Industry News

Operator 3 UK agreed a deal with Ericsson for the vendor to deliver a next-generation cloud-native packet core network which it believes will be the largest in Europe, as it bids to respond to huge recent increases in data usage.

The UK telecoms company stated the core network would be powered by Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G product and run on its cloud native infrastructure.

It will sit on 3’s nationwide distributed data centre offering, which “brings its core network closer to customers”.

The operator is embroiled in a process to merge with local rival Vodafone UK, with the deal expected to complete at some point in the first half of this year.

Tsunami
3 stated data usage “exploded” in recent years, surpassing 2Tb/s in December 2024 due to streaming of Premier League football and gaming updates.

Interestingly, it revealed the feat comes around two years after its network hit 1Tb/s for the first time, a milestone which took two decades to reach.

Aside from coping with data demand, Ericsson said its core network capabilities will help 3 scale capacity growth to support future needs; enhance stability with less downtime; offer greater network insights; provide in-service software upgrades; and enhance environmental performance.

The infrastructure and core network are already installed in 3 UK’s data centres and will be partially operational by the end of the year, with careful migration of all traffic over the next few years.

Iain Milligan, chief network officer at 3, said the last few years had seen a tsunami of data growth, with traffic at peak times doubling in a little over two years.

“Our new core network with Ericsson ensures we are able to support our customers’ data usage over the medium and long-term.”

Source: MobileWorldLive

Gartner forecast mobile app usage would decline by 25 per cent by 2027 due to increased use of AI-powered assistants.  

The research company stated smartphone users will increasingly turn to AI assistants provided by Apple, OpenAI, Google, Meta Platforms and others.

Gartner explained apps would “be consolidated across separate brands and companies, creating mobile app partnerships or consortiums to reach more users per app at scale and defray the cost of creation and maintenance”.

Emily Weiss, senior principal for Gartner, stated marketers need to start planning for the impact of decreased mobile app usage.

She explained “the loss of app users will also result in the loss of first-party data collection and the ability to reach fewer users via mobile push notifications”.

By 2026, Gartner estimates more than 33 per cent of web content will be created for the purposes of generative AI-powered searches.

In Gartner’s 2024 CMO Spend Survey showed a typical executive allocates almost 25 per cent of their digital marketing budget to search.

Gartner noted search currently drives more traffic to an average commercial enterprise website than any other referral source.

“Given this, a loss of search-driven traffic due to algorithmic shifts by major search engines would result in tangible, negative commercial impact to any organisation”.

Weiss said companies must seek staff “with a strong understanding of how genAI and broader AI influences impacts the performance of their content in search algorithms”.

Source: MobileWorldLive

Apple reportedly stopped notifications of summaries from news and entertainment apps offered as part of its iOS 18.3 developer beta release after some instances of mischaracterization.

9to5Mac reported the Apple Intelligence-powered news and entertainment notifications would be resumed once the vendor updates its software.

Apple is reportedly also making it clear the notifications are a beta and could contain errors.

9to5Mac noted Apple would allow users to disable notification summaries from the Lock Screen or notification centre in iOS 18.3.

Apple also intends to italicize the summaries to differentiate them from standard notifications.

The Guardian reported BBC News filed a formal complaint with Apple in December 2024 after the notification feature inaccurately summarized various of its stories.

Source: Mike Robuck (Mobile World Live)

Samuel Hanson Hagan, product/programs manager and member of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), has highlighted the transformative potential of private wireless networks (PWNs) in Ghana.

In a detailed statement, he outlined how PWNs offer organisations secure, reliable, and high-performance connectivity compared to public networks and the opportunities they present for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to diversify services and generate new revenue streams.

With the recent introduction of 5G technology and a new government keen on digital transformation, Hagan sees an opportune moment for policymakers and regulators, particularly the National Communications Authority (NCA), to drive the adoption of PWNs and foster innovation in the telecommunications sector.

The deployment of 5G networks in Ghana marks a milestone in the country’s digital journey. With ultra-low latency, high data transfer rates, and the capacity to connect massive numbers of devices simultaneously, 5G is perfectly suited for powering PWNs.

Hagan pointed out that the coexistence of 5G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks offers flexibility. While LTE can handle less data-intensive applications, 5G can drive critical operations that require high-speed and low-latency connectivity, opening doors to advanced solutions for enterprises across industries.

Though Wi-Fi remains popular, PWNs provide unmatched advantages:

Enhanced Security: PWNs utilize SIM-based authentication and licensed spectrum, reducing vulnerabilities linked to Wi-Fi’s shared, unlicensed spectrum.

Superior Performance: Dedicated bandwidth ensures consistent connectivity even in dense environments.
Wide Coverage: PWNs require fewer access points for expansive facilities like airports, ports, and industrial complexes.
Scalability: PWNs can adapt to growing organisational demands without compromising performance.
These benefits make PWNs an attractive option for businesses aiming for operational efficiency and robust data security.

Hagan emphasised the critical role of spectrum allocation in deploying PWNs. In Ghana, a collaborative approach between MNOs and the NCA could enable spectrum leasing or shared models to facilitate efficient private network deployment. Smaller Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can also partner with MNOs to develop cost-effective and scalable PWN solutions for niche enterprise markets.

PWNs have broad applications across various sectors:

Aviation: Real-time baggage and cargo tracking at airports like Kotoka International Airport.
Healthcare: Secure connectivity for telemedicine, patient monitoring, and advanced diagnostics.
Manufacturing: IoT-enabled production lines and autonomous robotics for optimised productivity.
Agriculture: Precision farming powered by IoT sensors for soil health, irrigation, and crop monitoring.
Logistics: Real-time shipment tracking and efficient fleet management.
Government and Public Safety: Disaster response, smart city infrastructure, and national security networks.
For organisations hesitant about managing PWNs internally, managed services offer a solution. MNOs or specialised providers can handle network design, deployment, monitoring, and upgrades.

This approach reduces operational complexity and costs while ensuring optimal performance.

Managed services also create job opportunities in Ghana, particularly in network engineering and technical support, contributing to economic growth.

Global technology vendors are already paving the way for PWN adoption:

Nokia: Offers the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud for industrial-grade connectivity.
Ericsson: Provides the Ericsson Private 5G solution for manufacturing and automation.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Deploys the HPE Aruba AirSlice for seamless enterprise IT integration.
Cisco: Supplies ultra-reliable wireless backhaul and private 5G solutions for critical operations.
For MNOs, PWNs open lucrative revenue streams. Beyond leasing spectrum, MNOs can sell private SIM cards, devices, and tailored solutions to enterprise clients. Partnerships with smaller ISPs further expand market reach, while value-added services like analytics and maintenance strengthen client relationships.

Adopting PWNs also supports Ghana’s broader digital agenda, driving economic growth through enhanced connectivity, improved governance, and increased competitiveness across sectors.

Samuel Hanson Hagan’s vision for PWNs underscores their potential to revolutionise industries and position Ghana as a leader in digital transformation. With collaborative policies, innovative spectrum allocation, and strategic partnerships, the adoption of PWNs can unlock new opportunities for MNOs, enterprises, and the nation as a whole.

As demand for tailored connectivity solutions grows, now is the time for Ghana’s telecommunications sector to embrace the future of PWNs and accelerate the country’s journey toward a digitally empowered economy.

Source: Emmanuel Nkansah (Techfocus24.com)

A groundbreaking innovation by Professor Kobby Mensah, a marketing expert at the University of Ghana Business School, is set to transform the university admissions process for Senior High School (SHS) students.

The software, named Admissions Checker, leverages students’ West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) grades and high school courses to determine their eligibility for admission into various universities and programs.

Prof. Mensah described the software as a tool to empower students in navigating the often complex admissions process. “The software is designed to provide students with realistic choices and opportunities for university admission. By inputting their academic records, students can receive a report indicating their admission opportunities in percentage terms,” he explained.

Admissions Checker is tailored to guide students through informed decision-making. Users input their high school courses, WASSCE grades, and demographic details, which are processed through advanced algorithms.

The system then generates a detailed report, offering students a clear picture of their chances for admission to specific universities and programs.

The software also includes a unique feature for students who are still in high school. SHS 1 students can use their terminal examination results to evaluate their potential eligibility for university admission. This enables them to monitor their progress, identify weaknesses, and adjust their study strategies long before taking their WASSCE exams.

“This feature allows students to assess their readiness for university admission early on, ensuring they are well-prepared to secure strong performances in their final exams,” Prof. Mensah noted.

Admissions Checker seeks to eliminate the uncertainty and stress often associated with university admissions by offering an accurate and comprehensive assessment of opportunities.

According to Prof. Mensah, the tool is designed to help students “embark on their academic journey with confidence, armed with the knowledge of their eligibility for esteemed institutions and sought-after courses.”

With its ability to streamline the admissions process and guide students toward achieving their academic goals, Admissions Checker is poised to become an invaluable resource for Ghana’s education system.

Source: Emmanuel Nkansah (Techfocus24.com)

Vodacom and Orange have joined hands to form, a first of its kind, rural towerco partnership in Africa. Through this partnership, the companies will collaborate to build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The initiative will extend network coverage and enable access to telecommunications and mobile financial services to up to 19 million people in less densely populated rural communities, reinforcing their commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving inclusive growth.

Deploying and operating networks, particularly in deep rural areas, continues to be a significant challenge in the DRC. To bridge the digital divide and expand network coverage in underserved communities, the companies have pledged to jointly construct up to 2,000 new solar-powered base stations over six years, using 2G and 4G technologies. This agreement commences with an initial commitment of 1,000 sites after which Orange and Vodacom may scale the project by a further 1,000 towers. The completion of this joint venture remains subject to the approval of administrative, regulatory, and competition authorities.

Collaborating with Vodacom by sharing both passive and active infrastructure is the most effective approach to fulfilling our commitment

Beyond enhanced population coverage, this combined investment will enable consumers to access voice, data, and mobile money services. With the first base station expected to start operating in 2025, Orange and Vodacom will be sharing active and passive equipment owned by the joint venture as anchor tenants for an initial term of 20 years. The joint venture will offer its passive infrastructure to any MNO interested wherever technically feasible to increase usage and promote a wider range of options for the population.

“With a footprint serving over 210 million customers across Africa, we have the opportunity to significantly contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development by building a digital society and fostering inclusivity for all. This aligns with our purpose to connect for a better future, and our partnership with Orange is a crucial step towards providing mobile coverage to people in previously underserved areas in the DRC,” says Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group.

“Our longstanding presence in Africa, including over 10 years in the DRC, has equipped us with a deep understanding of the market and customer needs. Collaborating with Vodacom by sharing both passive and active infrastructure is the most effective approach to fulfilling our commitment to accelerating connectivity access for everyone, including rural areas, while minimising our environmental footprint,” says Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jérôme Hénique.

Mobile Internet penetration in the DRC is at 32.3% and Orange and Vodacom’s announcement to construct new base stations in the country aligns with the country’s new vision for the digital economy as included in the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025 adopted in 2019 (https://apo-opa.co/4afDBYm). The plan aims to foster digital transformation across various sectors, leading to improved public services, enhanced economic growth, and equitable access to digital services for all citizens. This initiative emphasises e-citizenship, e-government, and e-commerce and is expected to contribute to job creation, bridge the digital divide, and boost the country’s GDP.

Source: Extensia.tech

The Burkinabe government has decided to allocate the 3600-3800 MHz frequency band to the mobile service. This is one of the new features of the National Frequency Band Allocation Plan (PNAF) updated by decree in the Council of Ministers on Thursday, January 9. According to the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), this paves the way for 5G and next-generation services.

The 3600-3800 MHz band is part of the 3.5 GHz band (3300 MHz to 4200 MHz) which is the preferred option for 5G deployments worldwide according to the Global Association of Telephone Operators (GSMA). “Its ability to provide both coverage and capacity, combined with good spectrum availability, makes it an ideal band for 5G. The prioritisation of a particular band is also resulting in a rapidly developing ecosystem, with the launch of increasingly affordable devices,” the organisation said.

The deployment of 5G could support the Burkinabe government’s digital transformation ambitions. In a study published in 2021, the American technology company Dell Technologies already explained that 5G guarantees transmission speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G or previous networks, as well as reduced latencies and an unprecedented level of network capacities. This technology will pave the way for even more advanced and innovative applications, enabling increased connectivity in real time and at any time, thus facilitating the digital transformation of various sectors.

It is important to note that Burkina Faso has only identified the spectrum needed for the deployment of 5G. No specific information has yet been communicated on a roadmap for the commercial deployment of this cutting-edge technology in the country. According to a generic approach defined by the GSMA, the next steps include the release of spectrum, the definition of technical conditions and restrictions, the valuation of spectrum, the planning of the process of awarding licenses to telecom operators and the actual award of licenses.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2G, 3G and 4G networks cover 92.6%, 53.2% and 36.6% of the population respectively. Furthermore, the basic cost of deploying 5G is estimated at between $3 billion and $8 billion in a country, according to a 2022 study by Ericsson. The Swedish company estimates that an additional investment of 20 to 35% is needed afterwards to generalise network coverage.

Source: Extensia.tech

Nigeria and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have announced the award of a USTDA grant to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) for a feasibility study to support internet access for 12 million people through the deployment of new fibre optic backbone infrastructure across the country.

FMCIDE says it has selected US-based HIP Consult, an independent management consulting firm with a specialisation in ICT, to conduct the study.

The study will support Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, particularly its targets to increase the country’s broadband penetration rate from the current 42.27% to 70% and to ensure that at least 90% of the population has access to affordable, reliable broadband coverage.

The study will assess the deployment of at least 90,000 kilometres of new fibre optic backbone infrastructure along existing routes of the national power grid, railways, roads, and oil and gas pipelines.

It will identify gaps in the backbone infrastructure market and develop strategies to bridge those gaps to strengthen connectivity across Nigeria, including to underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

Enoh T Ebong, USTDA’s Director, says: “As Nigeria and the United States deepen our cooperation in the technology sector, USTDA is proud to partner with FMCIDE to deliver concrete action in support our shared digital infrastructure goals. This project will help expand connectivity to Nigeria’s urban and rural communities while opening opportunities for trusted US technologies to advance the country’s digital priorities.”

Source: Developing Telecoms

Scancom Plc, popularly known as MTN Ghana, reached a milestone on January 13, 2025, as its stock price closed at an all-time high of GH₵2.55 on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). This marks a significant moment for the telecom giant, reflecting growing investor confidence in its performance and prospects.

The stock, which opened the day at GH₵2.51, gained 0.04 pesewas amid positive market sentiment fueled by statements from the Finance Minister Designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during his vetting. Dr. Forson reaffirmed his administration’s intent to abolish the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) within the first 120 days of President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure.

While acknowledging the revenue generated by the E-Levy, Dr. Forson highlighted its adverse effects on financial technology (fintech) growth and Ghana’s transition to a cash-light economy which has MTN Ghana at the forefront with its Mobile Money platform. “The fact remains that the E-Levy retards our progress towards a cash-light economy and fintech. We need to abolish the E-Levy,” he stated.

In the last quarter, MTN’s revenue from Mobile Money grew by 50.8 percent to GH₵3.1 billion, driven by a 79 percent increase in advanced services.

MTN Ghana, which began 2025 with a share price of GH₵2.50, has already achieved a two percent gain this year. Over the past four weeks, the stock has risen by 8 percent, placing it fifth in performance on the GSE.

The telecom company also retains its position as the most traded stock on the exchange. Between October 10, 2024, and January 13, 2025, MTN Ghana recorded a total trade volume of 28.6 million shares worth GH₵67.9 million, averaging 454,685 shares per session. The highest volume during this period was 4.27 million shares on December 20, while the lowest was 317 shares on November 13.

Investors continue to show optimism in MTN Ghana’s growth trajectory, buoyed by its strong market performance and evolving regulatory landscape.

Source: Kweku Zurek ( Graphic online)

Two months after the launch of Ghana’s first 5G wholesale network, telecommunications operators in the country have yet to lease capacity from the infrastructure to provide commercial 5G services, sparking concerns about the network’s immediate impact.

The 5G infrastructure, developed by Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a public-private consortium, was inaugurated on November 1, 2024, by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the then-Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.

The rollout was celebrated as a transformative initiative to improve digital inclusivity and accelerate national development.

However, during a recent interview on TV3 (on January 3, 2024) Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasised that the government has fulfilled its mandate and placed the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of telecom operators.

“People didn’t listen when we were launching it. It’s a wholesale infrastructure, we built it. It’s now up to the telecoms company to buy capacity from it and deliver it on to their subscribers. I’ve done my part. The rest of it is left to the telcos and the NGIC. I know I’ve delivered on my mandate,” she stated.

Revolutionary yet unused initiative

The NGIC network, which received a ten-year exclusive licence to deploy 4G and 5G infrastructure, launched with plans to cover Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi by the end of 2024 and achieve nationwide coverage by 2026. The wholesale network model is designed to reduce rollout costs for operators while ensuring rural inclusion through phased expansion and government subsidies for underserved areas.

During the launch event at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on November 1, 2024, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful described the project as a “revolutionary leap forward that promises to redefine connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life.” She encouraged citizens to hold their service providers accountable for any delays in delivering 5G coverage in the initial rollout areas by December 2024.

“If you live in the initial 5G catchment areas and still cannot access 5G by December, kindly call out your network operator, because they have to make it available to you,” she urged.

Source: Kweku Zurek ( Graphic Online)