Industry News

The GSMA has launched a new industry-wide initiative focused on the development of cloud virtual reality and augmented reality technology.

The new GSMA Cloud AR/VR Forum is backed by a number of Asian and international mobile operators, including China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, KT, NTT Docomo and SK Telecom. Also involved are vendor and content provider partners including Huawei and HTC.

As part of the program, the GSMA aims to encourage whole-of-industry collaboration on accelerating the delivery and deployment of 5G cloud-based AR/VR services.

The forum will encourage knowledge sharing between members, as well as discussion about new business models capitalizing on the emerging technology. A key priority will be the development of a service reference architecture to avoid cost fragmentation.

Other technical development areas will include research into ultra-low latency codec compression, cloud-based graphics processing unit (GPU) rendering and virtualization technologies.

Moving processing of VR and AR graphics to the cloud has the potential to stimulate demand for AR/VR headsets beyond the high-end enthusiast segment, allowing the devices to be sold at price points that will give them mass market appeal, according to GSMA CTO Alex Sinclair.

“Both VR and AR are disruptive forms of immersive multimedia that, combined with operator edge cloud and 5G connectivity, will transform the cost structures of the enterprise and entertainment fields,” he said.

“Mobile operators will play a key role in its development, but without a common approach and industry-wide collaboration we risk fragmenting the market from the beginning. The establishment of this forum will overcome this hurdle and ensure we can scale compelling solutions faster.”

Source:GSMA

MTN Group, one of the biggest telecommunications operators in Africa, announced that it is joining the IoT World Alliance, making it the first African telecommunications company to do so. IoT World Alliance is a collaboration of established mobile network operators which aims to adopt and run a globally connected business through well-executed and smart business decisions.

Multinational corporations planning to roll out connected devices worldwide face a multitude of hurdles. As the largest mobile operator cooperative in the world, the IoT World Alliance aims to eliminate the complexity associated with worldwide deployments of connected devices.

The Alliance provides a global solution aimed at simplifying and promoting the adoption of IoT communications worldwide. The unique solution leverages the operators’ combined global presence to the benefit of customers.

MTN Group Executive for Enterprise Business, Oliver Fortuin said “We are very proud to be a member of the Alliance, not only do we join a community of like-minded telecommunications companies committed to making global connectivity cheaper and simpler, but as MTN we believe this partnership supports our efforts to deliver on our core belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. “

Commenting on the partnership, IoT World Alliance Chairman Mark van den Berg said, “We are pleased to have MTN on board, and look forward to leveraging the scale and reach that MTN has in Africa and parts of the Middle East. I think it is an exciting and long overdue partnership not only for MTN Group but also for IoT World Alliance as we work towards enabling our customers’ IoT device connectivity. He added that, “we look forward to a long-lasting partnership and most importantly working together to offer customers the solutions they need when they need them”.

Source:ITNews Africa

Following the completion of the AirtelTigo network integration and upgrade nationwide, the Deputy of Minister of Communications, Vincent Sowah Odotei, says many people in rural communities stand to enjoy improved network services.

The Deputy Minister, who read a speech on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, made this known at the AirtelTigo first anniversary stakeholders’ dinner in Accra, themed: “Thank You”.

“With the completion of this integration, AirtelTigo now has a wider coverage and faster internet speed than it had before. I am particularly happy that many more of our people in our rural communities can equally enjoy the improved network services and the many benefits that your one big network presents. This is very impressive, and we commend your efforts,” said Sowah Odotei, who is also a Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon in the Greater Accra Region.

While commending the Ghanaian staff for their dedication and hard work in unifying and consolidating the former Airtel and Tigo network to become one big network, Sowah Odotei revealed that his Ministry was excited about the merger that is the first of its kind in the telecom industry.

He added that AirtelTigo has provided a good example and an exciting case study, for others to learn from. “Our collective desire is to see to a digitally connected Ghana in which subscribers have access to better network services. This consolidation of efforts between the two companies is certain to get us closer to achieving this.”

He further indicated that the Ministry was aware of the hard work and commitment AirtelTigo put into completing the network integration and upgrade nationwide and the subscriber challenges and concerns as well as the positive efforts the company made to ensure that subscribers were communicated to and remained connected to the network.

In his concluding remarks, he said the Ministry of Communications is pursuing an aggressive rural telephony programme with the aim of connecting the entire country within the next five years. “We are also seeking to attract foreign direct investments into Ghana to boost government’s digitalisation agenda.”

The Chief Executive Officer of AirtelTigo, Mrs Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi, thanked all stakeholders for their support during the network upgrade and pledged to continue delighting customers through innovative products and services.

The stakeholders’ dinner was graced by government officials, distribution partners, technology partners, vendors, financial inclusion and information communications technology partners, employees, media and other dignitaries.

Source: AirtelTigo

The country’s second-largest telecommunications operator, AirtelTigo has held a stakeholders’ dinner to celebrate its first anniversary with a commitment to creating a clear customer experience in the industry and better the lives of Ghanaians through the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Themed ‘Thank You’, the stakeholders’ dinner was well attended by government officials, distribution partners, technology partners, vendors, financial inclusion and information communications technology partners, employees, media and other dignitaries at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

Highlighting the new chapter of AirtelTigo, the Chief Executive Officer of AirtelTigo Mrs Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi, said: “Now that we have a wider network coverage and faster internet speeds, we will continue to introduce first-in-market affordable solutions that are sure to delight our customers.”

She explained that both AirtelTigo Money and AirtelTigo business brands will come to the fore, providing relevant and reliable solutions to customers and businesses, adding that: “You can also expect a lot more activity and focus on our role as transformation agents in the communities in which we operate. Investment in our people and network will also remain key.”

She applauded the Ministries of Communications, Finance, National Communications Authority, Bank of Ghana and other stakeholders for believing in the company’s ambition to do something that has never been done in the history of the Ghanaian telecommunications industry.

The Honorable Deputy Minister of Communications, Vincent Sowah Odotei, who read a speech on behalf of the Minister, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful as a guest of honour congratulated AirtelTigo for its key milestone.

“I am happy to note that through the collective efforts of the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Finance and the National Communications Authority and erstwhile Airtel and Tigo the journey of unifying and consolidating the two companies and networks is now complete.”

He disclosed that the Minister is happy that many more of our people in our rural communities can equally enjoy the improved network services and the many benefits that the AirtelTigo one big network presents. “I would like to reiterate the value of quality telecommunications access and service to Ghana’s development agenda which makes AirtelTigo’s network integration and upgrade exercise a welcoming project indeed,” he told the stakeholders.

Source: AirtelTigo

Ghana’s second-largest mobile operator, AirtelTigo, has partnered with BIMA, the country’s leading provider of mobile delivered health and insurance services to provide customers with access to simple and affordable insurance products and rapidly widen insurance inclusion in Ghana.

The AirtelTigo Insurance programme covers over 2 million lives in Ghana. The policies provide life, hospital or accidental cover for a customer and one family member for as low as 10 pesewas daily. Furthermore, customers can now process their claims digitally from the comfort of their homes using WhatsApp.

“We are very proud of our role as a key development partner with BIMA to offer great solutions to Ghanaians. The new partnership with BIMA further consolidates our financial inclusion proposition and marks another innovation in the Ghanaian telecom industry,” said Murthy Chaganti, the Chief Operating Officer of AirtelTigo Ghana, at the opening of BIMA’s new head office in Alajo, a suburb of Accra.

Mr. Chaganti highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to reaching the uninsured population through mobile insurance, adding that “through this partnership, affordable and easy-to-use insurance solutions will be used to help Ghanaians countrywide”.

With BIMA’s mobile insurance technology, customers can sign up for insurance and health services from their mobile phones and pay premiums through small daily payments. The model created in Ghana has since scaled-up to 15 markets across Africa, Asia and Latin America, reaching 26M subscribers worldwide.

“We are pleased to celebrate this milestone with our partners AirtelTigo and Prudential Life”, said Damien Gueroult, Country Manager of BIMA Ghana. “From our start in 2010 with a dozen of employees to this day, BIMA has been a true Ghanaian success story. This partnership and the inauguration of our new office opens a new page of expansion for BIMA in Ghana”.

Mr Gueroult also thanked the regulators, particularly the National Insurance Commission and the Bank of Ghana, without whose supervision mobile-delivered insurance wouldn’t be a success in Ghana. Mr Seth Eshun, Head of Supervision of the National Insurance Commission said that, “the accessibility and affordability of AirtelTigo Insurance products has played a key role in helping drive the insurance coverage rate in Ghana from 8% in 2010 to about 30% in 2017”.

Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Mokobi Aryee, the Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Life, the underwriter, disclosed that over 35, 000 customers have received payouts worth over GHS 15 million since the beginning of the partnership. “We are proud of delivering value to customers when they undergo challenging times by paying claims in a quick and efficient manner” Mr. Mokobi Aryee told the gathering.

Source: AirtelTigo.com

Mobile telecommunication giant, Vodafone Ghana, has introduced another exciting promotion ahead of Christmas to provide its Fixed Broadband (FBB) customers an opportunity to do more.

The Special Christmas promotion offers FBB users 30 days of unlimited internet, fun-packed entertainment, free shopping, fuel vouchers as well as discounts on smart home appliances and devices. Customers can access the Fixed Broadband promotion when they pay a minimum of two months’ subscription fees in advance between now and 31st December 2018.

Speaking on the package, Patricia Obo-Nai, Fixed Business and Customer Operations Director at Vodafone Ghana, said, “Similar to previous years, we have introduced this special Christmas promotion to enable our customers to enjoy unlimited internet and exciting entertainment content with their families during this festive period. Our broadband customers can enjoy this package by simply paying two or more months’ advance and have unlimited internet for the first 30days days,” she explained.

She stressed that customers who make three or more months’ advance payments will as well enjoy additional rewards such as free IPTV streaming device with one-month Netflix access; fuel or shopping vouchers; movie tickets for the family; discounts on smart home devices; appliances; and more. She added that Vodafone is committed to finding delightful ways to enrich customers’ experience.

Customers can pay for their service using Vodafone Cash, cash or cheque, Visa or MasterCard and Vodafone scratch card to enjoy this incredible offer.

This promotion is in partnership with Electroland Ghana Ltd, DSTV, and Kwese.

Source: Modernghana.com

AirtelTigo, the country’s second-largest telecommunications operator is marking its historic one-year anniversary with a long-term strategy to pursue growth, innovation and transforming lives in communities.

This was in a statement from Airtel Tigo and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

According to the statement, Mrs Mitwa Ng’ambi, the Chief Executive Officer for AirtelTigo, commended the staff for their professionalism, expertise and determination during the integration period.

“I commend you all for your contribution to our organization and I’m proud of you for being part of the first telecommunications merger in Ghana. You have made history and reflecting on the past year comes to mind the significant role you have played for us to achieve our key milestones,” the statement quoted Mrs Ng’ambi.

According to the statement; the CEO said; “As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, I am excited to announce that we have successfully completed our nationwide network integration and major upgrades. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for AirtelTigo, where we aim to deliver innovative solutions and an even greater experience for customers across all our touch points”.

The statement said through the one big network, customers stand to benefit from a wider network coverage and improved internet speeds, backed with affordable and innovative offers.

The company will also provide businesses with solutions to accelerate digital transformation and growth.

The statement said the CEO pointed out that the company has a line-up of activities to celebrate the anniversary by showing its appreciation to its staff, customers and other stakeholders for their contribution in the journey thus far.

Source: GNA

MTN Ghana has organised its Customer Outreach Day as part of their annual Leadership Swap Day throughout the major markets in the country to offer new and old customers their services and products at their doorstep.

In Accra, staff of MTN  Ghana visited various markets such as the Makola, Kaneshie and Ashaiman markets.

Speaking to the media,  Mr Eli Hini, General Manager for Mobile Financial Services said this year’s outreach is to engage customers, collect feedback and at the same time offer the various managers and directors the opportunity to experience how their colleagues in other departments work.

He said that the decision to bring their services to the markets is to help the traders who do not have the time and convenience of visiting their customer care centers, with the necessary assistance and customer care. Their aim is to ensure that their customers are happy.

Mr Hini added that engaging with customers offers them the opportunity to design new products that will suit them. He said that previous engagements for example helped them redesign their subscription services which now has a double authorization to allow the customer unsubscribe if they are not interested.

Customers in the Ashaiman market were taken through the mobile money service, how to make transactions, change new pins and also get onto the 4G network. The staff urged them to be cautious when performing mobile money transactions and not to share their pin-codes with anyone. New customers were signed on and given free sim cards and other souvenir as well.

Source: BusinessGhana.com

The Federal Communications Commission has confirmed the start of its first high-band 5G spectrum auction reports Telecompaper.com. Bidding starts with the 28 GHz band and then will go to the 24 GHz band, with a total of 1.55 GHz of spectrum available for operators. These are expected to be among the first frequencies used for commercial 5G mobile services and are already being tested by the US’s largest mobile operator, Verizon.

The US regulator confirmed that another auction of high spectrum is planned for 2019, covering the 37 GHz, 39 GHz and 47 GHz mmWave bands. In total, the FCC aims to release almost 5 GHz of spectrum to the market in the next 15 months – equal to more than all the spectrum currently used by mobile operators today.

The auction of the licenses in the 28 GHz band will employ the standard simultaneous multiple round auction format.  The 28 GHz licenses will be offered in two 425 MHz blocks by county.

The auction of the 24 GHz band will employ a clock auction format, beginning with a clock phase that will allow bidding on generic blocks in each Partial Economic Area in successive bidding rounds. There will then be an assignment phase to allow winners of the generic blocks to bid for frequency-specific license assignments. The 24 GHz licenses will be offered in seven 100 MHz blocks.

Source:Telecompaper.com

Telecommunications companies have expressed worry about the alarming rates of thievery, fiber cuts and vandalism of their properties.

According to them, more than 250 cases of vandalism have been recorded in the half of 2018.

Additionally, 130,000 litres of diesel, 25,000 litres of fire extinguishers, 600 batteries and 55 air conditioners have been stolen in the first half this year.

Each fiber cut, they say, costs about GH₵ 13,000 to repair – a situation that Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications said is negatively affecting the performance of telecom operators.

These concerns came to light at the 11 th Knowledge Forum organized in Accra yesterday dubbed ‘Improving Customer Experience by Safeguarding Telecoms Infrastructure’.

Private developers were identified as leaders in destruction of telco properties with the road contractors following closely. Other companies equally guilty were names as Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Railway and many mining companies.

Mr. Derek Laryea, Research and Communications Manager of Telecoms Chamber, who presented the findings, said even though network operators are working to find solutions, the success rate has not improved.

The Chamber is, therefore, appealing to the general public to play the role of citizen vigilantes to curb the alarming situation.

Source: The Finder