Orange Energies is broadening the reach of its Orange Smart Energies platform, offering prepaid access to energy through solar kits and smart meters to all energy producers across Africa. Launched in 2017, the Internet of Things (IoT) platform addresses profitability challenges by mitigating the risk of non-payment for energy providers.
NEC has introduced a groundbreaking radio-over-fibre system featuring 1-bit fibre transmission, designed to create affordable, compact distributed antenna units (DAUs). This innovative technology transmits high-frequency analogue signals using a cost-effective electrical-to-optical converter, commonly used in digital communications.
DIDWW, a global telecoms operator offering premium quality VoIP communications and SIP trunking services, has announced its partnership with Teltonika, an innovative technology company specializing in GPS fleet management, wireless and networking solutions, M2M, and IoT. This initiative will equip Teltonika with a highly flexible and scalable VoIP communications solution, thereby enhancing its communication capabilities worldwide.
T-Mobile US has launched a new backup fixed-wireless access (FWA) service called Home Internet Backup in response to frequent network outages and an anticipated severe hurricane season. This new service is an entry-level FWA subscription priced at $30 per month, which includes a bundled home gateway. It is designed to be a cost-effective alternative to T-Mobile’s existing Home Internet package, offering a $20 discount.
In developed markets, copper telecom networks are rapidly being replaced by more efficient fiber optic cables. Despite this shift, the value of copper is surging in other sectors, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy. The metal’s worth has soared over 50% from pre-pandemic levels due to high demand and lower mining outputs, with forecasts suggesting a further 50% increase in demand by 2040.
Dutch telecommunications operator KPN has announced a partnership with pension fund ABP to form a new joint venture, temporarily named TowerCo. This entity will manage and operate 3,800 mobile towers and rooftop sites. KPN will hold a 51% stake in the venture, with ABP controlling the remaining 49%.
In a significant move towards bolstering AI infrastructure in Asia, Japan’s KDDI and Sharp have initiated discussions with Super Micro Computer Inc. and Datasection to establish the region’s largest AI data centre. The ambitious project will be situated at the soon-to-be-closed Sharp Sakai Plant in Osaka, marking a strategic repurposing of the unprofitable facility slated to shut down in September.
NTT Docomo has initiated Japan’s first experimental demonstration of a self-powered hydropower cellular base station. This project, designed to showcase sustainable and low-cost connectivity solutions for rural areas, features a hydroelectric power-generation system utilizing a jet turbine developed by Professor Yukihiro Shimatani from the Prefectural University of Kumamoto.
French telecom giant Orange has teamed up with green technology company d.light to bring innovative solar-powered products to its prepaid customers in Africa. California-based d.light specializes in a variety of solar-powered devices such as lamps, torches, fans, and phone chargers, all designed for easy self-installation.
Sigma Lithium, a leading producer of sustainable lithium, has enlisted Nokia and Alcon to establish what is touted as the inaugural private LTE wireless campus network in the Americas. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster lithium mining operations with enhanced connectivity and digitalization.
