Philippines-based Globe Telecom started testing Nokia’s Network Exposure Platform (NEP) to determine how it can provide banks and other enterprise clients with security verification tools to prevent fraudulent transactions.
In a statement, the vendor explained the pair are partnering to expand the number of APIs available to the operator and its enterprise customers to create security-focused applications.
Joel Agustin, Globe’s head of service planning and engineering, noted with cyberattacks on banking services accelerating, it is “crucial we make available the latest network-powered technologies to our enterprise customers and help them safeguard against fraud”.
The operator is now at the testing stage, he said.
Shkumbin Hamiti, head of Nokia’s network monetisation platform, explained its NEP supports Globe in organising, controlling and securing the way its network is integrated into developer ecosystems and platforms.
Nokia noted its offering is an implementation of the GSMA’s operator platform, which is designed to provide a common way of exposing network capabilities to developers.
Globe and Nokia contribute to GSMA Open Gateway and Linux Foundation CAMARA, the statement added.
Research by Omdia for Telstra’s global connectivity arm found manufacturing companies face an up to $2 million threat from cyberattacks after a significant hike in overall security incidents and breaches in 2024 due to greater use of IoT, AI and cloud technologies.
Omdia warned less than half of manufacturing companies had adequate cybersecurity in place as it revealed 80 per cent faced a considerable rise in threats during 2024. It stated businesses attacked were hit with resilience or availability issues costing between $200,000 and $2 million.
In its study for Telstra International, the research company noted dangers are growing as companies employ cloud, AI and IoT in digital transformation processes. Omdia explained the costs listed tended towards the higher end when enterprise and corporate systems or production control was affected.
Telstra International head of global enterprise business Geraldine Kor noted the figures put companies in a Catch-22 situation, increasing risks while they deploy much-needed fresh technology to unlock new potential in manufacturing.
She argued companies need a clear security strategy to overcome fragmentation, suggesting “one group or person” is granted “the authority to act on security challenges for mission-critical systems”.
The connectivity player’s global head of cybersecurity Ganesh Narayanan explained relying on air gapping is becoming ineffective as information and operational technologies converge, with Omdia senior principal analyst Adam Etherington suggesting companies should explore “proactive remediation”.
Omdia surveyed more than 500 technology executives globally.
Cell C is planning to launch 5G services in South Africa in the next couple of months as its financial turnaround plan gains traction.
CEO Jorge Mendes told TechCentral in an interview on Thursday that the company is at an advanced stage of preparing to launch 5G to its subscribers – and it plans to use the technology to deliver both 5G on smartphones and to offer a range of new, 5G-based fixed-wireless broadband solutions with large data bundles that compete with fibre.
Cell C’s 5G launch plans come after a period of intense negotiations with network partners MTN and Vodacom, which operate the last-mile infrastructure that connects consumers to the company’s core network. Mendes said those discussions have progressed well and that Cell C is confident it will be able to launch a 5G offering that makes commercial sense.This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side
He said Vodacom and MTN have proved to be good partners and that there is mutual respect between the three operators, despite the fact that they compete head-on in the marketplace for a share of consumers’ wallets.
Mendes said Cell C’s decision, taken several years ago, to shut down its own radio access network in favour of outsourcing that function to Vodacom and MTN has worked well. Not only has it significantly reduced the company’s capital expenditure, it has also greatly improved Cell C’s network quality, he said.
Cell C has spent the past 18 months deploying a Mocn – multi-operator network core – roaming system, which has allowed it to create a virtual representation of its network on top of either MTN or Vodacom’s infrastructure.
VoLTE
This, according to Mendes, has given Cell C significantly greater control over where it directs user traffic, allowing it to lower costs and be more efficient.
It is also aggressively moving voice calls off old circuit-switched technology and onto an internet protocol-based technology known as VoLTE that routes calls over 4G/LTE.
“This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side,” said Mendes.
MTN Foundations’ ‘Save A Life’ project has so far collected a total 35,620 units of blood since the project’s inception in 2011.
The initiative, which reached its 14th year last Valentine’s Day, saw a collection of 6,620 units of blood even though the foundation was seeking to raise about 6,100 units from 52 blood donation centres across all 16 regions of the country.
Prior to this year’s blood donation exercise, MTN Foundation had raised a total of 29,000 units of blood for various hospital blood banks.
This annual exercise is to support the National Blood Service and regional hospitals in addressing the critical shortage of blood supplies in the country. Through the generosity of MTN employees, partners and members of the public, this year’s initiative exceeded expectations – reinforcing MTN Ghana Foundation’s dedication in improving access to quality healthcare.
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer-MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, while presenting blood samples to the National Blood Service expressed excitement about this year’s success and appreciated all donors, healthcare partners and volunteers who contributed to this life-saving cause.
“We are thrilled to have surpassed the target set for this year’s campaign. I hope this will help to alleviate the gap in blood supplies at our hospitals. At MTN, we believe in making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. We remain committed to championing initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Blood Service, Dr. Shirley Owusu Ofori, for her part commended the MTN Ghana Foundation for its ongoing commitment to replenishing the country’s blood banks.
“The partnership between the MTN Ghana Foundation and the National Blood Service has over the years encouraged voluntary, unpaid blood donations and ensured a steady supply of life-saving blood for patients in need,” Dr. Ofori mentioned.
About ‘Save a Life’
The MTN ‘Save a Life” campaign is an annual blood donation initiative held on Valentine’s Day, organised by the MTN Ghana Foundation. It provides MTN staff and the general public with an opportunity to donate blood that helps replenish the National Blood Bank and regional hospitals. This initiative began in 2011 as a response to appeals from the National Blood Service for voluntary contributions to address critically low blood supplies.
ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new global study from the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value, with support from GSMA Intelligence found that telecommunication and communication service providers (CSPs) who are embracing cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their networks experience significant benefits, including enhanced performance, scalability, cost savings and monetization opportunities.
The global study*, “Rewiring the Telecom Mindset: How CSPs are Gaining Network Advantage with Cloud and AI,” reveals insights from 750 global network executives —from leading providers including Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Telstra, Verizon, and Vodafone—on the importance of adopting cloud and AI-driven approach to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape and deliver enhanced network performance.
Key findings include:
79% of telco executives surveyed prioritize network performance above all else, with network modernization as their second priority.
62% of those identified as pioneering technology innovators leverage traditional AI for network planning , compared to the 40% adoption rate of their peers, and 54% integrate generative AI into network planning, double that of their peers highlighting how cloud readiness can drive agility and unlock on-demand resources for advanced AI-driven capabilities.
55% of respondents say they’ve suffered a network security breach in the last 12 months. Despite this, only 42% of executives consider network security a top challenge over the next three years.
Over the next three years, surveyed executives expect to increase network investments in cloud implementation by almost 20%, traditional AI by 16%, and generative AI by almost 19%.
The study also emphasizes the need for CSPs to look beyond technology adoption and transform their culture to capture network monetization prospects and stay competitive. This includes embracing bold, calculated risks, fostering collaboration, learning from failure, and instilling a proactive approach to innovation.
“Telecommunications companies that adopt a cloud and AI-driven approach will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern network landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities,” said Rahul Kumar, Senior Partner & Vice President, Global Industry Leader for Telco & Media Industry, IBM. “By rewiring their mindset and embracing a culture of innovation, CSPs can unlock significant benefits and stay ahead of the curve.”
“The study’s findings underscore the critical role that cloud and AI will play in shaping the future of telecommunications,” said Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence. “As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that CSPs must prioritize network modernization, enhancing security, and innovation to remain competitive and drive growth.”
Connect with IBM at MWC 2025: AI is taking center stage for IBM at MWC 2025. Join us as we delve into how the technology is enhancing everything from customer engagement and personalization to operational efficiency. IBM industry experts will be at Hall 2 – Stand 2H20 with dynamic activations and an insightful speaking program with daily sessions to delve into AI use cases and other relevant topics for attendees.
*Methodology The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 750 telecommunications industry executives from 25 countries. Roles included CTOs, Chief Networks Officers; Heads of network planning and architecture, network operations, radio access network, core network, network security, network engineering, service assurance, and network IT systems; and leaders responsible for network monetization. A two-step cluster analysis was performed based on respondents’ evaluations of cloud computing’s impact on network characteristics and their implementation of AI technologies. The clustering variables included eight network performance indicators (rated on a scale from -100% to +10,000%): network performance, security, scalability, flexibility, reliability, availability, maintenance costs, and deployment time. Additionally, the analysis incorporated the number of use cases where organizations deployed both traditional AI (including machine learning) and generative AI across 17 network management areas, ranging from network planning to field service operations. This clustering approach identified a distinct leading segment characterized by superior benefits derived from cloud computing adoption, coupled with broader implementation of both AI and generative AI solutions across network operations. In addition, 14 executives from leading companies in the telecom industry were selected to be interviewed one-on-one to validate and explore the survey results in more depth.
The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM’s thought leadership think tank, combines global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: www.ibm.com/ibv.
About GSMA Intelligence GSMA Intelligence is the definitive source of global mobile operator data, analysis and forecasts, and publisher of authoritative industry reports and research. It is the most accurate and complete set of industry metrics available, comprising tens of millions of individual data points, updated daily. GSMA Intelligence is relied on by leading operators, vendors, regulators, financial institutions and third-party industry players, to support strategic decision-making and long-term investment planning. Visit www.gsmaintelligence.com for more information.
About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
OpenAI removed user accounts in China and North Korea linked to using its ChatGPT platform for malicious activities, including surveillance, influence campaigns and fraud.
In a security report, the ChatGPT-maker revealed that it used a combination of pattern-recognition AI-powered tools and “traditional investigation techniques” to identify cases where its AI chatbot was exploited for deceptive purposes.
Two cases originated from China, with one involving the use of ChatGPT to generate Spanish articles criticising the US, published under a Chinese company’s name and later picked up by Latin American media.
Another case identified users with suspected ties to North Korea using AI-generated CVs to apply for jobs at Western companies, raising concerns over fraud risks.
The report also flagged a financial fraud operation based in Cambodia, where ChatGPT was used to translate and generate comments across social media platforms including X and Facebook.
OpenAI emphasised that its policies prohibit using AI for surveillance, including efforts by governments or authoritarian regimes to “suppress personal freedoms and rights”.
While the company stated it is actively working to prevent abuse, it did not disclose how many accounts were affected by the crackdown or the timeframe of the activities.
Collaboration In the report, OpenAI highlighted that sharing these cases would allow authorities and industry players to “prepare for how the PRC (People’s Republic of China) or other authoritarian regimes may try to leverage AI against the US and allied countries, as well as their own people”.
The tech giant also called for greater collaboration between AI companies, hosting providers, social media platforms and researchers to improve threat detection and enforcement efforts.
The crackdown comes as OpenAI continues to gain ground in the generative AI sector, with ChatGPT having amassed more than 400 million weekly active users.
Apple pulled the plug on its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK after facing pressure to offer authorities backdoor access to encrypted information the function protected.
Various outlets reported the iPhone maker detailed the demise of the feature to dodge revised legislation, which would have forced it to open access to the end-to-end encryption used for its iCloud service.
BBC News and The Independent each described Apple’s decision as “unprecedented”.
Apple resisted the backdoor requests, arguing it would leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In a statement, Apple explained new users would not have access to ADP and current customers would “eventually need to disable” the security function.
It expressed grave disappointment, pointing to “the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy”, which Apple argues makes end-to-end encryption “more urgent than ever before”.
The company pledged to restore protections for UK users if allowed in future.
“As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will.”
Company information indicates ADP is an optional setting which ensures “a majority” of users’ iCloud data can “only be decrypted from your trusted devices”.
Apple has butted heads with various policing authorities over its security and protections for some time, most notably in its home market where it clashed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation over assisting in criminal probes by unlocking iPhones.
Zimbabwean Internet Service Provider (ISP) Dandemutande is planning to build a USD 15 million data centre in the country. The company made the commitment under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect programme, which was revealed on Tuesday, February 18, via a post on X.
The technical capabilities of the data center have not been specified, but it is confirmed that it will be Tier 3. This standard guarantees a redundant infrastructure with multiple paths for power supply and cooling, thus limiting theoretical downtime to just 1.6 hours per year. In addition, the data center will be carrier-neutral, meaning that different providers will be able to host their infrastructure there without restriction.
“The data centre will provide high-quality, reliable and scalable services in the SADC [Southern African Development Community] region , creating jobs and economic activity, while contributing to the local tax base. It will target underserved segments such as small businesses, content providers, financial institutions, government agencies and healthcare providers,” the ITU explains on its website.
Dandemutande has committed to completing the data centre by 1 June 2026. The facility is expected to boost the ISP’s capacity to “meet the growing demand for data services driven by digital transformation and economic growth”. The ITU estimates internet penetration in Zimbabwe, where the population was 16.3 million in 2023, at 32.6%, according to the World Bank. In this segment, the company faces competition from telecom operators (TelOne, Econet, NetOne and Telecel) and satellite internet service provider Starlink.
In addition to strengthening its telecom infrastructure, Dandemutande is positioning itself in the fast-growing data center market. According to data portal Statista, the data center market revenue in Southern Africa is expected to reach USD 1.42 billion in 2025. This figure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.14% over the period 2025-2029 to reach USD 1.73 billion.
In Benin, SIM cards not registered after March 30, 2025 will be deactivated by telecom operators from April 30. This was decided by the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) during the last extraordinary session of its Council.
“Upon notification of this decision, electronic communications network operators will send a daily SMS notification indicating to the users concerned on their networks the timetable for the end of the process (end date of identification data update operations, date of receipt and date of deactivation of unidentified subscribers)” informs the regulator.
The Beninese authorities have imposed SIM registration to better protect telecom subscribers against fraud, scams and cybercrime in general by precisely identifying each user. This also allows them to better regulate the telecommunications sector, and makes it possible to better secure transactions in a context of booming mobile financial services.
It should be noted that the process requires a strict framework for the protection of personal data to avoid cases of leaks, or even misappropriations as occurred in the Republic of Mauritius, forcing the country to cancel registration operations. Malicious individuals can use false identities to register SIMs, thus reducing the effectiveness of the fight against crime.
For example, the National Digital Investigation Center (CNIN) announced on Thursday, February 13, the dismantling of a network of criminals diverting the personal data of Beninese people as part of the national campaign to update mobile numbers.
As a reminder, Benin is one of the best students in terms of cybersecurity in Africa. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the country had a score of 91.54 out of 100 in the global cybersecurity index in 2024. In addition, Porto-Novo has ratified the African Union agreements on cybersecurity and the protection of personal data, as well as the Budapest Convention on cybercrime.
Acyber-attack has targeted Paratus Namibia, compromising its internal operational files related to its systems.
In a statement, the business asserts the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday and that it has subsequently taken steps to address the threat, which it describes as sophisticated.
The actions include isolating the affected environment, disabling virtual private network access, and safeguarding all impacted systems, including voice (083) services and select cloud-hosted environments, in order to contain the danger and minimise additional service and operational disruption.
Furthermore, Paratus says to have enlisted the assistance of international specialists to restore infrastructure and data using established international procedures, including extra investments and enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Paratus Namibia’s managing director, Andrew Hall, said the company has initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact scope of the attack.
“We are acutely aware of the importance of the data entrusted to us by our customers and sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by this incident. The attack primarily affected internal operational files related to Paratus systems. Our ongoing investigation seeks to determine the full extend of any data compromise, said Hall
