The Tbit/s era: Unlocking the 6G conversation L'ère du Tbit/s: Débloquer la conversation 6G
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The Tbit/s era: Unlocking the 6G conversation L’ère du Tbit/s: Débloquer la conversation 6G Building a sustainable 5G: A roadmap to a dynamic Technology in Africa: digital society network in Africa Aspiring, innovating, evolving Vers une société 5G : Une feuille de route pour un La technologie en Afrique : numérique durable réseau dynamique en Afrique Aspirer, innover, évoluer
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MAY / JUNE 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
4 10
?
The Tbit/s era: Unlocking the 6G Defining the next frontier of tech-telco
conversation
12 14
Technology and communication go hand in Building a Sustainable Digital Society
hand
16 5G: The Roadmap to a Dynamic Network in 22 Operators’ news
Africa
18 Telcos bringing the next stage of evolution 24 Vendors’ news
20 Industry news
AFRICA
MAY / JUNE 2022 EDITORIAL 3
Toni Eid,
founder
editor in chief
Telecom Review International
Editor in Chief & Senior ICT Analyst
Toni Eid
toni.eid@tracemedia.info Telecom Review Les panels virtuels de
Senior Journalist & Content Manager
Christine Ziadeh
Christine@tracemedia.info
webinars - a landmark Telecom Review - un
in the industry repère pour l’industrie
Q D
Senior Journalist & Deputy Content
Manager
Jennifer Saade
jennifer.s@tracemedia.info uality speakers es intervenants de
with high quality qualité pour des
Journalist participants participants de qualité
Elza Moukawam Il y a plus de deux ans,
elza@tracemedia.info Over two years ago,
Telecom Review Telecom Review a
Representative in Ivory Cost started organizing commencé à organiser
Lacinan Ouattara webinars in order des panels virtuels afin
lacinan@tracemedia.info
to support the ICT industry and de soutenir l’industrie des TIC et les
governments to achieve their targets gouvernements dans la réalisation de
Editorial Team
and reach their goals to bring the leurs objectifs et de faire passer le bon
Toni Eid (UAE), Marielena Geagea
(Lebanon), Jennifer Saade (Lebanon), right message to the right people of message aux bonnes personnes de
Lacinan Ouattara (Ivory Coast), Jeff Seal the industry at local, regional and l’industrie aux niveaux local, régional et
(United States), Christine Ziadeh (Lebanon),
global levels. mondial.
Corrine Teng (Singapore), Jonathan
Pradhan (UAE), Elvi Correos (UAE), Our webinars series became a Notre série de panels virtuels est devenue
Elza Moukawam (Lebanon)
landmark in the industry, especially un point de repère dans le secteur,
Sales Director because they focus on a wide surtout qu’elle se concentre sur une
Mohammed Ershad variety of ICT topics, services and grande variété de sujets, de services et
ershad@tracemedia.info innovations, from 5G, IPv6, capacity, d’innovations dans le domaine des TIC,
data, cloud, digital transformation, qu’il s’agisse de la 5G, de l’IPv6, de la
Deputy Sales Director
Issam Eid
AI, networks optimization, satellites capacité, des données, du cloud, de la
issam@tracemedia.info business and much more. transformation numérique, de l’IA, de
l’optimisation des réseaux, de l’activité des
Graphic Designer We call upon all our partners to book satellites et bien plus encore.
Vanessa Haber their calendars for the upcoming Nous invitons tous nos partenaires à
webinars on June 2nd for the fixer leurs calendriers pour les prochains
News
Provided in cooperation with AFP, capacity and wholesale panel and panels virtuels du 2 juin sur la capacité
the global news agency June 23 for the IPv6 online summit, et la vente en gros et du 23 juin sur le
in addition to many more events sommet en ligne IPv6, ainsi que pour
coming up in 2022. de nombreux autres événements qui se
Published by tiendront en 2022.
Discover a new tool of cooperation
with Telecom Review, a platform Découvrez un nouvel outil de
which offers you an exhaustive coopération avec Telecom Review,
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Trace Media Ltd. event campaign, post-coverage service exhaustif de A à Z, incluant la
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and webinar’s organization and campagne pré-événement, la couverture
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exposure to the decision makers of votre marque et garantir la meilleure
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on your services among the right secteur, tout en sensibilisant les parties
- Year 12 - Issue 78 -
parties. concernées à vos services.
AFRICA
MAY / JUNE 2022 COVER STORY 4
The Tbit/s era:
Unlocking the 6G conversation
Just when we thought that the hype around 5G has come to an end, a new spotlight
is shed on the next network generation. As much as 5G is powerful, the capabilities
of 6G will be unimaginable. Even though 5G still hasn’t materialized all over the world,
however, getting ready to 6G is now a reality, even if it might seem far-fetched at this
stage.
AFRICA
MAY / JUNE 2022 COVER STORY 5
rate of 1 Gbit s−1, which is ten times Wireless sensing capabilities will be
the one targeted by 5G. It will provide required to explore the physical world
end−to−end latency less than 1 ms through radio wave transmission,
and an ’over−the−air’ latency of 10 echo, reflection, and scattering. 6G will
−100 µs with mobility up to 1000 km feature this capability that will enable
h−1 with very broad bandwidth with intelligence. Such a mode of sensing
frequencies reaching 1 −3 THz. can help create a “mirror” or digital twin
of the physical world in combination
The vision of 6G has also been with other sensing modalities, thereby
enhancing the idea of ’ecosystem’ of extending our senses to every point
networks (or network of networks), the network touches. Combining this
preliminarily started with 5G. This has information with AI/ML will provide
been making 6G closer and closer to new insights from the physical world,
the concept of the ’Web of Everything making the network more cognitive.
Everywhere’.
6G will also allow the integration
Every new network generation brings of terrestrial and non-terrestrial
along a new experience. 2G and 3G networks into one system to provide
brought voice and text that enabled uninterrupted high-quality services to
human-to-human communication. users everywhere.
4G drove data consumption and
traffic while 5G unleashed new use
cases and allowed users to benefit
from a plethora of revolutionary
technologies such as IoT. In the 6G
era, the digital, physical and human
world will seamlessly fuse to trigger
extrasensory experiences. 6G will
serve as a distributed neural network
that provides communication links to
fuse the physical, cyber, and biological
worlds, truly ushering in an era in
which everything will be sensed and
6G will serve
connected.
as a distributed
6G will build on top of 5G in terms of
many of the technological and use neural network
case aspects, driving their adoption
at scale through optimization and that provides
T
cost-reduction. At the same time, 6G
he new target year
in the telecoms
will enable new use cases. In 2030
and beyond, augmented reality and
communication
industry is 2030.
Visions have been
artificial intelligence will shape our
lives. With 6G, ultra-high speed and links to fuse the
elaborated to meet ultra-reliable wireless connections will
a set of goals allow sensing and AI to flourish. physical, cyber, and
by this deadline,
with 6G being one of them. Telecom Digital twins will be found not only biological worlds
vendors have initiated their 6G in factories but also in wide area
research efforts a few years ago, long networks of cities and will operate at
before the sixth network generation a larger scale with 6G deployed.
drove conversation, in a bid to lead the
race to 6G and deploy it by 2030. The pillars of 6G
Artificial intelligence will be the main
Characteristics pillar of 6G. Each 6G network element
According to the ITU Journal on will natively integrate communication,
Future and Evolving Technologies, computing, and sensing capabilities,
Volume 2 (2021), Issue 6, 6G will facilitating the evolution from
deliver throughput/data rate up to 1 centralized intelligence in the cloud to
Tbit s−1 and user−experienced data ubiquitous intelligence on deep edges.
AFRICA
MAY / JUNE 2022 COVER STORY 6
Moreover, security and trust are consumption of ICT infrastructure and
a fundamental element in 6G. terminals while also ensuring optimal
According to a white paper by service performance and experience.
Ericsson, the four important building Sustainability will be at the heart of
blocks for trustworthy systems are the sixth generation network.
the use of confidential computing
solutions, secure identities and How will 6G change the world?
protocols, service availability, and 6G will be an extension of 5G,
security assurance and defense. with an even more enhanced and
Security and trust Huawei states that data, as well immersive experience. G will build
as the knowledge and intelligence on top of 5G in terms of many of the
are a fundamental derived from it, is the driving force
behind 6G network architecture
technological and use case aspects,
driving their adoption at scale through
element in 6G redesign, wherein new features will
be developed to enable E2E native
optimization and cost-reduction. At
the same time, 6G will enable new use
trustworthiness. These include cases.
new data governance architectures
supporting data compliance and Digital twin models, already being
monetization, as well as advanced used with 5G, will operate at a much
privacy protection and quantum larger scale with 6G. They will be
attack defense technologies. found not only in factories but also
in wide area networks of cities and
6G networks will also aim to improve digital twins of humans will have
energy efficiency 100 times across a major impact on the network
the network and limit energy architecture.
AFRICA
MAY / JUNE 2022 COVER STORY 7
A new man-machine interface will that new spectrum bands between 7
emerge. Smartphones will remain GHz and 20 GHz will open up for 6G
a key device, however typing will use, which will provide the necessary
gradually be replaced by gesture and bandwidth to create these new high-
voice control and wearables will gain capacity carriers.
even more ground.
Furthermore, new bands will
Enormous capacity demands require be identified for mobile use by Clearing up new
new spectrum governments and regulators are
The evolution into the next network
generation has always required a
looking at the 470-694 MHz band as
a means for providing broad coverage
spectrum will
transition into a higher frequency
band. The move from 3G to 4G grew
in rural and remote regions. The low
frequencies in this band mean signals
be necessary
carrier size from 5 MHz to 20 MHz,
while the transition from 4G to 5G
propagate much further, extending
the network’s reach. Sub-THz bands to unleash 6G’s
saw carrier bandwidth grow from 20 beyond 90 GHz might also come into
MHz to 100 MHz. A blog article by Bell use, which could supply extremely capabilities and use
Labs expects that with 6G spectral high peak data rates for the most
bandwidths will increase once again, bandwidth-intensive applications as cases
reaching 400 MHz, greatly increasing well as connect highly dense sensing
the baseline capacity of a single cell. networks.
Clearing up new spectrum will be However, new spectrum might not be
necessary to unleash 6G’s capabilities enough. Multiple-input multiple output
and use cases. Bell Labs expects (MIMO) techniques were deployed
AFRICA
MAY / JUNE 2022 COVER STORY 8
with 4G and 5G to improve spectral cost of deploying network, premature
efficiency of wide area cells. 4G uses ecosystem of terminals, among others.
2x2MIMO and 4x4MIMO while 5G
benefits from massive MIMO using Security is also an important issue that
around 200 antenna elements and up 6G should address. Given the need
to 64 transceivers. 6G may support on for trustworthy networks, especially
the order of 1024 antenna elements in in light of new use cases, securing 6G
6G allows space-earth the new mid-bands. networks is undeniably a top priority.
integration that can Challenges
Ensuring coverage across the whole
Operators are called to deploy low-
carbon and energy-saving networks
world remains a challenge, especially that is why green and sustainable
pave the way for a 100% that remote areas still lack access to development is the core requirement
connectivity. The main mission of 6G is and ultimate goal of network and
coverage that can reach to make this happen. 6G allows space- terminal designs in 6G.
earth integration that can pave the way
remote areas for a 100% coverage that can reach
remote areas.
Is it too soon to talk about 6G?
2030 might seem a long way to go, but
when it comes to technology, it’s never
Another challenge resides at the level too soon. Research on 6G started even
of bandwidth. It is estimated that the before 5G was deployed. The ITU is
terahertz in 6G era will have the same planning to issue its IMT-2030 vision
problems as the millimeter wave document in 2023, and the 3GPP
today: weak coverage capability, high timeline calls for the studies on 6G to
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 COVER STORY 9
start in 2024, so 6G doesn’t sound so
far into the future anymore.
Telecom vendors, operators and
research bodies are well involved
in 6G studies to better define the
network generation. Work done in
the framework of the race to 5G is a
lesson that all industry experts should
learn from in order not to replicate
Work done in the framework of the race
the mistakes made with 5G and
avoid the obstacles that impacted its
to 5G is a lesson that all industry experts
deployment.
should learn from in order not to replicate the
One key area that should be addressed
before 6G launches is the digital divide mistakes made
that has further widened with 5G.
While 6G promises 100% coverage, a
significant number of countries still
lack 5G network coverage. Expediting
5G networks deployment across all
regions should go in tandem with 6G
research to be able to achieve the
sought objectives of 6G.
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 OPINIONS 10
Defining
the next
frontier of
tech-telco
Etisalat Misr celebrates the stories of
yesterday, powering the new generation
of connectivity
This year marks Etisalat Misr’s 15th anniversary. As the industry celebrates the
essence of our 15 years milestone, we continue to fulfill our mission to enrich lives in
a changing world. The series of successes Etisalat Misr has witnessed over the past
15 years have paved the way for driving the future and empowering societies, through
designing and delivering digital solutions with innovative problem solving.
T
oday, a lot is up with the increased traction of
happening in the OTT services. Coming at such an
tech-telco space, opportune time of technological
augmenting advancement and digital enablement,
the industry, the 15th anniversary serves as a
architecting reminder to embrace what the future
the future, and holds, which is not only about looking As we turn fifteen, we continue to
enriching lives. And as innovation forward and assessing what’s coming
continues to reshape the future, next, but more about learning from be consumer-driven with putting
Etisalat Misr is working on leading- the experiences of the past.
edge technologies and services that “people” at the core
will continue to support, build and The time is now: From telco to
develop communities as we operate. tech-telco
The pace of change in the telecoms
of our strategy
As we turn fifteen, we continue to industry is increasing by the minute
be consumer-driven with putting as telecom operators race to bring
“people” at the core of our strategy new digital products and services
by providing evolving technologies, to market, attention must be paid to
new business models, and keeping the opportunities ahead, capitalizing
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 OPINIONS 11
Today, there is no turning back
In 2022, the industry is at a crossroad.
Etisalat Misr chose to make a bold
choice and reinvent itself to create a
permanent new role for itself in the
tech-telco industry, reshaped by a
“From telco to tech-telco” is what the future pandemic that put them at the center.
We are investing heavily in network
of the telecommunications industry looks like expansion, and digital customer
interfaces such as the MyEtisalat
mobile app and venturing into new
streams such as cloud, security,
fintech and OTT entertainment
services.
Becoming Egypt’s top tech-telco
on the significant impact of Regarded as a digital enabler for brand is our vision at Etisalat Misr,
technological enablement. society, Etisalat Misr plays a critical positioning the connection for a
role in enabling digital services for creative digital-first economy with
“From telco to tech-telco” is what consumers and the economy, building integrated network leadership at
the future of the telecommunications agile and scalable services on top the core, and developing a powerful
industry looks like. This is a golden of the connectivity, and ensuring an digital infrastructure powered by
opportunity for telecommunication extended reach in delivering digital such a profound transition, by putting
operators to renew their focus; with services. customer needs first.
a huge potential that generates
additional and significant value for As tech-telco is now going beyond
telecom players, putting more focus the “nice to have”, it is morphing into
on customer-centricity and moving a basic and essential utility. People
from traditional network services around the world are gradually
toward more user-friendly, service- becoming more dependent on
focused business and operating. communications service providers
to enable their lives on a daily
With the launch of 5G, artificial basis and on a sundry level. This
intelligence, IoT, digital enablement is in addition to the pressure put
is becoming much faster, and tech- on the global telecommunications
telcos are trying to go beyond core infrastructure, transitioning to the
connectivity offerings; becoming a new normal. Everybody (consumers
technology player compared with and enterprises alike) love everything
just a telco player. As telcos take this digital and are willing to pay a
opportunity and spread their play premium for higher bandwidth and
across the value chain, they are keen superior network quality.
on providing more than the utility
layer of connectivity and starting to
look more like “industry-verticalized And together with e&, we bring people
telco companies”. closer to everyone and everything
they love in this world, making key
Unlocking growth through changes that drive growth to the
connectivity consumer experience, pushing
The digital revolution has long forward Etisalat Misr’s commitment
inspired organizations to reinvent to accelerate digital transformation
themselves. While tech-telcos rose to through providing outstanding
the challenge of 2020, the pandemic consumer experiences while investing
amplified trends that were already in ensuring a sustainable and
redefining the basis for success. It strategic growth; one that creates a
increased the urgency of profound smarter, safer and more connected
reinvention, and provided a blueprint world.
for a faster, leaner operating model,
made possible by rapidly shifting Here is to the next 15 years of Etisalat
behaviors. And it put tech-telcos front Misr, 15 years of success, and 15
and center. years of pioneering.
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 ICT FEATURE 12
message or other data can be sent
from any location.
Workplace communication: With
improved communication tools such
as video chatting, presentations, and
numerous SaaS programs available,
teamwork and collaboration are easier
than ever. Technology in the workplace
Technology and communication has not only improved communication,
but increased efficiency, productivity, and
go hand in hand even employee morale. Some benefits
technology has brought to the workplace
Since the arrival of technology, the ways of include video/chat platform Zoom,
LinkedIn and cloud-based systems such
communicating and conducting business have as Dropbox.
changed forever. It is the most valuable tool we have, Easy self-service: A further example of
and it is constantly being updated with new devices, technology improving communication is
easy self-service. Customers can order
programs, or platforms. Whether for better or worse, products using voice commands on IoT,
quickly and easily like ATMs, and self-
technology affects communication because it is an ticket purchasing on the internet. Adding
to that, most information and inquiries
integral part of our daily lives. It affects how we work, related to services are available on a
entertain ourselves, and keep in touch with others company’s website. Some companies
also provide video tutorials, articles,
inside and outside Africa. With this in mind, here is a written guides, emails, etc. Approximately
$32.23 billion were spent on self-service
look at how technology improves communication in technologies in 2020, and the market is
projected to reach $88.33 billion by 2030,
daily life, affects customer communication, and how to representing a 10.55% CAGR.
make the most of these technological advances. Higher productivity and lower costs:
A
When it comes to sharing information
ccess to more devices for many services: financial, or getting together, technology and
information: medical, in-office or remote work. For communication can save time and
We live in an era instance, SONATEL, is enabling 200,000 money. Rather than paying for a plane
of overloaded subscribers in Senegal to send and ticket and other travel expenses, you
information, receive money through mobile apps. can communicate with a distant
with the internet contact via voice, text, or video
providing more People can connect with anyone globally communication for little or no cost.
knowledge than anyone could ever using social media applications as By using technology, businesses
imagine. Africa’s future is tangled with Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, have more productive teams because
technology, which offers great promise etc., and show their skills and creativity. employees can communicate around
for the region’s growth and development These platforms have changed the way the office without having to go from one
across all economic and technical sectors. people communicate and impacted room another or from desk to desk.
For example, a report by the GSMA titled many other sectors in Africa. For
“Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa example, social media usage has been Though technology has done amazing
2019” showed that 239 million people highest in both Northern Africa with 41% things for communication in our
across the region were connected to the and in Southern Africa with an average society, it has also created some
internet by the end of 2018, and predicted of 45%, since January 2021. unfortunate issues. Technology is often
that 483 million people in sub-Saharan blamed to have declined face-to-face
Africa will have access to mobile internet Speed: The most significant communication, but it has also played a
by 2025, representing nearly 40% of the improvement in communication vital role in expanding the comparatively
population. technology is speed. Everyone is limited communication options available
able to receive the message within to us in the past. While we can still speak
More interaction: Since most people milliseconds, with the help of wireless in person today, we can also appreciate
have smartphones and computers, signals, satellites, undersea cables, and the ability to “choose our channel” when
they have the opportunity to use these other advanced technology, any instant communicating.
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 ICT FEATURE 14
Building a Sustainable Digital
Society
The world is going digital, and Africa is no exception. Digital and new technologies
are profoundly changing societies, daily lives, and ways of working. With fast-growing
economies and an ever-expanding networks of connectivity, the African continent has
embraced the digital revolution in many ways. The developments of digitalization are
the greatest technical challenges of our time; however, we must keep sustainability
at their core. New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to
making our lives more sustainable. For example: enabling us to use smart devices
such as phones and tablets through voice commands or touch screens instead of
keyboards. A question arises: Do digitalization and sustainability complement each
other? Is technical progress the only answer to a future-friendly development of our
digital society?
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 ICT FEATURE 15
A
frica Goes Digital
Indeed,
digitalization and
sustainability
highly complement
each other. In
fact, digitalization
can contribute to more sustainable
communities in Africa. To achieve
a more inclusive economic growth,
African countries need to work
continuously to strengthen the
development of digital skills through
initiatives such as the “Smart Africa
Alliance.” Over the past decade, the
continent has seen the biggest growth
in internet access; however, around
35% of people in the least developed
regions have internet access,
according to the World Bank.
The future-friendly development of have emerged across the continent; to send money to each other as well
our digital society depends on many three have achieved international as to pay for goods and services. In
different factors — and technical recognition: Lagos in Nigeria, fact, Kenyans use M-Pesa more than
progress is one of them. Looking Nairobi in Kenya, and Cape Town banks and other financial institutions.
at different economic sectors, in South Africa. These tech hubs This app has gained a stellar
digitalization is still at an initial are home to countless start-ups, reputation to the extent that it has
stage in a number of African states. incubators, technology parks, and been adopted by other countries such
Contrary, technologies such as the innovation centers which are driven as Tanzania and India.
Internet of Things (IoT), big data, by the private sector and by young
and artificial intelligence are rapidly people who — despite adversity — Due to the increasing number of
evolving. Many African countries have understand how self-employment people using the internet for their
adopted digitalization as part of their leads to innovation. everyday activities, the growth in
development and growth strategies; the mobile phone industry, and the
however, the potential of the digital Moreover, the shift to digitalization in use of mobile phones for financial
transformation to further develop Africa is happening quickly. With the transactions, has led Africa to be
African socio-economic structures help of social media; cell phones; and recognized as a “digital society”
remains undeniable. African countries the internet, people are connecting since it is one of the few places in
must attain sustainable development with each other more than ever before. the world where more than 50% of
by creating and retaining wealth, Digital infrastructure and services the population owns a mobile phone.
moving up global value chains, have developed significantly across However, some of the downsides of a
diversifying their economies, the African continent in the past digital society is having it established
optimizing energy mixes, and placing years. Most notable is the coverage in the wrong place. Electricity cuts
human capital at the center of and accessibility of mobile services, or no electricity at all makes it
policymaking. mobile-based payments and to a harder for Africans in rural areas to
lesser extent, broadband. For example, have access to the internet or pay
Subsequently, the Covid-19 pandemic based on a study for ITU titled, money for internet service providers.
— despite all the economic and social “Measuring digital development”, 3G is Digitalization can lead also to privacy
devastation it has caused — has available in over 80% of the continent’s breaches or cyber-attacks in the
raised the opportunities for African geographic area, yet broadband absence of the right regulations.
countries to innovate and go digital. penetration, whether wireless or fixed,
The digital technology industry has records just 25%. To build a consistent and sustainable
grown across the country through digital society, we must take into
incubators and start-ups, tech hubs, Adding to that, Africans are now consideration the potential of digital
and data centers, and information using mobile apps for their everyday exclusion as part of the decision-
and communication technology (ICT) needs such as mobile banking apps. making process. Companies can start
activities are spreading across the In Kenya, one of the fastest-growing today by leading from or to a purpose,
continent. So far, the change has economies in Africa, mobile banking assessing the impacts of technology
been almost only from the bottom up is now commonplace. “M-Pesa” is a and focusing on building skills and
as more than 600 technology hubs mobile money app that Kenyans use diversity.
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 ICT FEATURE 16
5G:
The Roadmap to a Dynamic
Network in Africa
Africa, a continent mostly dominated by 3G for the past five years, is now seeing a
rise in a new network: 5G. The rollout of 5G in Africa is part of a global push by the
telecommunications industry to expand the next-generation, wireless technology
across more than 50 countries worldwide. This new generation represents a major
step forward for technology. It will allow users to download files faster and make it
easier for people to use their devices in more places, and it will urge companies to
better manage their infrastructure and improve their productivity.
A
frica is one of the and African Development Bank, the improved internet access and increased
fastest-growing continent has over 650 million mobile smartphone adoption rates across
telecommunications subscribers. However, Africa’s total the continent, the majority of African
markets in the mobile penetration rate is predicted to consumers are still using feature
world, and it is exceed 80% by 2025 and this will be phones or low-end smartphones which
expected to reach a possible by the continued rollout of 2G, don’t support 4G “LTE” technology.
$37 billion industry 3G, and 4G along with 5G networks This has changed over time due to
by 2025. According to the World Bank across Africa. Moreover, even with the introduction of more affordable
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 ICT FEATURE 17
smartphones that support 4G LTE and it would be wise to fully grasp its in many areas, so you may have
technology into African markets. benefits and avoid its risks. limited coverage depending on
According to “The mobile economy – where you live or work.
Sub-Saharan Africa 2021”, 303 million Below are a few points of its
people were connected to the mobile advantages: • 5G uses much more power than
internet in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2020, earlier generations of cellular
equivalent to 28% of the population. • Fast internet connection: 5G technology did; this could mean
networks will have the capacity to
In addition, with the burgeoning increase download speeds by up to • battery lives may suffer if you
population of mobile phone users 20 times (from 200 Mbps, 4G to 10 use many apps while connected
in Africa and the growing demand Gbps, 5G), and decrease latency. through 5G.
for faster internet, 5G is expected
to drive growth across industries • Increased capacity: Allows for Future Enhancements
such as energy, healthcare, telecom, more efficient use of existing With Nano-cores integrated with
transportation, and education. In South spectrum. artificial intelligence (AI), 5G
Africa, for example, where roughly 27 technology is set for a big boost in
million mobile broadband connections • Increased scalability: Opens up the near future. Besides the current
were made in 2018 – a number which possibilities for new technologies, technology, the adoption of 5G is
is expected to grow to 41 million including VR and AR, Internet paving the way for the introduction
by 2023 according to statista. The of Things devices (IoT), and of 6G which will include relevant
introduction of 5G would increase autonomous cars, among many technologies that are out of scope for
data speeds significantly compared others. 5G such as massive global coverage,
to 4G. Nonetheless, 5G technology higher capacities, enhancing the idea
will be a game-changer for African • Better security: 5G uses less of of an “ecosystem” of networks which
countries with high mobile broadband your data plan than 4G does. began with 5G; and 6G will be expected
penetration such as South Africa and to include all these demands.
Kenya, as well as those countries who As for its disadvantages:
have just began reaping the benefits of Africa is among the few places on Earth
4G such as Nigeria and Ghana. • 5G networks are not yet available which still remains largely disconnected
in all parts of the world, so if you from this global network; however,
The Boon and Bane of 5G in Africa are traveling, you may not have today, it is ready to take the leap into
5G is a reality which affected our access to it all the time. the 21st-century technology and fully
lives like previous technologies have, • 5G networks are still being built integrate into the global economy.
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 ICT FEATURE 18
Telcos bringing the next stage of
evolution
“We see transformation as primarily a technology challenge or a new digital service
opportunity or a cultural change or a customer engagement issue. Transformation
is all of the above, and more,” says Martin Creaner, author, digital transformation and
corporate strategy advisor.
D
igital offerings; all of which must be environment where digitally native
transformation supported by solid data foundations. companies can grow and provide
has been a services to billions of consumers as
focus by all the This is where digital transformation they also facilitated the digitalization of
telecom majors comes in. To deal with shifting countless industries.
for some time customer demands and tap into
now, but 2022 new business opportunities, telecom Recently, large telcos are integrating
is truly starting to show some companies need to change how technological advancements at scale,
transformational activities. A big they operate and shed substantial providing superior online services
transformational push is required for amounts of technical debt. and products and working hard to
telcos particularly in areas such as transform the customer experience.
cloud- and edge-native technology, Over the course of the past few
coupled with far higher levels of decades, telecommunications What is telecom transformation?
automation and better customer companies have shaped a flourishing Telecom transformation is an
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 ICT FEATURE 19
industry term that describes the becomes more complex. Some of the Vendors are here to help
move from traditional network challenges are: The digital transformation is
services toward more user-friendly, extremely crucial for CSPs to take
dynamic and service-focused • Market integration: Previously, advantage of the new emerging
business and operating models services such as fixed-line, business opportunities. The maturing
in telecommunications. This broadband, and broadcasting were digital ecosystem means that the
transformation is driven by mounting separate markets. Consolidating subscribers and businesses are no
infrastructure and maintenance costs, these services increases longer satisfied with basic services.
a decline in traditional service use complexity for the telecom service They want to feel privileged through
(such as SMS or voice calls) as well provider. This will get even more personalized interactions, quick
as changing consumer expectations. challenging as more services such resolutions to problems and product
Telcos will also have to rethink their as smart cars and smart homes and service recommendations
internal structures to level this kind become common. based on their preferences and
of change and sometimes need to requirements. One can say that
overhaul their internal processes. • OTT services: The increasing loyalty is no longer based on the
demand for over-the-top (OTT) product or brand. Instead, it is the
Many telecommunications companies platforms, such as Netflix and result of a consistently superior
have already adopted agile strategies Disney Plus, has forced telecom experience across all touchpoints.
for at least some parts of their companies to incorporate a more
operations. Telecom giant Airtel has flexible business model, work Huawei defines this evolving
recently announced overhauling with new operators, and allocate customer experience as PEAKS
its existing ERP Financial and SCM revenue to new alliances. The Experience. It includes five features
processes to upgrade them with the seamless integration of these including targeted precise product
power of AI/ML. elements in the existing model and marketing (Know Me), convenient
can be challenging for telecom digital applications and convergent
Moreover, MTN Group unveiled an service providers. ecosystem (Make it Easy), Seamless
evolved visual identity with a new logo experience on clouds and networks
that highlights MTN’s commitment • Centralized to decentralized: (Seamless X), assured network and
to continuously evolve and explore Many new digital technologies data safety (Protect Me) and lastly,
innovative initiatives that provide value are based on agile development. ecosystem value creation (Add
to all their stakeholders. The new Therefore, if a telecom company Value). A service provider then needs
brand identity is modern, simple, bold, has a centralized system, it can be to quickly make changes across
and digitally dynamic. It kicks off with challenging to decentralize these product, marketing, channel, service
a provocative and simple question, systems in order to implement and relationship maintenance.
“What are we doing today?”. With a these digital solutions in different Furthermore, these areas need to be
clear and concise brand strategy that parts of their business. seamlessly integrated to deliver the
Opportunity + Energy = Progress, MTN desired results.
understands that to truly unlock the How to remain competitive
full benefits and potential of the digital Telecommunication companies will This kind of customer experience
world, people require a combination need to incorporate in their business is possible only if the service
of drive, progressive thinking, and the systems a few elements to become provider has digitally transformed
right tools to drive progress further more agile and remain competitive in its infrastructure across digital
through action and doing. the market. The figure below shows experience, operations processes and
how telcos need to move beyond their ecosystems partner journeys.
As for Etisalat Group, “e&” has legacy IT systems.
marked the transformation ambitions To wrap up, we live in a
of the Group into becoming a technology-dependent, highly-
global technology and investment digitalized environment where
conglomerate. The transformation of telecommunications companies are
e& from a telecom company founded experiencing mounting pressure
more than four decades ago in the UAE to transform their businesses. The
into a global influence in digitalisation need for change is urgent and for
highlights its role in upholding many telcos, this journey is already
the UAE’s sustainable economic underway. It involves implementing
development and diversification plans. changes to the systems, processes,
data-management, skills and culture
Challenges to overcome across the telco, to ultimately align
It is challenging for telecom customer engagement experience
companies to provide quicker and with the best-in-class across all other
more agile services as their business Source: EY consumer verticals.
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 INDUSTRY NEWS 20
Nigeria plans to establish a national industrial technology
park
objectives of the nation in terms of companies and entrepreneurs to
industrialization. I urge my colleagues leverage the availability of resources,
to support this Bill to bring full scale technical know-how, knowledge, and
industrialization to this country.” professionalism, which can pave
the way for developing and testing
The senate president, Ahmad Lawan business and technology solutions,”
who commended senator Amosun for declared senator Ibikunle Amosun.
the bill, noted that a better security
The Nigerian senate approved a bill environment needs to be provided. The goal of this project is to attract
to create a national industrial and investments from major digital
technology park in the country as a “We have to work together across all industry players and to drive
mechanism for “clustering innovation- the levels of government to ensure we technological development in line
based industrial parks in Nigeria.” create and sustain a better security with the Nigerian government’s
environment that will encourage 2022-2025 digital development
The bill is sponsored by senator investors,” president Lawan said strategy. It is expected that the
Ibikunle Amosun and is geared industrial technology park will assist
toward economic development, youth The bill has been referred committee in the diversification of the national
empowerment and capacity building. on trade and investment to report economy and attract companies that
back to the House, within four weeks can create jobs, as well as it will help
Also, in support of the bill, senator for legislative action. increase incomes and channel more
Barau Jibrin said, “This is a bill that financial resources into the country
will help us to be fully industrialized. “The establishment of parks, while enabling it to become an
It will help us achieve the long-term such as this, makes it easier for industrial nation.
ITU and UN Tech Envoy chart path to universal meaningful
connectivity
brighter and more prosperous future
for all.
Universal and meaningful connectivity
is the possibility for everyone to enjoy
a safe, satisfying, enriching, productive
and affordable online experience.
UN assistant secretary-general and
acting secretary-general’s envoy
on technology, Maria-Francesca
Spatolisano, said, “By setting clear
targets, we give ourselves goals and
aspirations to work towards, especially
The office of the United Nations UN secretary-general’s “Roadmap for in this Decade of Action to achieve
secretary-general’s envoy on Digital Cooperation” roundtable group the SDGs. Though certainly these
technology and the International on global connectivity, co-chaired by indicators may be refined further, as
Telecommunication Union (ITU) have ITU and UNICEF, prioritize universality, expectations evolve and the world
announced a new set of UN targets technology and affordability to ensure changes; it is important that we take a
for universal and meaningful digital that everyone can fully benefit from bold step forward now to set a basic
connectivity to be achieved by 2030. connectivity. The roadmap had called understanding of what universal
for establishing a connectivity baseline meaningful connectivity should look
The 15 aspirational targets, and targets to aid in advancing a safer, like, especially as we work towards next
developed as part of the work of the more equitable digital world and a year’s global digital compact.”
AFRICAExclusive coverage ﺗﻐﻄﻴﺔ ﺣﺼﺮﻳﺔ
of the latest ﻫﻢ أﺣﺪاث
developments
اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻢ اﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ
IN THE DIGITAL
WORLD
TELECOMREVIEWARABIA.COMMAY / JUNE 2022 OPERATORS' NEWS 22
Leading operators in Ghana sign national roaming
agreement
Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Vodafone Ghana challenges encountered along the
in a statement said, “The implementation journey and we are excited about
of national roaming will enable Vodafone what lies ahead in this partnership
Ghana customers to stay connected in with Vodafone Ghana.” Selorm added.
areas outside our current locations of
coverage. This is especially important for Over the coming months, the outcome
rural communities as national roaming of the pilot would be instrumental in
invariably provides a greater choice of the development of the next phase
MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana network providers. We believe strongly of the partnership to cover more
announced significant progress in the bid that the collaboration in the Volta Region complex technical configurations
to implement a national roaming service is a positive step, and working together for nationwide roaming on either
in Ghana amongst operators. In this with the Government, the regulator network. We would update the market
regard, MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana and MTN Ghana, we look forward to in due course.
have entered a strategic partnership to extending the national roaming service
pilot national roaming in the Volta Region beyond the Volta Region in due course.” We take the opportunity to thank
as a first step to a broader nationwide the National Communications
national roaming partnership. This “This agreement is a milestone for the Authority (NCA) for their support and
agreement will see Vodafone Ghana industry and is in line with our Ambition engagement through the process,
expand coverage of its network by 2025 strategic intent of “Leading digital and for their approval for us to
leveraging MTN’s network infrastructure solutions for Africa’s progress” CEO of proceed with this pilot. We also thank
in this pilot phase. MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh, said. the ministry of communications
and digitalization for putting in
National roaming implementation in “MTN fully supports the Government’s place the policy framework to
Ghana is intended to facilitate universal National Roaming plans. We support such a partnership for the
access and accelerate digitalization in acknowledge that national roaming will industry at this stage of the Ghana
line with the country’s ambitions of a extend network coverage for Ghanaians telecommunications industry
digital economy. This pilot is a first step nationwide and support the growth of evolution. We are confident that this
to a bigger plan by Government to have a the Ghana Telecommunications industry. is just one of many forward-looking
full national roaming regime amongst all Our Engineers have worked tirelessly policies to come to safeguard the
operators in the country. to test and develop solutions to various viability of the industry into the future.
Tunisie Telecom sells 100% of Mattel Mauritania shares
leadership of its management team and Telecel is mobile operator present in Africa
proximity to its customers. since 1986. The Group is experiencing
strong growth on the continent. It has
Mattel is a major player in the ICT completed four transactions since 2018.
sector and digital transformation in The company plans to invest more than
the country. As such, Mattel plays an $700 million over the next 3 years, mainly
essential role in the development of in mobile operator acquisitions, fiber
Tunisie Telecom, BSA telecommunication broadband in Mauritania through its 4G optic infrastructure construction and
and COMATEL announced the signing of and fiber optic infrastructures deployed infrastructure. Thanks to its activities,
an exclusive agreement with TELECEL in the main cities of the country. Telecel Global Services, Telecel Play
Group for the sale of 100% of the and Africa Startup initiative Program
shares of Mauritano-Tunisienne des Mattel holds nearly 33% market share have become major players in the digital
Télécommunications (Mattel). and in 21 years of existence, Mattel economy in Africa.
has constantly modernized its network
Mattel is the first mobile operator in thanks to the latest generation of Mattel Shareholders have declared
Mauritania to have launched the GSM technical equipment and the knowhow that “After a competitive process, we
service. Since its creation on May of its engineers. are pleased to announce that Telecel
11, 2000, the result of cooperation Group has been selected for the sale
between Mauritanian and Tunisian Mattel offers its services throughout transaction of Mattel’s shares. We are
economic operators, Mattel has always the country with a network of more satisfied with the interactions with
relied on the quality of its network, than 120 agencies spread throughout Telecel group and remain confident for
the professionalism of its staff, the the national territory. the rest of the process.”
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 OPERATORS' NEWS 23
Millicom exits African telecom market
obligations and liabilities and to focus obligations and liabilities and focus
on its Latin America markets. on Latin American markets. The
company completed the divestment
“Tigo is a leading provider of broadband of AirtelTigo, its joint venture with
services to consumers, businesses and Bharti Airtel in Ghana in 2021,
governments in Latin America, where and had operations in Chad, the
penetration and data speeds remain Democratic Republic of Congo,
low by the standards of more mature Mauritius, Rwanda and Senegal, but
Millicom International Cellular S.A. markets. Through our investment-led sold them all.
stated that it has completed the strategy, we are bringing reliable high-
transaction announced on April 19, speed mobile and fixed broadband to With the acquisition of Tigo Tanzania,
2021 for the sale of its operation in the communities we serve in the region. Axian will expand into a new telecom
Tanzania to a consortium led by Axian, We have completed the divestiture of market where it already has big
a pan-African group. In accordance our African businesses, we close a plans. Over the next five years,
with the terms of the sale, Axian has chapter in our history and open another the consortium plans to invest
assumed ownership of the business, solely focused on the Latin American USD 500 million in the Tanzanian
including its debt and other obligations, region,” said Mauricio Ramos, president telecom market. The investment
and Millicom has received net cash and CEO of Millicom. will target telecom infrastructure
consideration of approximately $100 and is expected to help expand the
million. The transaction completes As part of Millicom’s multi-year plan, newly acquired company’s network
Millicom’s multi-year plan to divest the company will divest its African footprint in the country, particularly
its African operations and associated operations as well as its related in the 4G segment.
Ethio Telecoms in partnership with internet providers to
resell its internet service
customers will have more options to internet penetration digital transformation
get fixed broadband internet services plan of the nation, its partners will play
from these five partner organizations in paramount roles in making accessible
addition to Ethio telecom’s sales centers. fixed broadband internet service. As has
been the backbone of the economy of the
Hence, the partners are strongly nation, fixed broadband internet service
expected to actively play their roles in has also multiple roles to play in the
heralding the digital Ethiopia plan of society, particularly in creating a favorable
Ethio telecom signed a three-year the company by providing efficient and business environment, improving health,
contractual agreement with five virtual quality services to their customers in education, digital marketing, and social
internet service partners namely WebSprix collaboration with Ethio telecom. interaction. It will also enable public
IT Solutions PLC, VIVATECH Trading institutions and private organizations to
PLC, Zergaw ISP, Skynet IT Solution PLC Ethio telecom is immensely working at digitalize their working system thereby
and Dulle Business Group. Based on the a high priority to avail fixed broadband providing efficient services to their
contractual agreement, new partners internet service to the customers customers.
will exclusively provide fixed broadband nationwide in partnership with virtual
internet service and are believed to internet service providers. In line with It is obvious that Ethio telecom is
broadly availing the service accessible to this, the partners have been able to highly engaged in a massive network
customers at large and contributing to the avail fixed broadband internet service to capacity building in its drive to enhance
overall efforts of the nation in realizing the 20,700 customers so far. To make sure economic growth, foster innovation,
digital transformation strategy. that the fixed broadband internet service increase penetration, ensure affordability,
is accessible across the nation and minimize the digital divide and enable
As per the signed contract, the mentioned increase the number of users to 3 million the country to realize the national digital
five partner firms would exclusively by the end of 2026 G.C, Ethio telecom transformation strategy. In parallel to this
purchase the fixed bandwidth internet has designed and been executing a wide infrastructure expansion, the company
service from Ethio telecom and provide range of systems and strategies. has recently made a massive tariff
high bandwidth internet service to the discount on fixed broadband internet
customers across the country for the In addition to the company’s continuous service to meet the ever-increasing
coming three consecutive years, thereby efforts to expand and meet the mobile customer demands for the services.
AFRICAMAY / JUNE 2022 VENDORS’ NEWS 24
CommScope publishes Q1 financial results
CommScope Holding Company, Inc., period. Core segment adjusted EBITDA Treadway added, “Through the
a global leader in network connectivity decreased 14.9% to $230.0 million in the transformational initiatives of
solutions, reported results for the quarter first quarter of 2022 compared to the CommScope NEXT, we are committed
ended March 31, 2022. same prior year period. Core segment to unlocking additional capacity for
adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of connectivity and cabling to fuel organic
Net sales in the first quarter of 2022 net sales decreased to 13.3% in the first growth. In addition, we are driving growth
increased 7.6% year-over-year to $2.23 quarter of 2022 compared to 17.2% in the through our investments in innovative
billion. Core net sales increased 10.3% same prior year period. products such as our NOVUX™ product
year-over-year primarily due to higher line of fiber connectivity, our next-
net sales in the connectivity and cable “I am pleased to share that we delivered generation XGS-PON suite, MOSAIC™,
solutions and outdoor wireless networks Core net sales of $1.73 billion and ONECELL®, and DOCSIS® 4.0. As we
segments. Core adjusted EBITDA of $230 million continue to execute our strategy, we are
for the first quarter of 2022. We enabling greater efficiency through our
Net loss of $(139.9) million, or $(0.75) are encouraged by the strong top- general management structure and new
per share, in the first quarter of 2022, line performance delivered by Core segment alignment to drive value for
increased 43.3% compared to the prior CommScope, growing net sales 10% shareholders.
year period’s net loss of $(97.6) million, or from the prior year. While margins
$(0.55) per share. Non-GAAP adjusted net remained under pressure during the “We are encouraged by the progress we
income for the first quarter of 2022 was quarter, our CommScope team remains have made on CommScope NEXT and
$64.4 million, or $0.26 per share, versus focused on the pricing initiatives that are re-affirming our commitment to full
$88.3 million, or $0.36 per share, in the first are underway to recover inflation, and year 2022 Core adjusted EBITDA between
quarter of 2021. we expect to see margin improvement $1.15-$1.25 billion,” Kyle Lorentzen, Chief
for the Core portfolio in the second half Financial Officer, stated. “We are excited
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA decreased of the year. Our growth is a testament to see our recent actions and pending
12.6% to $253.3 million in the first quarter to the solid demand we continue to see initiatives deliver improved performance
of 2022 compared to the same period in many of our end markets and our through the remainder of the year.
last year. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA dedication to advancing CommScope CommScope is well positioned to deliver
as a percentage of net sales decreased NEXT to strengthen our business,” on our top-line momentum and deliver
to 11.4% in the first quarter of 2022 Chuck Treadway, President and Chief sustained success over the near and long
compared to 14.0% in the same prior year Executive Officer, stated. term.”
Nokia Q1 2022: Strong profitable start to the year
Q1. Our comparable operating margin 2021 have not yet been renewed.
was stable year-on-year at 10.9% as Nokia’s outlook assumptions for the
strong underlying improvements in operating margin of each business
profitability were offset by rising R&D group in 2022 are 6.5 to 9.5% for Mobile
investment, lower other operating Networks; 9.5 to 12.5% for Network
income compared to the year before, Infrastructure; 4 to 7% for Cloud and
Q1 was a strong start for the year for and some timing effects in Nokia Network Services; and >75% for Nokia
Nokia, both in terms of net sales and Technologies.” Technologies.
profitability. As per comparable results,
Q1 2022 net sales increased by 5% YoY The Network Infrastructure segment Additionally, reported net cash and
to EUR 5.3 billion while profit for the delivered again strong growth (9%) with interest-bearing financial investments
period jumped by 11% YoY to EUR 416 continued robust momentum in both had a 33% YoY change, significantly
million. fixed and submarine networks while the reaching EUR 4.9 billion from EUR 3.7
5G Core business continued to drive billion.
Commenting on the Q1 2022 results, good growth in Cloud and Network
Pekka Lundmark, president and CEO Services at 5%. “The demand environment remains
of Nokia said, “... I am pleased with strong and while supply chain and
our start to 2022. Demand in our end On the other hand, in terms of constant inflation challenges remain, we are
markets remains high, and although currency growth, Mobile Networks confident we can deliver our 2022
supply chain constraints continue to had a 4% decline due to supply chain outlook and continue to make good
impact our growth, we delivered 1% constraints, and Nokia Technologies progress towards our long-term
constant currency net sales growth in declined 17% as licenses that expired in targets,” concluded Lundmark.
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