MTN South Africa and ZTE Corporation have pioneered Africa’s first 5G maritime coverage near Mossel Bay. This leap in ocean-based connectivity promises to revolutionize tourism, fisheries, and the maritime economy while supporting ecological preservation. With over 210Mbps throughput 22 km offshore, 5G will enhance shipping, fishing, marine research, and rescue operations.
AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites are set to launch on September 12, heralding the start of their commercial non-terrestrial network services in collaboration with carriers like Verizon and AT&T. This pivotal event not only enhances global cellular connectivity but also signifies a major milestone in low Earth orbit telecommunications.
SoftBank and Eutelsat’s OneWeb have partnered to enhance communication services in Japan by integrating OneWeb’s LEO satellite connectivity. The multi-year deal will improve secure, reliable communications, particularly in remote areas. SoftBank’s SmartVPN service will benefit, and there’s potential for expansion abroad.
A recent study by Ericsson and Juniper Research reveals significant growth prospects for the mobile financial services (MFS) sector, forecasting a surge in user engagement and transaction values by 2028. The analysis suggests a shift towards a more diverse offering in mobile money services, predicting that 40% of mobile subscribers will utilize these services by 2028, a notable increase from the current 29%.
Internet connectivity in West Africa is in a fragile state due to substantial damage to critical undersea cables resulting in limited or non-existent service in regions including Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Benin. The impact is reportedly extreme, with ripple effects reaching as far as South Africa. Telecom giants MTN and Vodafone linked the disruptions to these cable issues.
Mobilise, a telecommunications software powerhouse, is set to deepen its influence in Africa with Tier 5 MVNE services launch in Nigeria, Africa’s vast telecom market worth US$9.09 billion. Responding to the demand fuelled by over 30 MVNO licenses recently issued by Nigerian Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Mobilise positions itself at the forefront of this transformative stage.
The Ultra-Broadband Forum 2023 has seen industry leaders propose the revolutionary 10 Gbps City Initiative, aiming to construct digitally transformative and ultra-connected cities. Beyond being a mere term, the 10 Gbps City represents a significant shift in infrastructural development. This ambitious project hints at the power of telecommunications transformation, driving the digital economy to unexplored territories. Governments hold the key role in accelerating these changes, as they can bridge digital divides and facilitate universal digital services.
5G and AI are more than just buzzwords; they’re shaping up to become the backbone of technological breakthroughs. Their ultra-fast capabilities are key for advancements including IoT and intelligent automation. However, with high speed comes high stakes, particularly in the domain of cybersecurity. Yet, despite potential risks, the limitless possibilities offered by 5G and AI, whether it’s efficiency gains or real-time interactivity, are compelling. This combination is set to revolutionize industries, driving anticipation for what lies beyond the tip of this transformative iceberg.
The South African telecom giant, Telkom, recently rejected an acquisition bid from a consortium led by its former Chief, Sipho Maseko. The bid, whose details remain undisclosed, sparked extensive board deliberations and was followed by a 7% fall in Telkom’s share price. CEO Serame Taukobong maintains, however, that offers for a takeover will remain on hold until viable proof of deliverability is presented.
Telecom alliance Alaian is partnering with chip manufacturer Qualcomm to empower start-ups specializing in Extended Reality (XR). The alliance, comprising of seven telecom giants along with towerco Cellnex, targets initiatives involving metaverse, virtual platforms, and various services or applications from all over the globe. Despite a lukewarm response to the metaverse and the disappearance of mixed reality from the limelight, the conglomerate remains optimistic. Future XR experiences can greatly benefit from the expertise and resources provided by co-operating with Qualcomm.
