July 2026

Helios Towers has secured a US$29 million documentary credit facility from Standard Bank to support the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across Africa. The financing will fund the procurement and importation of telecom equipment, strengthen the company’s working capital position and provide payment certainty to suppliers as it continues to expand its tower portfolio across underserved markets.

Structured under the Loan Market Association’s Social Loan Principles, the facility will enable Helios Towers to accelerate tower deployment, network densification and mobile coverage in remote communities. Group Finance Director Alex Carter said reliable digital infrastructure is fundamental to Africa’s future growth, adding that the facility provides the flexibility and financial certainty needed to advance the company’s mission of expanding connectivity across the continent.

Source : www. techcentral.co.za

Ericsson and AT&T have successfully demonstrated advanced drone detection using 5G network sensing technology, highlighting how capabilities often associated with future 6G networks can be delivered using today’s infrastructure. Conducted in authorized airspace outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the demonstration used Ericsson’s Massive MIMO radios and AT&T’s 5G network to detect, locate and continuously track multiple drones in real time. The system combined sensing-enabled radio transmissions, AI-powered algorithms and advanced signal processing to monitor drones without requiring dedicated sensing hardware.

The demonstration showed how existing cellular infrastructure can be transformed into a distributed sensing platform capable of enhancing security at major venues, critical infrastructure and public spaces. By synchronizing observations from multiple sensing nodes, the technology accurately tracked drones flying between 300 and 400 feet, providing real-time information on their location, speed and altitude. The companies said the approach offers a cost-effective way to expand low-altitude threat detection while laying the groundwork for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), a key feature expected to play a major role in future 6G networks.

Looking ahead, AT&T and Ericsson plan to continue developing network sensing capabilities through additional trials and industry collaboration, including preparations for major global events such as those planned in Los Angeles in 2028. Beyond drone detection, the technology could improve event planning, infrastructure management and vehicle movement monitoring while supporting public-sector agencies with wider visibility into low-altitude drone activity. The companies say the initiative demonstrates that the transition toward 6G will be an evolution of existing 5G technologies, enabling practical benefits well before full 6G commercialization.

Source : www.thefastmode.com

The ICT lab, delivered in response to a request from the university’s leadership, is designed to support digital learning, research and innovation at Ghana’s premier higher education institution.

Telecel Ghana has handed over a fully equipped 42-unit ICT laboratory to the University of Ghana as part of its corporate social responsibility programme aimed at strengthening digital education and innovation in the country.

The ICT lab, delivered in response to a request from the university’s leadership, is designed to support digital learning, research and innovation at Ghana’s premier higher education institution. The facility is expected to enhance students’ access to digital resources and provide an improved environment for technology-enabled teaching and learning.

The initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Telecel Ghana and the University of Ghana that began in 2010. Over the years, the telecommunications operator has provided the university with dedicated internet and connectivity solutions to support its academic and administrative operations.

Telecel Ghana said the latest investment underscores its continued commitment to strengthening Ghana’s digital education ecosystem by expanding access to digital infrastructure and equipping students and researchers with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Source : www. techafricanews.com

Huawei has called for Africa to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) on its own terms, with experts at the seventh ICT Editors Xchange in Johannesburg emphasizing the need for AI systems built around the continent’s realities, languages and data. Speaking under the theme “Africa’s Intelligence, Africa’s Terms,” Huawei South Africa Deputy CEO Charles Cheng said Africa’s digital future should be driven by cloud computing, AI, connectivity, secure networks and local talent, stressing that African nations must retain ownership of the data, platforms and innovations that define their digital transformation.

The event also highlighted the importance of African-generated data and indigenous languages in AI development. Digital futurist Nicky Verd urged businesses to embrace adaptability in the AI era, while AuraaAfrica founder and CEO Gift Lubele warned that Africa risks being excluded from the AI revolution if its data is not represented in global models. University of Pretoria researcher Dr. Olaperi Okuboyejo added that AI has the potential to transform education but must support African languages, noting that current mainstream AI tools perform poorly in many indigenous languages.

Huawei Cloud South Africa Director of Cloud Solutions Sales Calvin Huang said robust cloud infrastructure and computing power are essential to achieving Africa’s AI ambitions. He noted that while challenges such as deployment costs and data sovereignty remain, Huawei is addressing them through open AI systems, local infrastructure and industry partnerships. Huang added that Huawei’s AI infrastructure is now operational in its Johannesburg region, positioning the company to support the continent’s growing AI ecosystem.

Source : cajnewsafrica.com

MTN South Africa, in partnership with The African United Business Confederation (AUBC), hosted a high-level business roundtable at the MTN Innovation Centre to discuss the regulatory framework, universal access and consumer protection in satellite broadband. The event brought together government officials, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology firms, investors and business leaders to explore how satellite broadband can accelerate digital inclusion, expand connectivity to underserved communities and support economic growth across South Africa and the wider African continent.

The discussions focused on the evolving regulatory landscape, consumer protection, universal access obligations and the opportunities presented by emerging satellite broadband technologies. Among the speakers were ICASA Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi, Department of Small Business Development Director-General Thulisile Manzini and MTN South Africa Chief Commercial Officer Divyesh Joshi, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, regulators and industry to bridge the digital divide. AUBC President George Sebulela said the dialogue reflected the value of partnerships in shaping policies that promote investment, innovation and inclusive digital transformation.

MTN South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to working with policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders to expand digital access and create economic opportunities through improved connectivity. The roundtable concluded with a shared call for an enabling policy and regulatory environment that supports investment, competition and consumer protection while expanding affordable broadband services. AUBC said the recommendations from the discussions will guide future engagements with policymakers and industry as it continues to advocate for policies that foster digital inclusion and sustainable economic development.

Source : www.africa.com

MTN Uganda and Stanbic Bank Uganda moved quickly to address temporary service disruptions that affected some customers on Saturday. MTN confirmed that a major power outage at one of its data centres impacted voice, data, and Mobile Money services, while Stanbic reported temporary interruptions to its internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, POS machines, FlexiPay, and other digital channels.

Both companies promptly informed customers of the situation and assured the public that their technical teams were working to restore services as quickly as possible. Although the outages occurred on the same day, neither company has indicated that the incidents were linked or caused by a cyberattack, and there is no public evidence suggesting a connection.

The incident highlights the critical role of resilient digital infrastructure and the importance of rapid response mechanisms in maintaining essential telecom and banking services. It also reflects the commitment of both MTN Uganda and Stanbic Bank to restoring normal operations and keeping customers informed throughout the process.

Source : www. chimpreports.com

Westcon-Comstor has expanded its partnership with Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions to distribute Ericsson Private 5G across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The companies have partnered in APAC since 2022, previously focusing on Ericsson’s Wireless WAN portfolio, including NetCloud and Cradlepoint routers. The expanded agreement broadens both the product range and geographic reach, giving channel partners greater access to enterprise wireless networking solutions.

The expansion comes as demand for private 5G grows across industries such as public safety, emergency services, smart cities, and critical infrastructure, where secure, reliable, and dedicated connectivity is essential. Ericsson is pursuing a channel-first strategy, relying on distributors like Westcon-Comstor to recruit partners, provide technical support, and drive deployments across the region. The distributor, which operates in more than 50 countries, will also offer training, sales enablement, and go-to-market support for resellers and systems integrators.

Commenting on the partnership, Patrick Aronson said enterprises across APAC are increasingly adopting private 5G and advanced wireless solutions to support digital transformation and AI-driven innovation. Julie Hens added that the collaboration will help equip more partners with the expertise and solutions needed to meet rising demand for Private 5G and Wireless WAN technologies as businesses modernise their operations.

Source : www. itbrief.com.au

MTN Business has partnered with Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) to provide businesses subscribing to its Unlimited Fibre Broadband service with a complimentary Graphic Business subscription. The initiative combines high-speed fibre connectivity with access to trusted business news, market analysis, economic trends, and expert insights, helping businesses make more informed decisions while supporting Ghana’s growing digital economy.

The offer is available across all MTN Business Unlimited Fibre Broadband packages, including Business Basic (100Mbps for GH¢299), Business Pro (300Mbps for GH¢444), and Business Premium (500Mbps for GH¢999). In addition to fibre internet, each package includes a Static IP, Cloudflare-powered cybersecurity, dedicated 24-hour customer support, and free access to Graphic Business for the duration of the broadband subscription.

Commenting on the partnership, MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Officer, Angela Mensah Poku, said businesses need both reliable connectivity and quality information to thrive. Graphic Communications Group’s Marketing Director, Franklin Sowa, noted that the collaboration will extend trusted business intelligence to thousands of enterprises while supporting Ghana’s digital transformation. Existing MTN customers can subscribe to the broadband packages through the MyMTN App or by dialling *5057#.

Source : www.graphic.com.gh