remain said, allows mobile operators to finance cost as it contended with scribers as more Malaysian worked well positioned to lead in the Indus- transform their network, service the impact of the MCO to curb the from home during the MCO. trial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) towards and business operations through spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its unifi customer base had grown enabling a more digital Malaysia.” the application of AI and automa- tion, helping them to predict and resolve network issues and improve the customer experience. Rajant and Velodyne Lidar join forces It also offers enhanced network measurement and assessment Rajant Corporation and ninth busiest seaport, with a fleet supply chains, and trade. “We trialled which, according to Nokia, is Velodyne Lidar will sup- of DGWorld’s AITVs, including inte- other wireless technologies, including superior to conventional drive tests port DP World’s new Autonomous gration into the existing operational the latest 5G, before discovering Ra- on the road, plus a much broader Internal Terminal Vehicles (AITVs) processes and infrastructures. This jant,” said Matthias Krause, General and more comprehensive view than with wireless connectivity and lidar deployment supports DP World’s Manager at DGWorld. “They all had conventional drive tests, which only sensor technology. A deal signed by visionary strategy for future-proofed, the same physical limitation, which provide a snapshot of network per- DGWorld and DP World will equip seaport digitalization setting a new is that wireless cannot go through formance along the drive test route. DP World’s Jebel Ali Port, the world’s global standard for port operations, large, metal container stacks.” Cincinnati Bell to be acquired for US$2.6bn Cincinnati Bell, parent owns and operates assets in the “The transaction strengthens our nati Bell as a standalone company.” company of Hawaiian utilities, transport, energy and data financial position,” said Leigh Fox, Cincinnati Bell announced its Telcom, said it is being acquired by infrastructure sectors in North and president and chief executive officer of acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom for Brookfield Infrastructure for US$10.50 South America, Asia Pacific and Cincinnati Bell. “Enabling accelerated $650 million in July 2017 and closed a share, or about US$2.6bn. Europe. It is listed on the New York investment in our strategic products the deal in July 2018, paying about The buyer, based in Toronto, and Toronto stock exchanges. that is not presently available to Cincin- 60% in cash and 40% in stock. Thai giant urges factories to adopt 5G for robots and AI Thailand’s biggest mobile artificial intelligence and internet- WHA and Saha Phatana Inter-Holding, chairwoman and CEO of WHA, said operator has ringfenced connected devices to their factories. who have hundreds of manufacturing her company joined hands with AIS up to US$1.4bn to build 5G infra- “We are focusing on the industrial tenants, have signed deals with AIS. so it could meet industrial clients’ structure in the country’s crucial estates in the EEC area,” AIS Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, demands for supersonic telecom Eastern Economic Corridor, a signa- president Hui Weng Cheong said. speeds. “Thailand must move ture government initiative expected “As we want to play a key role in Jareeporn forward with high technology and to diversify and drive the kingdom’s [helping Thai industries forge ahead] Jarukornsakul digital infrastructure,” Jareeporn economy in the years ahead. by optimizing 5G technology.” from WHA said. “That’s why 5G networks are a Advanced Info Service (AIS) AIS has inked deals with major says “Thailand solution that we need to tap into.” believes that through the corridor industrial estate developers in the corri- must move Under the agreements, AIS will it can bring the next-generation dor to provide 5G infrastructure, which forward with build 5G towers and base stations mobile standard to manufacturers, the firm said will help attract manufac- high technology in each industrial estate without giving them a tool they can use to turers once the coronavirus pandemic and digital requiring the developers to bear introduce cutting-edge robotics, peters out. Developers Amata Corp., infrastructure” any investment burden. 32 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p30-33 (World News) NEW.indd 32 03/09/2020 15:21 WORLD NEWS Silent 5G auction begins Telecom Italia deal in the Netherlands Telecom Italia has approved the sale of a minority stake The auction of 5G telecom the number of bidders is being to raise far less than that – but the in its secondary network to US frequencies kicked off in kept secret. The previous auction, reserve price totals €900m. KPN, private equity group KKR for €1.8bn, the Netherlands but no-one knows for 4G frequencies in 2012, raised T-Mobile and VodafoneZiggo are after delaying the decision earlier how long the auction will take and €3.8bn and this auction is expected among the bidders but whether this month at the government’s or not any foreign telecoms request. KKR Infrastructure, which firms are taking part is not being had entered talks with the telecoms revealed, auction master Martijn company at the beginning of the Meijers said. Three frequencies are year, will purchase a 37.5% stake in being auctioned: 700, 1,400 and FiberCop, a new company owning 2,100 MHz. Once the auction is Telecom Italia’s so-called last-mile completed – a process which may network, which runs from streets to take several weeks or even months homes. KKR will help upgrade the – telecom providers will be able copper parts of the grid to fibre. to activate their 5G services – if ready for launching. Vodafone’s 5G network, which it is currently promoting, is using a frequency Tata gets allocated for 4G. The roll-out of 5G in the Netherlands has been hit by KSA licence both concerns about the impact on public health and about the Tata Communications, a potential involvement of Chinese digital ecosystem enabler, Three frequencies are being auctioned: 700, 1,400 and 2,100 MHz tech company Huawei. has secured a Type B telecom licence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The licence entitles it to pro- vide ISP and related telecom services Cape Verde to connect to EllaLink cable to enterprises in a defined capacity, along with local currency billing for Plans are underway to Verde aims to strengthen internet of fibre designed to meet the in- end-customers in KSA. This will en- connect Cape Verde to the connectivity in the country. creasing demand for internet traffic able the company to make the shift EllaLink submarine cable by the end João Domingos Correia, chairman between Europe and Latin America. from offering services as a foreign of 2020. Led by telecom operator of the board of directors of Cabo Cape Verde’s connection to the ca- carrier in the Middle East to a local li- Cabo Verde Telecom, the west African Verde Telecom confirmed the cable’s ble system is being financed through censed service provider. Through this island nation has begun construction terminal will be installed in Cape the US$25-million sourced from the licence, Tata Communications will on a technical station to house the Verde’s industrial zone of Achada European Investment Bank (EIB). now become a carrier-neutral service new high-speed telecommunications Grande Frente, in the city of Praia. Correia recently expressed concern provider to the OTTs, large enterpris- infrastructure at Praia. “It is expected to be completed over the threat posed by vandalism es and MNCs in the region. It is scheduled for completion at the end of October 2020 which to stable telecommunications. in October this year. In Mid-August means the connection to EllaLink In July, a fire ravaged part of the 2020, Cabo Verde Telecom also offi- can be made by the end of the year operator’s premises and according to cially commenced the construction although there may be a date slip of the company, it broke out in one of MTN’s Iran of the technical terminal to host one or two months at most,” he said. the energy sections that supply CV the fibre optic infrastructure. The EllaLink submarine cable Telecom’s telephone centres and disa- plans “Cape Verde will make a quali- system is made up of four pairs bled voice, SMS and internet services. tative leap in telecommunications MTN Group said its exit and Internet infrastructure,” said from the Middle East will be Cape Verde’s prime minister Ulisses The EllaLink more gradual than imminent, adding Correia e Silva speaking at the submarine that it will withdraw from Iran over the ceremony for the official launch of cable system next three to five years. Local media the construction works. “We are is made up of outlets had reported that MTN Iran- making a strong bet to transform four pairs of cell was set to suspend operations Cape Verde into a digital platform of fibre designed immediately, prompting the operator quality services, a reference in Africa to meet the and its parent group to state that ser- through a favourable ecosystem.” increasing vices would run “as usual” and that Cape Verde first expressed inter- demand for customers would continue “to receive est in the EllaLink submarine cable internet traffic the great service they have come to in 2018 when it announced plans between expect”. The operator added that it to connect to the then new fibre Europe and would begin its withdrawal process in optic cable through which Cape Latin America Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen June/July/August 2020 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 33 SAWC 2008 p30-33 (World News) NEW.indd 33 03/09/2020 15:21 THE LAST WORD Q&A man, a marketing guru and something that people like too, Biju Nair education was very im- they will automatically consume it. portant to him. I recall president & CEO his older sister telling If you had to work in a different HYLA Mobile me stories about there industry, what would it be? being no electricity, Healthcare, because I feel pas- What did you want to be when sure the company is and oil for the lamp was sionately about it. Especially here you were growing up? going in the right direction. expensive. He’d turn the in the US, the biggest economy I wanted to be a doctor, primarily When trying to do that, it is lamp off after dinner, then take in the world with one of the most because growing up in India it sometimes easy to take your eyes his schoolbooks out to sit under challenging healthcare situations. seemed a good way to make mon- away from what is needed to the streetlight to study. There are 10 million people left ey and earn respect. Also, when I ensure people have a successful My father worked also for the here without healthcare, and you was at high school, I thought you growth plan – all while getting on World Health Organization and hear stories about life savings can really make a difference in a with everyday business. was part of the team working being wiped away from one profession like that. on eradication of smallpox by health problem. If I ever went to What has been your career dispatching doctors and nurses to another start up after HYLA, it What was your first job after low to date? remote parts of India and other would be in that sector. leaving school? At one of my first start-ups, we countries to vaccinate people. I worked for a company called SAF- were absolutely convinced we Jeff Bezos is also a great What do you want to do when CO Technology in the US as a soft- were building a product that could inspiration – he’s a stock seller, you retire? selling over the internet. But he’s I’ve been to every continent in the also been able to drive value for world, but I’ve never actually done the company. While it seems touristy things – it’s always meet- “I wanted to be a doctor, primarily because growing he’s just running an ecommerce ings, in and out, then home. I want up in India it seemed a good way to make money and website, he’s actually built AWS to learn the culture! I definitely earn respect” which almost the whole internet plan to write a book about my is now running on. business and my life. Kindle has replaced the way people read. Amazon Prime has What would you say has ware engineer, working on telecom transform Wi-Fi routing. This was changed the way people shop, too. been the best technological test and measurement systems. in around 2002 to 2003. The Wi-Fi advancement in your lifetime? routers we take for granted today What is your biggest regret? The smartphone. It’s continuing When was your big career break? were extremely expensive at the In 2015, HYLA had to make to replace old cumbersome It was the opportunity to help time – even corporations weren’t many difficult decisions and we gadgets from our lives. Slowly, the build a start-up software business putting up many Wi-Fi connections, had to cut the company in half. newer generations of devices are within SAFCO. It was a hardware just one per floor, causing issues for company that was lacking people that were far away. superior software products. However, Intel was developing a technology called Centrino, where it “If I ever went to another start up after HYLA, it would What is the best thing about was embedding its Wi-Fi technology be in that sector” your job? into laptops. Without Intel sharing The team I work with and the licence for its products, we weren’t customers I get to serve. The team going anywhere. It was pretty is amazing, having turned around humbling for us to wind that down a company that five or six years and pack that up – we learnt a lot We had a business presence even overtaking simple healthcare ago was having survival problems. of things from that. in Europe and we wound that tech, like blood pressure and I rallied the team into going in a operation down. Making some heart rate monitors. slightly different direction – that What has been your career of those tough choices that were was risky – but had potential to high to date? important for the business but Which competitor do you most redefine the business. The team Back in 2015, HYLA went not good for the rest of the com- admire and why? responded well and when you through a difficult phase where pany was tough. Looking back I respect every competitor we go through a process like that we had lost our largest customer, on it today, they were the right have because every company together, it creates different bonds. the company was running out decisions because the company has its own strengths and The customers for obvious reasons of money – an existential angst. is roughly back to the same size weaknesses. I ruthlessly try and – success. I learn from them, That’s when the board asked me as when we had to make them. understand their weaknesses to share ideas with them to make to step up as CEO. Turning us try and get an advantage in that their business better. around, diversifying the product What is the best business area. The moment you start to base, getting new customers – lesson you have learned? think a competitor is worthless, What is the hardest thing that’s been my highlight so far. That’s an easy one! Building a or weak, I make sure our team about your job? product should be something is continuously looking at where Ensuring that all the people in the Who has been your biggest like air and water, easy to use they are and what they are doing. company are well taken care of inspiration? and hard to live without. Build Everyone that thought HYLA while continuing sustained growth. In my personal life, it has been something people need for their was down and out at one point is My first responsibility is to make my father. He was a self-made survival, and if you can build now regretting it. n 34 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS June/July/August 2020 SAWC 2008 p34 (QA).indd 34 03/09/2020 15:21 Do you want to be involved with the 2021 edition of the African Wireless Communications Yearbook? We’re looking for the usual quality of comment and opinion from thought leaders, industry influencers and technological experts within the African marketplace. For all editorial enquiries contact Robert Shepherd – [email protected] We have key sponsorship options within specific technology chapters and on primary positions. For all advertising enquiries contact Kathy Moynihan – [email protected] See the latest edition on www.africanwirelesscomms.com AWCY2020 Ad.indd 4 03/09/2020 16:51 NEWS 4 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS January/February 2019 SASIA 20Q1 p36 (YB).indd 4 03/04/2020 17:33