Transforming network infrastructure - Communications Africa · 2018-02-19 · Business. Following...

AfriqueAfricawww.communicationsafrica.com

Issue 1 2018Édition 1 2018

features: � Communications � Mobile � Satellitesregular reports: � Agenda � Solutions

Network densificationReducing the cost of network ownership

CABSATA round-up of new products/services

from exhibitors

Fibre connectivityThe challenges for African businessesP4 - Datacloud Africa will be held in

Marrakech, Morocco.

Mobile World Congressexamines the challengesand opportunities ahead

Transformingnetworkinfrastructurefor 5G

CAF 1 2018 - Cover_Layout 1 16/02/2018 16:03

Serving the world of business

e-mail: [email protected]

web: www.alaincharles.com

www.africanreview.com

MENA Tel: +971 4 448 9260

ASIA Tel: +91 80 6533 3362

USA Tel: +1 203 226 2882

EUROPE Tel: +44 20 7834 7676

Circulation claims independently verified by ABC audit

Sign up for the FREE fortnightly e-newsletter on

africanreview.com

Serving business leaders across AfricaAfrican Review has been the dominant publication for the continent's construction and mining industries for over 53 years and is circulated by quali!ed subscription including buyers and speci!ers in government departments, equipment importers, construction and mining companies across Africa. 53YEARS

SERVING BUSINESS INAFRICA SINCE 1964

S01 CAF 1 2018 start_Layout 1 16/02/2018 12:21

http://africanreview.com/

AfriqueAfricawww.communicationsafrica.com

Issue 1 2018Édition 1 2018

features: � Communications � Mobile � Satellitesregular reports: � Agenda � Solutions

Network densificationReducing the cost of network ownership

CABSATA round-up of new products/services from

exhibitor’s

Fibre connectivityThe challenges for African businessesP4 - Datacloud Africa will be held in

Marrakech, Morocco.

Mobile World Congressexamines the challengesand opportunities ahead

Transformingnetworkinfrastructurefor 5G

A note from the EditorTHIS EDITION OF Communications Africafocuses on a range of topics, from thelatest developments in satellites -presenting highlight’s from the recentCabsat show held in Dubai, to thedeployment of fibre connectivityacross the continet and the challengesthat are still facing the market. In thisissue we also explore the role of smallcells in densification driven by a surgein city data traffic.

Une note du rédacteurCETTE ÉDITION DE CommunicationsAfrica se concentre sur un éventailde sujets, des derniersdéveloppements dans les satellites -présentant les faits saillants durécent salon Cabsat à Dubaï, audéploiement de la connectivité fibreà travers le continent et les défisauxquels le marché est toujoursconfronté. Dans ce numéro, nousexplorons également le rôle despetites cellules dans la densificationen raison d'une augmentation dutrafic de données de la ville.

Agenda 4

Quotes 5

Events 6

Bulletin 7

Solutions 33

FEATURES

AfricaCom 6Celebrating its 20th anniversary, our post-show report features some of the exhibitors and their new solutions forthe African telecoms, media and technology industry.

CABSAT 18We bring you the latest developments in broadcast, satellite and digital entertainment, highlighting new

products/services from some of the biggest players in the industry.

Mobile World Congress 24A selection of companies exhibiting their new products and services at this year’s show in Barcelona.

Networks 26Sue Monahan, CEO Small Cell Form discusses the role of small cells in densification.

Technology 32We explore how TV white space sprectrum sharing could be one step closer to helping solve the connectivity gap in Africaand beyond.

ARTICLES

Actualités 9Un tour d'horizon des dernières actualités en matière de communication dans les pays francophones.

ICT 28Faits saillants de la conférence e-learning Africa à Maurice sur les TIC pour le développement, l'éducation et la formation.

Solutions 34Nous examinons le nouveau module sans fil LTE-M de Gemalto, qui prend en charge les solutions IoT avec des budgets d'alimentation limités et qui ne nécessitent pas un débit de données élevé.

CONTENTS

www.communicationsafrica.com Communications Africa Issue 1 2018 3

Audit Bureau ofCirculations -

Business Magazines

Editor: Hiriyti Bairu - [email protected]

Editorial and Design team: Prashant AP, Miriam Brtkova, Ranganath GS, Deblina Roy, Rhonita Patnaik, Rahul Puthenveedu, Samantha Payne, Nicky Valsamakis, Vani Venugopal and Louise Waters

Managing Editor: Georgia Lewis

Production: Srinidhi Chikkars, Rakshith Shivakumar and Nelly Mendes Email: [email protected]

Publisher: Nick Fordham

Sales Director: Michael Ferridge

Magazine Sales Manager: Vinay T Nair - Tel: +91 80 68888847, Email: [email protected]

Country Representative Telephone Fax EmailIndia Tanmay Mishra +91 80 65700911 [email protected] Bola Olowo +234 8034349299 [email protected] Graham Brown +971 4 448 9260 +971 4 448 9261 [email protected] Michael Ferridge +44 20 7834 7676 +44 20 7973 0076 [email protected] Michael Tomashefsky +1 203 226 2882 +1 203 226 7447 [email protected]

Head Office: Middle East Regional Office:Alain Charles Publishing Ltd Alain Charles Middle East FZ-LLCUniversity House Office L2-112, Loft Office 2,11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place Entrance B, PO Box 502207London SW1W 0EX, United Kingdom Dubai Media City, UAETelephone: +44 20 7834 7676 Telephone: +971 4 448 9260Fax: +44 20 7973 0076 Fax: +971 4 448 9261

Subscriptions: [email protected]: Derek FordhamPrinted by: Buxton Press Printed in: February 2018Communications Africa/Afrique is a bi-monthly magazine ISSN: 0962 3841 Serving the world of business

S01 CAF 1 2018 start_Layout 1 16/02/2018 16:16

THE GHANA BROADCASTING Corporation [GBC] has beendirected by its governing board not to pursue anyprosecution of people who may default on the non-payment of TV license fees.Responding to the outcry and criticism that met therenewed efforts of the state broadcaster to ensurecompliance with the law, the GBC Board assured thepublic that nobody will be prosecuted. Following the chief justice’s setting up of special TVlicense courts across the country to prosecute peoplewho refuse to pay the mandatory TV license fees in linewith the TV licensing Act, there have been concerns overthe TV license regime. Domestic TV users are to paybetween GHc36 US$7.92 and US$13.21 for one or more TV sets in a household, while TV set repairers and salesoutlets are to pay an annual sum of between US$13.21 to US$52.83

Following the setting up of the special court, it was expected that defaulting TV owners or operators will beprosecuted per Section 1(a) of the TV licensing Act 1966 (NLCD 89) with defaulters facing a fine or a prison termof up to one year. However, a statement released by the Board said, “following an evaluation of the situationhas instructed the management of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) not to pursue any activity or setof processes, leading to the prosecution of any individual for the non-payment of the Television license fee.”

“The Governing Board is assuring the general public not to entertain any fear for any such possibleprosecutions,” the statement added. The board also urged the National Media Commission (NMC) to explorea more sustainable funding module for the GBC. “With Respect to the future of the Ghana BroadcastingCorporation, the Board recommends that the National Media Commission (NMC) drives the process ofengaging critical stakeholders to resolve the status of GBC, and find a more enduring funding module, thatwould enable it to discharge its constitutional mandate.”

Nana Yaa Ofori Atta

AGENDA

COINDIRECT.COM HASANNOUNCED the initial launchof its platform for local currencytrading. The Coindirect.comcryptocurrency marketplaceaims to make trading in digitalcurrencies simple, and is nowlive in the United Kingdom,South Africa, Nigeria andKenya, ahead of a global rolloutin early this year.Coindirect.com supports localcurrency purchases in the UK,South Africa, Nigeria andKenya, with more countries tofollow early in 2018. “We’reextremely excited to be offeringour customers across the globethe ability to buy popularcryptocurrencies such asBitcoin and Ethereum in theirlocal currencies,” saysCoindirect.com director, BasilBielich. “By simplifying anddemystifying the process ofpurchasing cryptocurrencies,we hope to accelerate theiradoption across the globe.”

AFRICA’S DEFINING DATAcentre, cloud and edgeforum for providers, theirinvestors and customersis launched for 2018

BroadGroup hasannounced the launch ofthe leadership summit forAfrica’s data centre,cloud, fiber and edgeinfrastructure leadership,28 September 2018 in Marrakech.

Recognising the challenges for Africa’s digital economy and growth thisforum establishes for the first time a unique opportunity for companies engagedin creating new IT ecosystems, their investors financiers and governmentagencies to meet, network and collaborate.

As more is invested in improving connectivity, the gradual emergence ofInternet exchanges, and a shift to local content hosting, investors haveresponded with the construction of a number of high quality facilities andpartial use of new digital parks.

Attendees will include senior executives managing data centre businessesfrom across the continent, subsea and terrestrial fiber providers, satelliteservices, content and solutions providers, telcos, constructions firms, power gridand innovative energy suppliers.

“Datacloud Africa is focused on investing, powering, connecting, anddeploying data centres across the continent,” said Gregory Gerot, vice presidentand managing director of BroadGroup. “It will bring together engaged leadersand investors with a single objective to create a new pathway for practicaloutcomes to accelerate data centre development.”

Datacloud Africa takes place at the Four Seasons hotel in Marrakech 28September 2018 and will include an Awards ceremony.

Special TV license courts have been set-up acrossGhana. (Photo: cityscape/adobestock)

Datacloud Africa will be held in Marrakech,Morocco. (Photo: Pixabay)

Datacloud Africa to be held in MarrakechABS HAS ANNOUNCED JimSimpson has been appointedas the new Chief ExecutiveOfficer (CEO) of the company.Jim Simpson spent 35 years atThe Boeing Company in anumber of leadership positionsin the Satellite and LaunchBusiness. Following hisretirement from Boeing, heserved two years as the seniorvice president for strategy andbusiness development andwas an officer of AerojetRocketdyne focused onpropulsion and power systems for satellites, rockets and defenseproductions. "We are very excited to welcome Jim to the ABS family! Hisextensive experience, leadership, and knowledge of the business willcreate significant value for the company as ABS transitions to the nextphase of our long term growth strategy. The board and I are delightedthat Jim Simpson as the new Chief Executive Officer will lead theexecutive team to effect the company's continuing expansion,” said JimFrownfelter, chairman of ABS.

Jim has obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles, an M.B.A. from the University of SouthernCalifornia and a graduate certificate in Programme Management fromCalifornia Institute of Technology. Jim Simpson, CEO of ABS stated, "Iwant to build upon and extend the legacy that the company has createdas we move into the next chapter of ABS. I look forward to leading ourefforts to further strengthen and grow ABS through a focus on greaterexecution, creation of strategic partnerships, and further penetrationinto new markets and products.”

Coindirect live in AfricaWhen you default payment on TV license fees in Ghana

ABS board appoints Jim Simpson as new CEO

www.communicationsafrica.comCommunications Africa Issue 1 20184

Jim Simpson, ABS CEO. (Photo: ABS)

S02 CAF 1 2018 Agenda_AfricaCom post show_Layout 1 16/02/2018 10:28

Communications Africa Issue 1 2018

QUOTES

5www.communicationsafrica.com

“Airtel and Tigo havemerged theiroperations to create a

strong viable entity inGhana. In acquiring TigoRwanda, we aim to becomea profitable and a strongchallenger in a two-playermarket.”

- Sunil MittalChairmanBharti Airtel

“As we launch MicrosoftKaizala in Kenya, wehope to help connect

the complete value chain,including even theunconnected parts oforganisations – from smallbusinesses to largeenterprises andgovernments who wants toconnect with their citizens.”

- Rajiv KumarCorporate Vice President,Office Product GroupMicrosoft

“Banks need to makesure they have theright ICT infrastructure

in place to support thecritical services they offer.Their choice is either tobuild their own robustinfrastructure, or leaseservices from us.”

- Dan KwachGeneral managerEast Africa Data Centre

“We will be workinghard to provide a new,innovative, affordable,

no-hassle way for Liberiansto get access on theirmobile to all of the greatentertainment they get onsatellite television.”

- Magnus NmonwuRegional directorSage

“Nigeria's over 60 percent Internetpenetration means that

more 90m people would beonline in the coming years.Cloud usage is expected tomove more than double to80 per cent of businessesin the next year.”

- Adebayo ShittuNigeria's minister ofcommunications andtechnology

“Without improving taxcollection, West Africancountries will not be

able to effectively financethe building ofinfrastructure and theprovision of publicservices”

- Noel ChateauChief marketing Orange Liberia


Last year marked the 20th anniversary of AfricaCom, the biggest telecoms, media and technology event in the world,with a number of exhibitors including Nokia, Facebook, Liquid Telecom and Gazprom, taking to the stands to showcasetheir new digital solutions.

AfricaCom returns to Cape Town for20th anniversary

EVENTS AfricaCom

HELD AT THE Cape TownI n t e r n a t i o n a lConvention Centre, thediscussions at the

event highlighted a number ofpressing issues facing theindustry. From exploring how thecontinent can tackle the ongoingconnectivity problem - the cost ofdata and the deployment ofsatellite to exploring ways toaddress digital inclusion andeducation - examining howindustry professionals can makethe most of connectivity with thetools to hand.

This year’s event sawtelecommunications and postalservices deputy minister, StellaNdabeni-Abrahams presenting akeynote address at theconference on 8 November 2017.The presentation focused on thevalue of ICT and digitalconnectivity under the theme,“Visions for Africa: ensuring aconnected Africa throughsatellite communication.” Thisincluded an overview of thesatellite communication policyinterventions, regulatoryframework, legislation andcollective efforts. David Harrower,senior vice president of globalsales and business developmentat iDirect, also addressedAfricaCom attendees on the role

that satellite communicationplays in driving socio-economicchange especially across thebusiness/financial, healthcareand education business sectors,as well as for governmentservices.

One of the companiesexhibiting at this year’s show wasNokia. The company exploredhow the connected world canshage Africa’s future. JoachimWuilmet, head of customermarketing and communicationsMEA said Nokia is excited toshare its next generation ofnetwork technology with thebroader African market, “Africa isthe perfect place to share Nokia’svision of shaping the future oftechnology to transform humanexperiences with effortless,simple and dependabletechnologies. We look forward todiscussing how both existing andnew customers can usetechnology to improve people'slives.” Liquid Telecomannounced at the show it willpartner with Huawei to deliver100G links across SouthAfrica.The 100G link will supportgrowing demand for cloud-basedservices and provide customerswith high-speed access to LiquidTelecom’s data centres inJohannesburg and Cape Town,which are currently undergoingmajor expansions to meet theneeds of global cloud players andenterprise customers. Alongsidethis, the company launched acompetition in partnership withMeltwater Entrepreneurial Schoolof Technology (MEST) duringwhich five start-ups operating inthe gaming, entertainment,music and AR/VR sectors pitchedin front of an audience andjudging panel. The winnerreceived a six-month fixedmeembership at the MESTIncubator Cape Town, and the

opportunity to nurture and growtheir start-up in markets acrossAfrica.

Gazprom demonstrated thecapabilities of Yamal satellitesfor service provision in Africanand Middle Eastern countries atthe event. Telemedia extendedits capacity utilisation of Yamal-402 satellite in order to provideoccasional services for RSAtelevision broadcasters for theircoverage of sport and politicalevents. Gazprom also signed acontract on capacity utilisation ofthe same satellite for the statetelevision of Angolam whereby anew channel dedicated to horseracing will be transmitted viaYamal-402. GSS reached anagreement with Gilat SatelliteNetworks on expansion ofeducation project in Ghana.

Facebook also took part in anumber of events at the show,showcasing how the platform isbeing used by businesses, start-ups and individuals across thecontinent to drive the digitaleconomy.“AfricaCom 2017 is anopportunity to share what we’redoing to serve the 108mn peopleon the continent who useFacebook each month, as well ashow we’re empoweringentrepreneurs and startups,”said Emeka Afigbo, head ofplatform partnerships MiddleEast and Africa. This year’s eventalso welcomed the 10thAfricaCom Awards held at TheLookout, overlooking the watersof Granger Bay, Cape Town. “Weare delighted to recognise thesterling works performed bycompanies and personalities thatare developing solutions andproducts to improve connectivitythat will drive Africa into thefourth industrial revolution.Congratulations to all,” said TomCuthell, portfolio director ofKNect365. �

AfricaCom 2017 explored how digital connectivity is a driving factor foreconomic and social development.

Photograph: G

azprom

Communications Africa Issue 1 20186 www.communicationsafrica.com


Communications Africa Issue 1 2018 7

BULLETIN

Samsung to double Africa’s shareof revenues in five yearsSAMSUNG HAS ANNOUNCED plans to doublethe annual revenue contribution from itsAfrican markets to 20 per cent of the firm’sglobal total in the next five years, Sung Yoon,head of business for Africa told Reuters. Henoted that the electronics giant would set upretail channels in more African countries. “Wethink Africa is extremely important for thefuture,” he told the news agency.

MainOne joins forces withWACREN to boost connectivity MAINONE HAS ENTERED a 15-year contract withWACREN to provide high-speed bandwidthservices. WACREN, the regional research andeducation network (REN) that facilitatesinterconnections between national RENs inWest and Central Africa will use MainOne toprovide high-speed backbone date services.“This is a big step for the REN and academiccommunities in West and Central Africa andwill ensure that our members are betterequipped to provide premium research andeducation services,” said Boubakar Barry, CEOof WACREN.

Unicorn Media & Communication:re-inventing media as a wholeUNICORN MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS, asubsidiary of Unicorn Conglomerate in SouthAfrica, will be offering news updates throughnew/media websites, online radio andtelevision and online library andcommunications. The company plans toexpand to four geographic locations of Africa(Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya & Egypt), UK,America, South Korea and Australia. “This is abig step for the REN and academic

communities in West and Central Africa andwill ensure that our members are betterequipped to provide premium research andeducation services”.

Kenyan bloggers partner to start aKenyan Tech podcast A NEW PODCAST will be launched by Kenyanbloggers Nixon Kanali, Emmanuel Chenze,Kaluka Wanjala, David Gitonga and KevinKimani, in the country, with the goal to grow thepodcast landscape in Kenya and move itmainstream. “The idea of a 24BIT Podcast issomething we want to build working as a team.We want to partner with more local companies,and influencers to ensure we reach out to morelisteners. These audience can listen to us whilein traffic, at the office or even at home,” saidNixon Kanali, a blogger atwww.TechTrendske.co.ke.

Microsoft launches Kaizala mobileapp in Kenya MICROSOFT HAS LAUNCHED Kaizala in Kenya, amobile app designed for large groupcommunication, work management, reportingand analytics integrated with Office 365. Theapp enables businesses to connect with largegroups of people across their entire valuechain, on a single platform on their mobilephone. “Kaizala makes it easier and less timeconsuming for organisations to communicate,assign and track work in real-time, and createreports based on aggregated data,” said SebuhHaileleul, country general manager forMicrosoft East and Southern Africa.

International DevelopmentSecretary hails power oftechnology to deliver aidINTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY,Penny Mordaunt, has hailed the “incrediblepower of technology to deliver aid in new ways”on her first official visit to Kenya in the post.During her visit Mordaunt saw how UK aid issupporting vulnerable communities in theNorth of the country devastated by East Africa’sdrought. “Here in Kenya technology isdelivering UK aid in new ways, from innovativecash transfers using biometrics, through totrade technologies that support economicgrowth, jobs and investment,” said Mordaunt.

Gainde 2000 displays ORBUSSIGN project at CES Las VegasGAINDE 2000 SHOWCASED its research projectORBUS SIGN at Consumer Electronics Show(CES) in Las Vegas, held 9-12 January 2018.Speaking about the product, Ibrahima NourEddine Diagne, general manager at Gainde2000 said, “ORBUS SIGN eliminateshandwritten signatures in a long processgenerally entailing the printing, distributionand waiting for signed documents to be sent

and returned. “It is also a solution that brings asimple alternative, particularly in Africa, whereilliteracy is nearly 40 per cent.” GAINDE 2000has become one of the African leaders in thedematerialisation of administrative formalities,digital security and electronic payments andhas rolled out solutions in five countries andinternationally rendered consulting services.

Bank Zero launches in South AfricaBANK ZERO HAS granted a provisional licenceafter an in-depth evaluation process by theSouth African, it revaled. The bank said it aimsto offer a unique and fresh approach tobanking without any legacy systems which canbe costly to maintain. "Facebook, WhatsApp,Twitter and Instagram are the new normal forsocieties. Why shouldn't banks also innovatein this era of wider connectedness whilst stillensuring a robust banking value proposition?Bank Zero is addressing these realities, whileemploying cutting-edge technologies anddelivering state-of-the-art security," stated co-founder and chairman, Michael Jordaan.

Samsung Electronics HQ in Suwon, South Korea.(Photo: Wikimedia/commons)

Bank Zero will be launched in South Africa.(Photo: adobestock)

www.communicationsafrica.com

S03 CAF 1 2018 Events - Bulletin New_Layout 1 16/02/2018 10:23


AGENDA

8

FEBRUARY/FÉVRIER22-23 Ecommerce Africa Cape Town, South Africa www.ecommerce-africa.com

22-23 Mobile IT Krakow, Poland www.targi.krakow.pl

27-2 Mobile World Congress Barcelona, Spain www.mobileworldcongress.com

MARCH/MARS1-3 The Blockchain Africa Conference 2017 Johannesburg, South Africa www.blockchainafrica.co

5-9 CIS Dusseldorf, Germany www.eurocis-tradefair.com

19-23 OFC Los Angeles Los Angeles, USA www.ofcconference.org

20-24 CeBIT Hanover, Germany www.cebit.de

21-23 CABSAT Dubai, UAE www.cabsat.com

22-23 Cashless Africa Lagos, Nigeria www.cashlessafrica.com

29-30 International Wireless Communications Expo Las Vegas, USA www.iwceexpo.com

APRIL/AVRIL1-3 Vietnam International Broadcast & AV Show Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam www.vibashow.com.vn

5-7 Med-e-Tel Luxembourg www.medetel.eu

21-27 Nabshow Las Vegas, USA www.nabshow.com

27-28 IOT Global Congress 2017 London, UK www.iotglobalcongress.com

Events/Événements 2018


NAB SHOW, ONE of the world's largestconventions encompassing The MET Effect,the convergence of media, entertainment andtechnology, is going to be held from 7-12 April2018 in Las Vegas.

With 103,000 attendees from 161 countriesand more than 1,800 exhibitors, NAB Show isthe marketplace for solutions that transcendtraditional broadcasting and embrace contentdelivery to new screens in new ways. Fromcreation to consumption, across multipleplatforms and countless nationalities, NABShow aims to convene global visionaries tobring content to life in new and exciting ways.

NAB Show will debut two new eventshighlighting broadcast industry achievement.The NAB Achievement in Broadcasting Dinnerwill be held on 9 April 2018, at the Encore LasVegas. A separate NAB: We Are BroadcastersCelebration will be held on 10 April 2018, at theLas Vegas Convention Centre.

The events will shine a light on thebroadcast industry, recognising individualsand companies for their contributions inadvancing the industry through technology,public service and superior content.

The NAB: We Are Broadcasters Celebrationis expected to include the presentation of theNAB Crystal Radio Awards and the NAB CrystalHeritage Award, in addition to the Radio andTelevision Engineering Achievement Awardsand the Television Chairman’s Award.

“These changes are an opportunity to better highlight major awards and exposethem to a broader NAB Show audience,” saidChris Brown, executive vice president ofconventions and business operations at NAB.

“The new schedule also reflects NAB’s focuson keeping the show fresh and relevant whilecontinuing to highlight the great work ourindustry does from a business, creative andcommunity perspective.”

GoPro Exhibit at the 2017 NAB Show

Ph

oto

gra

ph

: NA

B S

how

NAB show reveals new event schedule highlighting industry awards


ALPHA TELECOM MALI a enfin confirmé le lancement de Telecel Mali,troisième opérateur de réseau mobile du pays, selon un récent rapport deTelegeography. D’après le site web d’informations Agence Ecofin,l’entreprise de téléphonie mobile a ouvert son réseau au public endécembre 2017, après avoir annoncé le succès d’un appel test effectué surson infrastructure au mois d’octobre de la même année. Alpha TelecomMali a officiellement signé le contrat qui lui a permis de récupérer salicence en février 2013. Souleymane Diallo, PDG d’Alpha Telecom, a attirél’attention sur le nombre d’emplois que son entreprise allait créer,expliquant : « Des emplois seront directement et indirectement créés avecle recrutement d’une centaine d’employés maliens dès la première année,sans compter plusieurs milliers de distributeurs et de revendeurs, ainsique les entrepreneurs locaux engagés en sous-traitance pour laconstruction de sites et autres travaux de déploiement.


AGENDA

9

OPERA SOFTWARE A lancé Opera News, une nouvelle appliintégrant sa propre intelligence artificielle et développéepour permettre aux utilisateurs d’accéder à des articles depresse et à des vidéos populaires. Cette appli consacrée auxactualités inclut un puissant moteur de recommandationsconçu pour aider les utilisateurs à suivre de près les sujetsqui les passionnent et le contenu qu’ils aiment visionner.Opera News, qui donne accès à une grande variétéd’actualités tendance et de vidéos divertissantes, apprend àchaque utilisation pour devenir plus intelligente. En plus defournir du contenu constamment actualisé, Opera affirmeque l’appli permet à l’utilisateur d’économiser jusqu’à 80 %de son forfait de données mobiles, grâce aux uniquescapacités d’économie de données développées par Opera.

L’année dernière, l’entreprise a exprimé son intentiond’investir 100 millions $ sur le marché africain. Dans le cadrede ses nouveaux projets d’expansion, Opera Software vamaintenant lancer sa stratégie « Africa First », qui luipermettra de développer et de commercialiser ses produitsmobiles sur les marchés africains d’abord. Opera News estle premier produit lancé sous l’égide de cette nouvellestratégie.

« L'Afrique est une région particulièrement intéressantequi connaîtra une énorme croissance dans les années àvenir », explique Jorgen Arnesen, directeur mondial dumarketing et de la distribution pour Opera. « Notre nouvellestratégie s’appuie sur une ambition simple : fabriquer lesmeilleurs produits qui soient pour la population africaine,

d’où la priorité que nous accordons à cette région dumonde.

Selon les chiffres d’Internet World Statistics 2017, 338millions d’africains étaient connectés à Internet en juin2017. La pénétration d’Internet dans les pays africainsconnaît une expansion rapide, avec une croissance de 14 %d’année en d’année. Plus de 100 000 personnes ont déjàtéléchargé Opera News et c’est actuellement l’applid’actualités la plus téléchargée en Afrique. « Les utilisateursafricains comptent parmi les lecteurs d’actualités les plusavides du monde », ajoute Arnesen. « Les utilisateurs duNigeria, du Kenya, d’Afrique du Sud, du Ghana et de Tanzanieadorent surfer sur le web pour tout savoir de leurs sujetspréférés, qu’il s’agisse de sport, de célébrités, d’art et deculture, de politique ou de life-hacks. Avec Opera News, nousproposons un nouveau type d’expérience aux utilisateursafricains friands d’actualités.

Telecel Mali est le troisième opérateur de téléphonie mobile au Mali.(Photo: adobestock/Dutourdumonde)

Opera Software lance l’appli Opera News en Afrique

ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED vient d’annoncerl’obtention d’une nouvelle facilité d’emprunt syndiqué d’une valeurde 200 millions $ sur cinq à sept ans avec la banque dedéveloppement hollandaise FMO.

Il s’agit de la seconde facilité d’emprunt syndiqué organisée parFMO pour le groupe Ecobank au cours des récentes années. Labanque utilisera cet emprunt pour apporter des fonds à plusieurs deses filiales, dans 36 pays africains. FMO s’est chargée de lasyndication et a gardé une part de 58,5 millions $ pour le comptequ’elle gère avec d’autres institutions de financement dudéveloppement et des investisseurs importants qui ont fourni lescontributions suivantes : DEG – Deutsche InvestitionsundEntwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (25,4 millions $), Proparco (25,4millions $), Société belge d'investissement pour les pays endéveloppement - BIO (15 millions $), Banque autrichienne dedéveloppement - OeEB (15 millions $), Blue Orchard (30 millions $),Symbiotics (21,5 millions $) et Oikocredit (10 millions $).

ETI est ravi de conclure cet arrangement financier avec FMO, qui asu rassembler un grand nombre d’acteurs financiers autour de cetteinitiative. Grâce à cette transaction, nous serons en mesure d’offrir unservice bien supérieur à nos PME clientes, qui représentent toujoursun segment très important du marché pour nous », explique AdeAyeyemi, PDG.

Jürgen Rigterink, PDG chez FMO, ajoute : « Via cet investissement,nous soutenons les petites et moyennes entreprises situées danscertains des pays d’Afrique où les services bancaires sont les plusprécaires. Alors que dans ces pays, les PME sont la principale sourced’emplois, elles ne bénéficient que d’un accès très limité aux servicesfinanciers.

EGYPTIAN SILICON INDUSTRIES Co.(E-SICO) a lancé le premiertéléphone portable fabriqué enÉgypte. L’entreprise a annoncé à sesclients qu’ils pourraient réserverleur nouveau smartphone 4G « NileX » dès la fin du mois de janvier2018. Lors du salon professionnelCairo ICT 2017, l’entreprise EgyptianCompany for Silicon Industries a unises forces à celles de SICOTechnology et de Silicon El-Waha, quiappartient au Ministère descommunications et des technologiesde l’information. « Le téléphone «Nile X » localement produit fera sonentrée sur le marché dans ladeuxième quinzaine du mois », aannoncé E-SICO dans une récentedéclaration. Le communiquéexpliquait également que les clientsd’Égypte et d’ailleurs pouvaientappeler le 19242, s’inscrire et fournirtoutes les informations lesconcernant pour acheter le nouveautéléphone, qui sera commercialiséau prix de 237 $ chez les détaillants.

Le smartphone Nile X faitson entrée en Égypte

Telecel Mali, nouvel opérateur deréseaumobile

Ecobank annonce la conclusion d'une facilité decrédit avec FMO


For opera news:Les utilisateurs de l'application peuventsuivre les dernières nouvelles et le divertissement


INTERNET

Deploying fibre is aslow process, andoften the red tapefor access to Rightsof Way – Wayleaves– holds up theprocess.

Access to fibre could have a transformative effect on African businesses but, as Vaughan O’Gradydiscovers, ubiquitous fibre connectivity is still a long way off in most African markets.

Fibre connectivity

ONE MIGHT ASSUME, given the arrival of undersea cables in Africa, that many African businesses are enjoyingfibre connectivity – but this is by no

means correct.As Juanita Clark, chief executive of FTTH Council

Africa, an organisation focussed on the fibre industryand all stakeholders affected by the industry, pointsout, access to fibre connectivity varies a great dealfrom country to country, depending on a country’slocation and its socio-economic conditions.

Countries closer to landing stations are naturallythe first to benefit from high-speed fibre connectivity.Landlocked countries are still the last to beconnected. “Until recently,” she points out, “it wasincredibly difficult to do border crossings of terrestrialcable, as there was limited understanding of thetechnology. This was, and in some cases remains, aslow and cumbersome process.”

However, Dobek Pater, director of telecoms, IT andmedia consultancy Africa Analysis, points out, thereare more elements to good connectivity than merelysubsea cables. “Looking at the differentinfrastructure geographies, the other necessaryelements are national long-haul infrastructure, metronetworks and access networks,” he says. He adds,“Most markets have solved the long-haul and metroinfrastructure constraints. However, the access (lastmile) often remains a problem. There is often a dearthof good quality broadband connectivity, andespecially fibre.”

He continues, “A big factor in terms of fibre is thecost of deployment – still very high in most markets –

and price of retail fibre connectivity vs. affordabilityfor local businesses, especially SMEs. Fibreconnectivity often carries a price premium in relationto other broadband technologies – except satellite /VSAT – as it normally provides a better qualityservice.”

Fibre connectivity is nevertheless growing but,says Clark, “deploying fibre is a slow process, andoften the red tape for access to Rights of Way –Wayleaves – holds up the process.” However, sheadds, many African countries do today enjoy the fastspeeds and low latency that fibre offers – notablySouth Africa.

But connectivity is not just about fibre. Pater notesthat in many markets, broadband connectivityoptions include satellite or VSAT, mobile broadband(3G and increasingly 4G) and fixed wireless access –WiMAX (and variations thereof) or occasionally LTE-A.There’s also DSL (copper) in a few markets andmicrowave (used by larger businesses). He pointsout, however, that fibre normally provides a betterquality connectivity/service than all of these –although this also depends on the application. “As atechnology, fibre is better suited to accessing data-intensive applications or services (although otheraccess technologies are also fine, if they areconfigured for sufficient capacity). This would enablegreater uptake of value-added services and astronger move towards use of cloud-based services.”

So if fibre is superior, what are the barriers torollout? Deployment cost and maintenance or repaircost are obvious concerns but, aside from theongoing financial investment requirements, the main

Fibre connectivityusually carries a pricepremium in relation to

other broadbandtechnologies.

Photo: alexskopje/adobestock


Here, there – but not everywhere

S04 CAF 1 2018 Report CA_Liquid telecom_Layout 1 16/02/2018 10:30


INTERNETFibre connectivity

barriers to entry remain the slow andcumbersome Right of Way processes andprocedures. “Not only does this slow down theprocess, it is also a major concern forinvestors,” says Clark. “Whilst matters haveimproved, we still have a long way to gotowards assuring both operators and investorsthat their investment is safe.”

At the moment it can take a months toobtain permission to cross or dig up a road,“but this has been improving in certainmarkets”, she adds.

Another barrier, she suggests, is the attitudeof business park owners. As she points out,“One would think that giving your tenantsaccess to high-speed fibre in itself is a greatvalue proposition. However, we are more andmore concerned by this trend of propertymanagement companies/owners that refuseaccess to business parks unless they arefinancially compensated.”

And, as we have noted, there is also theproblem of affordability for business (that is,high retail prices), which translates to lowerreal demand for fibre.

One might also think that fibre is only likelyto benefit businesses or industries based incities or close to cable landing points. That,however, rather depends on where the landingstation actually is but, says Pater, it certainlytakes time to permeate smaller cities andtowns (although South Africa seems to be anexception).

But would a remote mining, logging or oilcompany be unable to benefit due to itsisolated position? Not necessarily. Pater saysfibre is or will be deployed if a remote site (forexample, a mine) is located relatively close to afibre backbone and a break-out point can beinstalled, or in the unlikely event that there isan economic case for the operator to bring fibreto remote premises. However, “by and large,businesses located in more remote locationswill continue to rely on microwave and/orsatellite connectivity,” he points out.

In any case there is no ‘one size fits all’approach to connectivity that will work inAfrica, Clark points out. “Each situation needsto be assessed to ensure that companies makedecisions that will work best for them. Whilstfibre is the single best possible connectivitysolution for a variety of reasons, the costassociated with deploying it to a remote minemay not be feasible. Having said that, if one isto deploy electricity to a remote town,combining that with a fibre cable is incrediblycost effective. Many factors can remove thehigh costs associated with the deployment offibre for backhaul and leveraging existing polesand ducts is one such method. The cost is notin the glass [fibre], it is only in the deployment.It will, however, depend on the need and long-term goals of the company.”

Among African countries leading the rolloutof fibre to businesses, Mauritius is very muchthe front-runner with almost 100 per cent

penetration to both business and homes.South Africa is second and Kenya in thirdplace. Pater and Clark also mentiondevelopments in other African countries suchas Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia,Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Zambia,although Pater adds, “It needs to beemphasised that in sub-Saharan Africa, by andlarge, the deployment of fibre to – and use offibre-based services by – businesses is stillvery low”.

However, even while this deployment is stillat an introductory or very early growth stage,this is an important technology for Africa; thevery existence of the FTTX Council Africaunderlines that fact. It’s not going to be easybut if it spreads across the continent, fibrecould be as transformative for both businessesand consumers in its own way as cellular oncewas. Certainly an FTTX Council Africamembership of over 70 hopes so. �

Dobek Pater, director of telecoms, IT and media consultancy Africa Analysis expects the use of fibre to facilitate an increased uptake of cloud-based services.

Photograph: B

illionPhotos.com/adobestock

Whilst fibre is the singlebest possible connectivity

solution for a variety ofreasons, the cost

associated with deploying itto a remote mine may not

be feasible.



A new wave of African data centre builds is bringing with it new opportunities for puttingessential business services on the cloud. Liquid Telecom explains how data centres willplay a central role in supporting Africa’s digital future.

Taking centre stage in digitaltransformation

DATA Cloud services

AFRICA’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION is gathering pace.Broadband adoption continues to boom, with nearly a third ofAfricans now online, according to Internet World Stats. In manyAfrican economies, the price of broadband services is falling,

and networks are continuing to densify and interconnect across borders.Enterprises and consumers alike are benefiting from increasingly

robust connectivity, and long standing challenges around data privacyand protection are starting to receive much needed attention. As ageneration of African digital natives emerges, demand is being createdfor high quality carrier-neutral data centre capacity.

In the continent’s more progressive economies at least, this demandis translating into a wave of infrastructure development.

Demand for services such as cloud, disaster recovery and storage,coupled with a relative shortage of supporting infrastructure, will act toincrease demand for data centre services, stimulating a further wave ofinfrastructure development.

Reaching international standards The best of this new wave of data centres bear comparison with facilities to be found in more developed parts of the world, matching them for build quality, resilience and security. For example, theNairobi-based East Africa Data Centre (EADC), a subsidiary of LiquidTelecom Kenya, is a recent winner of Tier III Certification and is home toweb-scale players such as Google and Facebook, both of which holdtheir regional caches there.

EADC also hosts the Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP) and a wealthof banking and commercial data. It houses 2,000sqm of secured spacefor data servers over four floors, making it the largest data centre in theregion. “We’ve definitely seen a rise in demand for data centre space invarious parts of Africa,” says Dan Kwach, general manager of the EastAfrica Data Centre. “There are a number of reasons for this. For one there’sbeen a very strong element of transition, with a lot of businesses goingthrough a period of digital change. There’s a move to improve theefficiency of end user ICT, and that means an increase in the consumptionof IT services of the kind that we offer.”

Numerous pieces of legislation are emerging that are further drivingdata centre demand: “In Kenya, for example, there is a lot of regulationaffecting the financial services sector,” he points out. “Banks need tomake sure they have the right ICT infrastructure in place to support thecritical services they offer. Their choice is either to build their own robustinfrastructure, or lease services from us. There are new data protectionlaws too, often dictating that certain kinds of data are kept withinborders. In many countries data protection legislation is being firmed upalong these lines, with Tanzania probably taking the lead in East Africa.”

A future in the cloudThe development of world-class data facilities like EADC is welcomenews for those who believe Africa’s digital future lies in the cloud. Wehave already seen a surge of adoption of cloud-based ICT servicesamong Africa’s enterprise community, and further builds can onlyaccelerate this trend.

A hopeful sign is the interest being taken in Africa as a cloud servicesmarket by various ofthe world’s hyper-scale web giants. Microsoft, forexample, has committed to investing in Africa-based cloud services withnews last year that it plans to deliver Microsoft Cloud for the first timefrom data centres located in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Initialavailability is anticipated in 2018.

Currently many companies in Africa rely on cloud services deliveredfrom outside of the continent, so the main significance of Microsoft’sinvestment is that it will provide cloud services across Africa, but withthe data residing in South Africa.

Last year, Liquid Telecom joined Microsoft’s Cloud Solution Provider(CSP) programme, enabling it to deliver scalable and secure cloudservices across Africa. As an official CSP partner, Liquid Telecom will forthe first time serve businesses of all sizes in Africa with cloud servicesand products, such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics 365,Microsoft Office 365, Enterprise Mobility Suite and Windows 10.

Liquid Telecom also operates data centres in Johannesburg and CapeTown. These are home to the fibre routes of many major carriers, MNOs,cloud service providers and financial institutions.

The two facilities, which offer a combined 4,800sqm of rack space, were acquired by Liquid Telecom earlier in 2017, as part of theUS$6.5bn acquisition of South African communications networkoperator Neotel. They are undergoing major expansions to meet theneeds of global cloud players.

Such developments point to a future in which African enterprises willno longer have to access cloud services from outside the continent. �

The East Africa Data Centre (EADC) in Nairobi is Tier III certified.

Photograph: L

iquid Telecom

Microsoft has committed to investing in Africa-based cloud services with news last year that it

plans to deliver Microsoft Cloud for the firsttime from data centres located in

Johannesburg and Cape Town



With oil and gas being a prime target for cyber criminals, last year’s ADIPEC Security in Energy conferencefocused on strategies to mitigate cyber crime risks and deploy defence mechanisms to protect critical industrysystems and infrastructure.

Safeguarding the oil and gas industryfrom cyber attacks

INTERNETCybersecurity

WITH OIL AND gas being a primetarget for cyber criminals, theADIPEC Security in Energyconference focused on

strategies to mitigate cyber crime risks anddeploy defence mechanisms to protectcritical industry systems and infrastructure.

THE NOTPETYA RANSOMWARE attack at theend of June appears to have specificallytargeted oil and gas companies. According toanalysis by Kaspersky Labs, oil and gasaccounted for around 25 per cent of targets, aclose second to the finance sector, and just“Cybercrime is a serious problem for anybusiness, but recent incidents raise concernsthat oil and gas companies will be highprioritytargets for attacks,” said Christopher Hudson,president – Global Energy at ADIPEC organisersdmg events. Speaking ahead of the conferencethat was held in November last year, he said,“The Security in Energy conference on 14-15November provides a robust discussionspecific to the needs of this industry, helpingcompanies ensure that strong defences are inplace.” The conference delivered the latestmarket intelligence in energy securityprotocols, and placed a spotlight on the bestinnovations, security practices and crisisplanning within the industry. Specificconference sessions covered key topicsincluding ransomware; the internet of things(IoT); the convergence of operating technologyand IT; security and compliance risks in cloudcomputing; risk management for supply chainand business continuity and the use of big dataand analytics. Keynote addresses focused onthe balance between investment and risk, andthe impact of regional collaboration on oil andgas security, with discussions including bothdefensive and offensive approaches tosecurity. There was a significant discussion ofthreats to critical infrastructure, where attackscould cause widespread operational disruptionand safety risks. It offered insights into andfront-line protection strategies, whether fornew systems, or by retrofitting of existingindustrial control systems to build secure andresilient operations. There will also be adedicated Security in Energy zone in theADIPEC exhibition halls. “Illicit cyber activity ishere to stay,” said Don Randall, former head ofsecurity and chief information security officerfor the Bank of England, who will be sharing his

expertise during the conference. “Butunderstanding the motivation of theperpetrators, with appropriate responses andeducation, can substantially reduce the riskand harm.” The list of speakers featuredleading figures from organisations tasked withtackling cybercrime in the Middle East,including Ahmed Alshemaly, director, CyberDefense Centre, National Electronic SecurityAuthority (NESA), United Arab Emirates; Eng.Ibrahim AlShamrani, executive director ofOperations, National Cyber Security Center,Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia; andMohammed Bushlaibi, forensic analyst,Telecommunications Regulatory Authority(TRA), United Arab Emirates. They will speakalongside renowned international experts.According to Accenture’s High PerformanceSecurity 2016 Report, 96 cyberattacks werereported over 12 months by oil and gascompany heads, while 55 per cent of oil andgas leaders say the need to fill cybersecuritygaps in end point or network security is theirmost pressing concern. The Cisco 2017 AnnualCybersecurity Report estimates that thefrequency of ransomware attacks is growing byaround 350 per cent each year. The tools toconduct an attack are easy to obtain and easyto use. Reduction in security budgets While thenumber of attacks is increasing, there areconcerns that some oil and gas companieshave reduced their security budgets as theystruggle to balance cost against risk at a timewhen finances are under pressure, leavingthemselves dangerously exposed. The Security

in Energy conference sessions will aim tobridge this awareness gap, emphasise theimportance of building a solid defenceplatform against cyber-attacks andunderstanding the fallout of an attack and itsimplications to business. "Cybercrime is athreat to the global economy,” said SandipPatel, QC, a UK-based lawyer and leadinginternational expert on prosecuting cybercrimecases in court, and one of the speakers at theSecurity in Energy conference. “Someestimates cost it at more than US$445bn, butthe true cost is far greater as many countries donot report on this.” A company’s securityprotocols are generally in the capable hands ofthe CIO/CISO. However, in order for theprotocols to be 100 per cent understood anddelivered, it is the priority of the entireorganisation, from the top-down and bottom-up, to ensure a solid framework and delivery.Bridging the vocabulary gap between securityprofessionals and their CEO’s and seniormanagement teams is vital to ensure they areall aligned on the ever-present security risks totheir organisation. “Reducing cost andimproving efficiency are important messages inoil and gas today, and many companies areinvesting in technology to reduce their costs,”said Hudson. “Keeping that technology safeand secure needs to be a number one priority.It needs to be as much a concern for the CEO asit is for the chief information officer. “Securityin Energy recognises that this is a core issue fora modern business, and cannot be pushed intoa departmental silo.” �

Companies need to ensure that strong defences are in place to protect against cyber crime.

Photograph: Alex/adobe stock

Communications Africa Issue 1 2018 13www.communicationsafrica.com

S05 CAF 1 2018 TV White space tech_Layout 1 16/02/2018 12:29

A range of stats show that Africa’s digital content and services sector has grown andAfrican consumers are using online services more than ever before. However, high costsof consumer data and the challenges of e-commerce make it a far from easy road.

The challenges facing Africa’s digitalcontent and services sector

DIGITAL Developments

Balancing Act’s RUSSELLSOUTHWOOD LOOKS atwhat Naspers decisionto close down OLX

offices in Kenya and Nigeria andNigeria’s Zinox buying Konga –tell us about the developingdigital services sector.

In retrospect, the sale ofKonga was probably aninevitable consequence ofKinnevik deciding that Africa wasnot making enough money tojustify staying there. Before thispoint, Millicom had beendeveloping a digital strategy andKinnevik had been investing inemerging digital services start-ups. For example, besidesKonga, it also invested $5mn inDeal Dey in 2015.

With the decision to pull-out, ithas slowly been liquidating theportfolio of investments. Its free-to-air broadcast arm was sold toEconet Media with its CEO Joe

Hundah at the helm. RecentlyMTG sold Trace TV, the global hip-hop and sports channel operator.It also sold its shareholding inRocket in 2017.

It would have sold its AfricanTigo operations as one but therewere clearly no buyers. It’s thesame problem Airtel has. So ithas been forced to enter into twomerger deals and clearly will lookfor more mergers or buyers in thefuture.

So the key question for anyoneis: is the lack of a perceivedbusiness opportunity in Africasomething that is particular toKinnevik’s circumstances (and itsrate of return) or a broadly correctcommercial judgement. When Ispoke to Shola Adekoya, CEO,Konga (who will be staying on inthe new company under Zinox) inJuly 2017 it was clear that originalmodel was undergoingsignificant change. The sale of

high-end electrical goods andmobile phones that had driventhe first phase was no longerproducing the return customers.At that point, 90 per cent of itsturnover comes from itsmarketplace where individualmerchants hold the inventory and10 per cent from direct sales.

Because customers have beenbuying high-value, one-off items,Konga looked at how it can builda more continuous relationshipwith its customers. So itlaunched Konga Daily, agroceries service, whichwarehouses everything exceptfresh produce which is thenbought in. The service is onlyavailable in Lagos, “We haveplans to roll it out. We’d like tofollow the market and look toserve cities outside Lagos.”

According to Adekoya, thebuyers are “not from the top ofsociety”. It’s the middle class in

Despite the roll-out of e-commerce across Africa

people will need todevelop enough trust tomake online payments.

Photograph: Olly/adobestock

There is anincreased level ofcompetition withlots of classifieds-style sales beingmade informally offFacebook which hasrecently launched abusiness salesplatform.




DIGITALDevelopments

Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abujawhich accounts for 60 per cent ofthe orders. A further 30 per centcomes from other and 10 per centfrom rural areas. The latter areable to get something atapproximately “Lagos price”without the usual stiff mark-ups.50 per cent are in the 28-45 agerange and there is an equal splitbetween men and women.

In November 2017, thechanges made clearly were notproducing a sufficientturnaround so the companysacked 60 per cent of its staff.Alongside that, it stopped itspay-on-delivery option mainlydue to the frequency of cancelledorders and security challengesoften faced by deliverypersonnel. It also shut itswarehouse service and startedchanging merchants rental fees.

Local PC assembler and high-end IT solutions company Zinoxbought the company for a widelyrumoured US$10mn but Zinoxspokesmen Gideon Ayogu toldQuartz that the amount was “wayhigher”. But whatever the price,the point is that Kinnevik wasprepared to take a significant hiton the considerable sum it hadinvested to get out. Naspers alsolost out. Among the assetportfolio sold is mobile paymentplatform KongaPay which has areported 100,000 subscribers.

Zinox launched an e-commerce platform,BuyRightAfrica in 2008 but wasprobably too early to market andclosed it in 2013. Zinox chairmanLeo Stan Ekeh told TechnologyTimes, “It failed because Istarted too early and there wasnot the human capital to supportit.” It’s probably not entirelycoincidental that Zinox’schairman Leo Stan Ekeh has ason Nnamdi Ekeh who owns ane-commerce platform calledYudala. According to his fatherthe business is now averaging$100,000-300,000 in daily salesand wants to get to $1.3mn a dayby the end of the year. Ekehsenior said he can easily imagine2.7bn a day when the economybounces back. Zinox does notown the company but Ekeh is apersonal investor in it.

Also Naspers recently shutdown its online classifieds

operation OLX in Kenya andNigeria, which it entered in 2012.A company statement read, “Wemade a difficult but importantdecision in Nigeria to consolidateour operations between some ofour offices internationally.”

“Our marketplace willcontinue to operate here —uninterrupted — as it has since2010, and we remain committedto the many people here who useour platform to buy and sell everymonth. We continue to befocused on constantly innovatingto make sure that OLX remainsthe top classifieds platform in thecountry.” In other words, it wouldlike to continue operating therebut without the expense of localoffices.

In an interview in Digital

Content Africa RiccardoPasqualotto, founder and salesdirector, Mobi Hunter gave meOLX monthly reach page views fora range of African countries assomeone advertising on the site:Nigeria (40mn page views);Kenya (64mn page views); SouthAfrica (35mn page views); Ghana(23mn page views) and Uganda(7mn page views). The averagetime spent on the site was 19minutes.

Two observations are worthmaking: Firstly, there is anincreased level of competitionwith lots of classifieds-style salesbeing made informally offFacebook and indeed Facebookhas recently launched a businesssales platform. Secondly,although the Nigerian economy is

better, the legendary “disposableincome” of former years is less inevidence.

E-commerce requires time forbehaviour change and trust.Clearly the hybrid method used inNigeria – where the customerpays on the doorstep is fraughtwith risks – may not be the way togo. People need to developenough trust to make onlinepayments. They have enoughtrust to use free services likeFacebook and YouTube but it willtake time for consumers tochange their behavior in relationto paid-for services. Meanwhilecheaper and more reliable dataservices would also make thingseasier. �

www.balancingact-africa.com

High costs of consumer data and the challenges of e-commerce are affecting Africa’s digital sector.

Photograph: N

atalia Puschina/ad

obestock

People need to develop enough trust to make online payments, asthey do to use free services like Facebook and You Tube but it will

take time for consumers to change their behavior in relation topaid-for services.




https://www.liquidtelecom.com/

The 24th edition of CABSAT welcomed more than 13,000 industry professionals to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC),with more than 500 international exhibitors in attendance, showcasing their new broadcast and satellite solutions.

CABSAT 2018 showcasescutting-edge technology

EVENTS CABSAT

The largest broadcast digitalmedia and satellite expo for theMiddle East, Africa and Asia wasopened by Sheikh Hasher BinMaktoum Al Maktoum, directorgeneral of Dubai’s department ofinformation on 14 January. Thetelevision market in the MiddleEast and Africa has been in anunprecedented state of flux oflate, continually faced withpolitical and cultural changes.Speaking ahead of the show TrixieLohMirmand, senior vicepresident, events management,DWTC said, “Our goal is to providea platform for experts andprofessionals in the industry tomeet and explore the cutting edgeof technology. With a burgeoningregional TV market set to reachUS$15bn by 2021, as well as a

host of new solutions for contentcreation and delivery to bediscussed at the contentcongress, there’s a wealth ofcontent readily available forindividuals and organisationsattending this year.” The first day of the event kicked offwith a keynote address by MartinGaiss, former SVP Global Content,20th Century Fox presentedthoughts on new trends in contentconsumption and some of thelatest technological advances. Anumber of panel sessions andpresentations were held under thethemes: customer engament andbehaviour trends, emergingtechnologies for TV & filmproduction, buying & developingnew content. Some exhibitors atthe show attended the CABSATGlobal Meetings Programme, aspecialist meetings programmethat allows visitors and exhibitorsto book meetings. Visitors are ableto search the database andarrange meetings with keycontacts ahead of or during theshow. It also allows users to findcontacts specific to theirrequirements, with filters bysector/ job title and interests.Exhibiting at this year’s show wasXSAT Global. The companyannounced at the show the launchof online platform NEXT AFRICA.African-based entrepreneurs are

to benefit thanks to a cost-effective Internet connection (Ka-band Yahsat HTS), a practicalcourse on how to accelerate thebusiness and access to differentstart-ups and investors worldwide.

The partnership between X SATFZE, a UAE satellite serviceprovider and Yahsat, the UAE-based satellite operator formedduring last year’s Cabsat hasstrengthened in 2018, followingthe launch of Al Yah 3 Satellite,providing access to uninterrupted,high-speed Internet in 22 Africancountries. Gleb Larionov, X SATFZE managing director, said,“Africa's digital economy isexpected to reach US$315bn by2025. XSAT NEXT AFRICA project’spurpose is to create a vibrantcommunity of start-ups to providethem with online access to sharethe knowledge of how to launchand accelerate the business. To-be-launched Al Yah 3 satellite isan ideal solution for low-cost andhigh-speed unlimited Internetaccess in Africa”.

FOR-A showcased its videoproduction solutions at the show,highlighting ease of workflow,flexible format conversion, andextensible feature sets. Some ofthe new solutions presented at theshow included FOR-A's flagship 7M/E video switcher, the HVS-2000; the HVS-490 HD/4K-UHD

video switcher; and the FA-9600dual channel frame synchroniser.

“We're committed tomaintaining and expanding ourpresence in this region, which iswhy we're participating in oureighth consecutive CABSATconference, and why we openedour Dubai office a few years ago,”said Khalid Sweidan, senior salesmanager of FOR-A Middle Eastand Africa office. “This has alwaysproved a highly successful showfor us, attended by the exactcurrent and potential customerswe're looking to connect with anddemonstrate the benefits of ourlatest technology.”Some otherproducts that were also ondisplay included: HVS-100TB2Thunderbolt 2 expansion card forHVS-100/HVS-490/HVS-2000switchers, which enables single-cable transfer of four channels ofHD video from a computer, MFR-3000 12G-SDI routing switcher for12G/Quad Link 3G, SQD/2SIconversion, Infinity Set Lite virtualstudio software, which transformsfixed camera images into virtualcrane shots and Ze-One 4k zoomextractor for HD instant replays.Viewsat, a provider of broadcasttransmission services, announcedat the show that it has extendedall 140 of its PlayBox Technologyplayout systems to the latestgeneration AirBox Neo. Based in

HYLAS 4 will expand capacity over Europe andsub-Saharan Africa with 64 active Ka-band

fixed beams. (Photo: adobestock)


Africa's digitaleconomy is

expected to reachUS$315bn by 2025.XSAT NEXT AFRICAproject’s purpose isto create a vibrant

community of start-ups to provide themwith online access.

S06 CAF 1 2018 Cabsat_SatADSL_Layout 1 16/02/2018 16:26

Guildford, UK, Viewsat wasestablished with an initial focuson sub-Sarahan Africa and todaysupports customers in Europe, theMiddle East, Asia, North Americaand across the African continent.“AirBox has powered our playoutactivity very successfully rightfrom our commencement 11 yearsago," said Viewsat CEO AwaesJaswal. “Being a fully modularsystem, it enabled us to expandon a channel by channel basis. By2012 we were broadcasting 80channels and that has since risento 140. At times we have beenadding extra PlayBox Technologyplayout servers on an almostmonthly basis. The PlayBoxTechnology user interface is verystraightforward which makesAirBox and the new Neo upgradevery popular with our operatorsand with our customers. Its logicalcontrol and informationpresentation also make operatortraining easy which is a veryimportant factor. “Most of ourclients are currently operating inHD. Each of our playout servers isequipped with a PlayBoxTechnology TitleBox interactivegraphics and charactergeneration, also now upgraded tothe Neo version which makes thewhole process of channelbranding faster, easier and moreflexible than before. Ourschedulers also appreciate theextended feature set of ListBoxNeo which is used for schedulingprogrammes and interstitials.”

Globecast is announcing itsnew Cloud Channel Playoutsolution for SD, HD and 4Kchannels. This solution enhancesservice deployment efficiency,

reduces time-to-market, andallows broadcasters to reach newglobal markets with lowerupfront investment.According toGlobecast thenumber ofchannelscan beincreased orreduced withindays and thechannel branding mixreshuffled for particularaudiences and events. Thenew Cloud Channel Playoutoffer from Globecast alsoprovides broadcasters with anopportunity to increase revenuefrom international markets bylocalisation of advertisements,programming and channelbranding at a country level, oreven at a per-affiliate level, basedon local consumer needs.

Bentley Walker, the biggestsupplier and operator of VSATNetworks outside of NorthAmerica, Bentley Walker’s EMEAcoverage is set to significantlyincrease with the announcementin 2018 that they will commenceservice roll out across Africautilising their initial US$1mnbandwidth commitment onAvanti’s newest High-ThroughputSatellite, HYLAS 4 which is due tolaunch in March 2018 fromKourou, French Guiana. HYLAS 4will expand capacity over Europeand sub-Saharan Africa with 64active Ka-band fixed beams and 4steerable beams with Civil,Government and BSS servicecapabilities. This will extendAvanti’s coverage to 1.7bn peopleacross 118 countries, and support

Bentley Walker’s marketexpansion into West, Central andSouth Africa.

Enrico Leonardi, chief salesofficer of Avanti said – “We aredelighted to strengthen ourpartnership with Bentley Walkerwith their deployment of iDirectDVB-S2X in Afghanistan, and welook forward to being their trustedpartner in more markets with thelaunch of HYLAS 4.”

Anthony Walker, CEO of BentleyWalker said – “This is anothergreat extension to our businessusing Avanti’s Ka-band satellitecapacity and iDirect’s gamechanging DVB S2X technologyplacing us at the forefront of themarket. We have already gained anumber of new clients includingmilitary and corporate customerswho demand higher throughputand greater efficiencies. We lookforward to working with Avanti andiDirect on our continued marketexpansion into Africa.”

David Harrower, vice presidentglobal sales, VT iDirect, said, “Weare pleased to enable BentleyWalker to extend their reachthroughout the world with ourDVB-S2X technology. Our next-generation iQ Series of remoteswere built to introduce a new levelof performance and flexibility forour partners, and greaterthroughputs and a seamlessupgrade path for their endcustomers.”

Also exhibiting at the show was

Arabsat Broadband Services. Thecompany has launched ArabsatExpand, an affordable satellitebroadband for EMEA powered byForsway. “Access to the Internet istoday’s number one enabler ofeconomic mobility,” said WaelMohammed AlButi, VP & CCO ofArabsat. “You can learn to repairyour car from Youtube, aboutfarming from the CornellCooperative Extension, andprogramming from KhanAcademy. We all want to changethe world for the better andbringing affordable Internetaccess to developing markets willdo just that.”

According to Christof Kern,general manager ArabsatBroadband Services, this is thefirst service offered by Arabsat'snewly created business unit forBroadband Services. “We havefound the Forsway technologyreliable and useful for providingthese services in areas where theperformance of the Internet isquestionable due to under-performing 2G and 3G networks.Anyone who is suffering from a lowbandwidth service today will beable to increase their speeds withthis new service; it is literallybringing the entrance barrier to aprice level everyone will be able toafford. We will offer competitiveentrance models to empowerbusinesses and end-users alikethroughout Africa and MiddleEast.” �


EVENTSCABSAT

CABSAT 2018 welcomed 13,000 industry professionals to the Dubai WorldTrade Centre. (Photo: CABSAT)


FOR-A presented its HVS-490 solution at CABSAT.


In an exclusive interview with Communications Africa SatADSL, Michel Dothey, co-founder and CCO of SatADSL, talksabout the company’s new Cloud-based Service Delivery Platform and the advantages this brings to operators in Africaand the challenges along the way.

Delivering new solutions for satelliteconnectivity

SATELLITES Cloud-based services

At the CABSAT show you presented SatADSL’ssolution for operators. What kind of interest and feedback did you receive at the event?Our disruptive Cloud-based Service Delivery Platform(C-SDP) solution was launched in direct response tomarket demand and the interest in it has beenextremely positive. For example, one listener told usthat their organisation had been waiting for a solutionlike this for many years.

Teleport operators were especially interested tohear about the full potential of the solution, as our C-SDP enables them to offer any kind of service(contended, voucher-based, volume-based, etc.)with any kind of technology (iDirect, Newtec, Hughes, etc.).

Can you tell us of a case study where your newestsolutions for operators have proved to besuccessful?A case study that stands out is an iDirect huboperator, which wanted to offer voucher-basedservices in Africa to lower the risk of non-payment.Thanks to the C-SDP, the operator is now able to offera full range of uncapped monthly vouchers, as well asvolume-based vouchers.

Another example is an operator with an unusedtransponder. This customer uses our platform to sellcapacity at very competitive price. This is donethrough our network of 75 partners and resellers in 35sub-Saharan countries.

We also have a teleport operator which uses ourplatform to unify the management, automatic billingand accounting of its entire fleet of hubs, equippedwith different technologies.

How do you ensure your solutions are bothreliable and cost-effective?Based on our physical infrastructure, the C-SDP offersseveral substantial and unique advantages tooperators. In addition to there being no up-frontinvestment or Capital Expenditure (CapEx),Operational Expenditure (OpEx) is also reduced.

With fast time to market, the solution can beimplemented quickly and no commitment is requiredfrom the operator. Operators can optimise theircoverage as the platform allows connections to multi-satellites, multi-Bands (C, Ku & Ka) and multi-technologies (Newtec, iDirect, Hughes, etc.).

The platform comes with an in-built CustomerManagement Tool and white label customer self-care,as well as a very large choice of pre-defined, fully

customisable services. It includes an ultra-flexiblebilling system (time, volume, unlimited, etc.), anintegrated online payment solution (mobile money)and an Application Management Policy (bandwidthand segregation).

SatADSL’s Cloud-based Service Delivery Platform(C-SDP) is now available. What benefits willoperators see?

C-SDP is a unique and innovative solution, whichenables operators to bring satellite IP connectivity totheir customers without investing energy and money.As a complete OSS/BSS, carrier-grade, fullyredundant platform, which allows operators to, forthe first time, offer, via the cloud, satellite servicesover any frequency band, the C-SDP offers uniqueand substantial advantages that no other competitorcan provide.

What level of support do you provide to your huband teleport operators?Our solution is provided as Platform as a Service(PaaS) to minimise the CapEx and all configurationand maintenance costs for the hub and teleportoperators. SatADSL provides full support to operatorsas part of our services.

What challenges do you face when doing businessin Africa?The main challenges we face in Africa are theeconomic and political instabilities. Fortunately, wecan mitigate these risks thanks to the fact that wework with more than 35 countries.

The other challenges are logistical costs andastonishingly high custom duties; in some countries,the regulations for satellite services considerablycomplicate our mission to bridge the digital divide inremote areas. �

Michel Dothey, co-Founder & CCO ofSatADSL.

Photo: S

atADSL


C-SDP is a unique and innovativesolution, which enablesoperators to bring satellite IPconnectivity to their customerswithout investing energy andmoney.


S07 CAF 1 2018 FlexenClosure_Report DA_Layout 1 16/02/2018 10:41

http://www.satadsl.net/

The single biggest challenge to being able to offer stable and reliable mobile phoneservices in Africa is power. Or more precisely, the lack of reliable power at telecoms towersites. Carita Tissari da Costa, sales director, Flexenclosure reports.

POWER ESCOs

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS oftowers across the continent arelocated in areas without access toreliable electricity grids – or

indeed, any electricity grid at all – and theytypically have to be powered by dieselgenerators 24/7. And as the networks expandinto ever more rural areas, the problem isgetting worse as Africa is the only region inthe world where the population is growingfaster than the rate of electrification.This power challenge has vexed mobile

network operators (MNO’s) for years as well as,more recently, the Towercos which have beenacquiring towers from MNOs. Managing thesupply of reliable power is not a traditional corebusiness competency of either of these two

groups, so just as the MNO’s divestment oftowers to the Towercos came of a desire torefocus on their core telecommunicationsservice offerings, that same desire to focus isnow driving the next evolution in the industry’sdynamics – the rise of the Energy ServiceCompanies (ESCOs).

The growth of this new ecosystem of MNOs,Towercos and ESCOs is not only being drivenby companies’ desire to focus though. It’sbeing enabled by a new generation of hybridpower technologies – systems that have beenspecifically designed from the ground up tooperate reliably in even the harshest of Africanenvironments and over the lifetime required foran ESCO’s business model to make goodbusiness sense. The result is a set of verycompelling reasons why outsourcing powerrequirements to an ESCO should be a no-brainer to MNOs and Towercos alike.

1. Significant OPEX SavingsWith an average single-tenant telecom towersite powered 24/7 by a generator consuming

The GSMA reports that Africa will need tens ofthousands of new telecom towers in the nextcouple of years. (Photo: dvrcan/adobestock)

Approximately 50 per centof all telecom towers inAfrica will have implementedoutsourced power in thecoming five years.


Five reasons why ESCOs are the future forAfrican telecom tower power



POWERESCOs

about 28,000 litres of diesel per annum, it’snot hard to see how site power costs canaccount for 30-60 per cent of the totaloperating costs of an MNO or a TowerCompany. Implementing the latest generationof hybrid power systems though, such asFlexenclosure’s eSite x10, can significantlyreduce OPEX by reducing diesel consumptionby 70 per cent or more. And these savings canincrease further if the power loads are reduced,there is intermittent grid power availableand/or solar energy can be harvested.And OPEX savings are not just made on the

cost of diesel. By outsourcing power to anESCO, the MNO or Towerco no longer has toworry about generator maintenance, spareparts, or the cost of an operations team onstandby 24/7 to manage power failures, sitebreak-ins, fuel theft, etc.

2. Freed-up CAPEXAccording to the GSMA, Africa will need tens ofthousands of new towers in the next couple ofyears, yet CAPEX budgets keep tightening asmobile markets become more competitive andmuch of Africa struggles with economicdownturn and forex issues. When a telecomtower site is powered 24/7 by a generator, thatgenerator will run for 8,760 hours per year andwill need replacing every three years, not tomention replacement costs of other legacypower equipment. From a tower operator’s perspective, this

budget (and effort) would be far better spentexpanding network coverage, rolling outrevenue-generating services or on customeracquisition activities – and by outsourcingpower to an ESCO, that’s exactly what they cando with the freed-up CAPEX.

3. Reduced Carbon EmissionsAll respectable organizations across the globetoday are looking at ways of reducing theircarbon footprint. And with an average single-tenant telecom tower site with a 2kW powerload running 24/7 on diesel generatorsproducing over 75kg of CO2 emissions per year,tower operators have very big footprints. Byimplementing the latest hybrid powertechnology – such as the pioneering eSite x10– annual carbon emissions for the same sitecan be brought down to below 20kg per site. That’s a significant drop with equally

significant benefits to the environment and to atower operator’s corporate social responsibilityaspirations. And as before, lower power loads,partial grid availability and/or solar energy canfurther reduce a site’s carbon emissions.

4. Outsourced Risk and Reduced OperationalComplexityManaging power at telecom tower sites isprone to risks related to both the generationand the delivery of power to the active telecomequipment. By outsourcing all responsibility forpower generation and delivery, a toweroperator can effectively unburden themselvesfrom all the complexities and distractions thatpower comes with, even at those sites that areconnected to an electricity grid.

A Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) withan ESCO will detail agreed SLAs and KPIs, withpenalties for non-performance. The result ofsigning up to such a “power-as-a-service”contract would be the tower operator’s movingfrom having to manage the operational powercomplexities for all its sites to simply managingan insurance policy of sorts on its outsourcedpower risks.

5. Unloaded Legacy Power EquipmentFor tower operators – whether MNOs orTowercos – historic investment in telecomtower power equipment can be a significantobstacle when trying to justify investing innewer power technologies now, given it’s notcore to their business focus. ESCOs don’t havethis issue though. Their investment strategywill be to implement the latest hybrid powersystems offering the most reliable long-termperformance, so it makes absolute sense fortower operators to unload their legacyequipment and pass the power baton to ESCOsto run with.The general consensus in the industry is that

approximately 50 per cent of all telecom towersin Africa will have implemented outsourcedpower in the coming five years. Whatever theactual number, it is clear that outsourcingpower to a specialist ESCO will have far-reaching benefits. It will release MNOs andTowercos from the burden of managinginefficient and unreliable legacy powerequipment. It will create a new industrysegment within the larger telecommunicationsecosystem, thus increasing employmentopportunities and skills levels. It will havesignificant environmental benefits. And most importantly, it will support the

“connection of the unconnected” – the questto bring mobile telephony and online access tothe hundreds of millions of people acrossAfrica who still remain beyond the reach ofnetworks today.�

Carita Tissari da Costa, sales director,Flexenclosure. (Photo: Flexenclosure)

When a telecom tower siteis powered 24/7 by a

generator, that generatorwill run for 8,760 hours peryear and will need replacing

every three years.


Africa will need tens of thousands of new towers in the next couple of years. (Photo: Pixabay)


As mobile connectivity is transforming the lives of billions of people across the world, and the technology infrastructure path in Africa paved for 5G, Mobile World Congress2018 is set to unveil more exciting offerings from the world’s top mobile industry leaders.

Creating a mobile future

EVENTS Mobile World Congress

AS THE WHOLE world is entering intothe new era of technologicaladvancements, mobile phones havebecome one of the most crucial

components of daily performance. Accordingto the industry experts, the mobile industrywill bring billions of people and things onlineby 2030, helping to deliver the SDGs, whileenabling immersive experiences that willenrich lives through education, healthcare,agriculture and much more.In order to provide a landscape to the

world’s top smartphone giants to assemble,collaborate and exhibit their latest offerings,GSMA is going to organise Mobile WorldCongress (MWC) at Fira Gran Via in Barcelonafrom 26 February – 1 March 2018.

Best in the IndustryOver all four days of MWC, the most prominentcompanies in the industry will showcase thenewest technologies and most innovativeproducts. With an exhibition spanning ninehalls, this year will feature more than 2,300companies across 100,000 sq m of space.Smartphone giants Samsung, LG, Sony and

Huawei will exhibit their latest offerings atMWC 2018. In addition, the event will alsoinclude the newcomers such as Xiaomi andNokia to unveil their new products. Apart fromthem, some of the most distinguished andinnovative companies to exhibit their productduring MWC are China Mobile, Deloitte,Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, Essential,Facebook, Fujitsu, Google, IBM, Intel,Lenovo, NTT DOCOMO, Ooredoo, Oracle,Orange, SK Telecom, Toyota, Verizon, Vivoand Vodafone.The attendees will be able to access to more

than 30 programmes developed by leadingplayers from across the mobile ecosystem. Inaddition, the Women4Tech Summit willexamine a range of topics, from equality andcareer development to mentoring andeducation, from entrepreneurship tocommunication.

What to expectSamsung has announced to launch Galaxy S9and S9+ during MWC. Chinese manufacturerXiaomi is expected to unveil Mi MIX 2S atMWC. HMD Global is considered to launch twoNokia devices, Nokia 9 and Nokia 6. SouthKorean tech-giant LG is expected to introduceLG G7 which features a six-inch bezel-lessOLED display.As the IoT and 5G come to the fore,

businesses and lives grow increasinglydependent on connectivity, with serviceassurance becoming more important and morecomplex than ever before. NETSCOUT willdiscuss these challenges as well as theopportunities this environment creates duringthe event.

Cobham Wireless, provider of digitalDistributed Antenna Systems (DAS), will beshowcasing a variety of demos at the show,including new 5G dual connectivity capabilitiesand NB-IoT use cases and demonstrate how itsflagship product, idDAS, delivers the coverageand capacity to connect the smart cities of the

future. The company will also discuss hownetworks can be validated to comply with 3GPP5G standards, and reveal which operators havemade significant progress in this area.

Blue Danube Systems aims to discuss howMassive MIMO systems can be deployed incurrent LTE networks, supporting multiplefrequency bands, setting the stage for the roll-out of 5G. Mimosa, leader in the provision of 5Gfixed wireless technology, aims to discuss whymajor players such as AT&T, Verizon andGoogle have committed to fixed wireless todrive their communications strategies in 2018.

Infobip, a leading CPaaS provider, willdiscuss how mobile messaging is drivingcustomer engagement and brandcommunications for service providers and theenterprise. BICS, wholesale carrier provider ofglobal connectivity and interoperabilitysolutions, will discuss how the explosion ofdata roaming worldwide, mounting securitythreats and the surging momentum for 5G andthe IoT will impact connectivity andcommunications services going forward.�

MWC 2018 is set to provide opportunities to the industry leaders for networking and business growth.

Photograph: GSMA

MWC will assemble all themobile network, smartphone,

tablet and gadget industryleaders to showcase their

latest products



Mohamed Kante, head of solutions and business development for North and West Africa at Nokia discusses how IoT is improving quality of life and business sustainability in the continent.

Making IoT a reality in Africa

NETWORKSIoT

ALTHOUGH THE INTERNET of Things(IoT) is still in the early stages inAfrica, it is starting to gain tractionin Africa across different verticals.

The maturity level varies between differentmarkets, with some in the exploring phaseand others with much more concrete IoTplans. As the maturity level increases, theecosystem will follow suite. This will be anatural evolution when innovation is fosteredand the different stakeholders are involvedfrom the public and private sectors and theacademic community. “Nokia is already fullyengaged with several African cities andservice providers on the specificrequirements in their unique markets. Wehave been investing in building anecosystem of partners focusing ondeveloping innovative IoT applications andperforming technology and market trials.When we engage with customers in Africa, weprovide them access to the extensive NokiaIoT ecosystem of partners,” says Kante.

“Most of the interest in IoT is focused onsmart cities, public safety, connectedautomotive and digital health,” says Kante.“This is understandable as these verticalssolve challenges that people in Africa face, soIoT-based solutions addressing them would beof huge value. As deployment takes off in theseindustries, others will quickly follow especiallyif the economies of scale support suchexpansion.”

But how do CSPs in the region takeadvantage of the opportunity?Nokia can help communications serviceproviders (CSPs) and other players to enter orgrow in IoT. For example, the Nokia worldwideIoT network grid (WING) provides a managedservice and related IoT infrastructure as a

service for CSPs. It includes support for marketentry, provisioning, device management,operations, security, a central helpdesk andbilling for all connected applications. WING canbe provided as a white label managed-servicemodel, enabling operators to offer the serviceto their enterprise customers under their ownbrand. “In addition to delivering a one-stop IoTservices model that includes infrastructuresuch as a Core grid and CMP as a service, Nokiaalso provides CSPs with the services needed toassess the IoT opportunities in specificmarkets, as well as go-to-market consultancyservices to make it easier to capture newrevenue streams quickly and efficiently.”

“This puts us in a unique position to be thetrusted partner for our customers in thisjourney. Nokia has all the building blocks forcomplete IoT end-to-end multi-technologysolutions whether it is over a fixed or mobilenetwork. The Nokia WING business model alsoincludes IMPACT IoT platform as a service. It isa scalable, horizontal, and multi-tenant IoTplatform that forms a secure, standards-basedplatform on which CSPs can build and scale IoTservices. IMPACT enables cities and operatorsto securely host IoT applications from multipleagencies in addition to their own applications.So, when deployment starts in one of the leadmentioned industries, the solution can scale tosupport other industries and the serviceproviders will have improved economics withevery newly added solution.”

Nokia has been very active in discussingdifferent possible use cases within theseverticals to improve people’s lives andenhance the safety, and the economic andenvironmental sustainability in Africa. “Nokia’svideo analytics application, for example,utilises advanced machine learning algorithmsby Nokia Bell Labs for crowd and trafficmanagement, which helps with public safety,while smart lighting and fleet managementapplications enhance the sustainability ofnatural and business or city resources. Finally,applications like smart parking achievemultiple goals in terms of making people workand live smarter by eliminating time waste,generating new revenue opportunities forbusinesses and cities, and reducing traffic,pollution, and fuel waste. Our goal is to enablecities and operators in Africa to provide theircustomers with applications that enhance thequality of their lives, and enhance theirenvironment and business sustainability whilemaking them safer,” says Mohamed Kante.

Mohamed Kante, head of solutions and businessdevelopment for North and West Africa at Nokia .(Photo: Nokia)

IoT is starting to gaintraction in Africa.

Photograph: J

ames

teohart/ad

obes

tock

Most of the interest in IoTis focused on smart cities,public safety, connectedautomotive and digital

health.

Communications Africa Issue 1 2018 25www.communicationsafrica.com

S08 CAF 1 2018 Report DB_Layout 1 16/02/2018 12:46

Africa is set for a major densification programme driven by a surge in city data traffic.Small cells and HetNets will be the buzzwords of this new infrastructure model. SueMonahan, CEO, Small Cell Forum, explains why.

The role of small cells in densification

NETWORKS Densification

DENSIFICATION – ADDING MORE cellsites to increase the amount ofavailable capacity in a cellularnetwork – is now a common and

important element of many mobile networkoperators’ (MNOs’) plans, whether they arestill expanding 3G and 4G, or looking aheadto 5G. The term applies to indoor andenterprise locations – often the biggest driverof data traffic and of premium services – aswell as the classic network-on-a-lamppost. However, while 5G will be inherently based

around small cells and increased use of higherspectrum bands, in Africa few MNOs will havethe commercial need to be in the first wave of5G deployers. For many, the priorities will be toenhance 3G and 4G capacity and coverage,while keeping capital and operating costs wellunder control, in a region where many marketshave burgeoning mobile data usage levels, butlow and stagnant ARPUs.To achieve reduction in total cost of

ownership, while densifying the network toincrease capacity and boost coverage, willrequire new architectures. Small cells will becentral to this, but they will need to beimplemented within heterogeneous networks(HetNets), in which they will interworkseamlessly with macro and legacy networks,and any combination of cell domains, basestation form factors and spectrum bands.

Early trials and deployments of small cellswere heavily focused on developed marketssuch as the USA and South Korea. However, inmany cases, the impact of the new architecturecan be even more transformative for operatorsin emerging economies, as they seek toaddress rapidly growing levels of traffic,especially in urban and enterprise areas. In theMiddle East and Africa region, Cisco (in itsCisco Visual Networking Index) predicts thatmobile data traffic will rise from 610,000TB/month in 2016 to 7.37m TB/month in 2021.In a survey conducted in the fourth quarter

of 2017 for Small Cell Forum, global MNOs were

asked to name their main business drivers fordensification and the deployment of non-residential small cells. In the Middle East andAfrica region, two-thirds of MNOs wereimplementing small cells or planned to do sowithin four years. The most-cited driver wasreduced cost of delivering data, placed in thetop two by 74 per cent; this was followed byincreased urban capacity to improve quality ofservice (67 per cent).This indicates that, although the mobile

capacity crunch is often perceived to be adeveloped world problem, in central urbanareas MNOs in emerging economies can facegreater challenges. Demand for data is oftenrising more quickly than in other regions,especially where wireless networks are theprimary method of accessing internet andmedia services. However, there is often lessinfrastructure available to support this, interms of backhaul, sites or spectrum.Meanwhile, low ARPUs and regulatory policiesmay restrict the operator’s options to build outnew capacity in a profitable way. Pressure on mobile capacity is certainly not

universal in African markets but, to an evengreater degree than in other regions, it tendsto be concentrated in certain usage hot zones,such as downtown areas or business parks.That makes it economically essential to beable to target capacity precisely where it isneeded, rather than building a level of macro

layer capacity, which would be excessive inmany areas.Minimising the cost of ownership of

networks is critical to MNOs in emergingmarkets, and while the introduction of higher-quality mobile broadband services can boostARPU, there is still an urgent need to keepcosts down. Where dense capacity is required,it is more cost-effective to add small cells thanmacro sectors.Shortage of spectrum, or slow processes to

allocate new frequencies, are a factor in someAfrican markets, but in those same countries,MNOs may have access to high frequencyspectrum, some of it originally allocated forfixed wireless and WiMAX (e.g. in 3.5 GHz and2.5 GHz). These high bands are challenging formacro coverage but can be harnessed veryeffectively by small cells, to add capacity indense areas.Other trends which are driving densification

around the world include:• A significant recent uptick in deployments ofsmall cells, driven primarily by theenterprise market from 2016, which isimproving economies of scale.

• Rising interest among national and citygovernments in the socio-economic benefitsof dense mobile broadband networks,especially to support smart city projects.This is resulting in concerted efforts by manystakeholders to lower major barriers to

Forecast deployment of non-residential small cells (,000s of units) by region 2016-2025. Source:

Photo

gra

ph: R

ethin

k Te

chnolo

gy R

esea

rch/S

CF fore

cast

s

Minimising the cost ofownership of networks is

critical to MNOs inemerging markets




NETWORKSDensification

urban densification, such as slow processesto secure sites and permits.

• Operators are coming to the end of 3G/4Gmacro layer coverage roll-outs, typically inlow frequency bands, and shifting theirinvestments to boosting capacity usinghigher bands, above 2 GHz, to support risinglevels of 4G usage and new services such asenhanced video. These high frequencybands are well suited to small cells anddrive their adoption. Indeed, someoperators and vendors are alreadyconducting tests and trials in even higherfrequency bands including millimetre andcentimetre wave.

• Another important trend in the spectrum isinterest in shared, unlicensed anddynamically accessed spectrum for cellularnetworks, which can reduce costs for MNOsand also allow other service providers toenter the mobile landscape. For instance,there have been pilots of networks in whitespaces spectrum in several African markets.LTE-unlicensed and LTE-LAA (licensedassisted access), plus LTE-LWA andQualcomm’s MulteFire, all support different

ways of extending the cellular technology’sreach into the 5 GHz unlicensed band.Because of its range and power limitations,5 GHz is inherently a densification band,whether that is achieved with cellular or Wi-Fi access points, or an integrated mixture.

• One essential enabler of dense small celldeployments will be support for multi-operator and neutral host networks, tooffset the cost and complexity of rolling outmultiple per-MNO networks in the samelocations. In general, small cells will cease to be a

relatively niche, tactical solution to networkholes, and become the central foundation forthe HetNet as operators chase ever-higherlevels of capacity. As that happens, a far wider variety of small

cell form factors will be required, includingvirtualized clusters, ultra-low-power cells andhigher-powered metrocells. Development ofnew architectures that will enable high levels ofdensity is not only being done by traditionalwireless players. Architectures which rely onlarge numbers of small cells, operating withextremely low cost and power, and connectedin meshes to virtualised basebands, are beingproposed by various non-traditionalorganizations, including Facebook with itsTerragraph concept design, which creates adense mesh using 60 GHz unlicensedspectrum, and WiGig (the WiFi-like technologyfor the 60 GHz band).Another of Facebook’s attempts to shake

up attitudes to RAN design, OpenCellular, isalso focused on small cells. It consists of ashoebox-sized chassis for a wireless accesspoint or a full network-in-a-box. It can bepowered by solar, DC, power over Ethernet or batteries. It runs open sourcesoftware and is designed to be mass-producedby low-cost vendors. Both these are examples of small cell

designs which are being targeted heavily atemerging economies, to support bothaffordable densification and rural access.Of course, barriers remain, including access

to sites, backhaul and power in all the desiredlocations and the need for simpler, repeatabledeployment processes (and eventuallyautomated, plug-and-play access points). But the rising need for mobile data capacity

that is affordable, and clearly targeted at theareas of greatest usage, will give Africa’s MNOsthe incentive to work with their suppliers andregulators to lower the barriers. This is clear ina forecast which Rethink Technology Researchproduced for Small Cell Forum, based on asurvey of about 100 global MNOs about theirdensification roadmaps. As the figure shows,between 2016 and 2025, Africa will have thehighest growth rate in deployment of non-residential small cells at 118 per cent, and thatinvestment will transform the business modeland consumer experience in many markets. �

To find out more about Small Cell Forum visitwww.smallcellforum.org

A significant uptick in deployments ofsmall cells is driving densification

around the world.

Photo

gra

ph: E

rics

son

Early trials anddeployments of small cells

were heavily focused ondeveloped markets such asthe USA and South Korea.



Les technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) ont transformé l’Afrique,et c’est dans le secteur de l’éducation que cet impact est le plus profond.

Les TIC et l’apprentissage

LA 12E ÉDITION de laconférence eLearningAfrica a eu lieu à Mauriceen septembre 2017.

Composée de plusieurscentaines de délégués venus detoute l’Afrique et du reste dumonde, ainsi que de nombreuxexposants, la communauté del’eLearning a eu la chanced’assister à une conférence à lafois dynamique, divertissante etinstructive.

Organisée sur trois jours parIntegrated CommunicationsWorldwide Events (ICWE) GmbH,société berlinoise spécialiste desévénements, la conférence aaccueilli d’éminentespersonnalités, issues du secteurde l’éducation et de latechnologie.

ICWE a obtenu le soutien dugouvernement mauricien, quisponsorisait l’événement enpartenariat avec l’UNESCO. LeSmart Learning Institute (institutde pédagogie affilié à l’universiténormale de Pékin) comptaitégalement parmi les principauxsponsors.

L’Union africaine souhaite créer« un continent transformé », et latechnologie occupe une placecentrale dans le programmeradical que l’organisation a

développé dans le cadre de saVision 2063. L’UA est aussiconvaincue que c’est dans ledomaine de l’éducation et de laformation que la technologie peutavoir l’impact le plus déterminantpour la croissance durable del’Afrique.

L'Allemagne a également jouéun rôle de premier plan lors de laconférence eLearning Africa :Günter Nooke, ancien membre duBundestag et représentant spéciald’Angela Merkel, a pris la parolelors de la première séanceplénière de l’événement, qui resteaujourd’hui la plus grandeconférence africaine consacrée àl’apprentissage et à la formationassistés par ordinateur.

Il a réaffirmé l’intérêt et lesoutien de l’Allemagne pour ledéveloppement del’apprentissage numériquecomme solution d’avenir pourl’Afrique – et pour l’éducation desréfugiés, qui selon M. Nooke, est «l’un des problèmes les pluspressants qu’il nous faut résoudreau niveau international ». C’est unpoint fondamental autour duquels’articule la politique africaine dugouvernement Merkel.

Nooke a annoncé aux déléguésque le Ministère fédéral allemandpour la coopération et le

développement économique(BMZ) avait lancé sa proprestratégie pour intégrer de façonsystématique les TIC dans sesprogrammes coopératifs dedéveloppement, débloquant prèsde 100 millions € pour lefinancement de projetsnumériques au sein de l’initiativeAfrique Numérique.

Merkel a depuis longtemps laconviction que la technologie a unrôle crucial à jouer dans les projetsd’aide au développement pourl’Afrique axés sur l’éducation, etNooke a cité plusieurs exemplesillustrant les efforts del’Allemagne pour soutenirl’introduction de l’éducationnumérique en Afrique. Il anotamment mentionné lesprogrammes TIC lancés pouraméliorer la formation desenseignants dans les régionsrurales du Mozambique et duMalawi, et l’utilisation des TICpour améliorer l’accessibilité et laqualité de l’éducation pour lesréfugiés.

Nooke a ensuite insisté surl’importance de la coopérationavec le secteur privé,indispensable au succès duprogramme numérique del'Allemagne. La participation dusecteur privé est déjà engagée

Google a annoncél'an dernier qu'il

allait consacrer 50millions de dollarsaméricains à une

initiative africaineen matière

d'éducation, dans lecadre d'une série de

projets visant àutiliser la

technologie pourpromouvoir la

transformation del'éducation en

Afrique.


LA TECHNOLOGIE

S09 CAF 1 2018 Report FA_BICS_Layout 1 16/02/2018 10:45


dans le Partenariat stratégique «Afrique numérique » del’Allemagne, et dans sonprogramme « Make IT », créé poursoutenir les start-ups et lesentrepreneurs de l’industrietechnologique.

Nooke a souligné l’importancedes partenariats avec les start-upsnumériques, citant la récentecollaboration avec l’entreprise delogiciels SAP dans le cadre del’Africa Code Week pour illustrerson argument. L’événement AfricaCode Week avait pour but depromouvoir l’alphabétisationnumérique et la maîtrise ducodage informatique chez lesenfants et la jeunesse africaines.

Il a rappelé à son public que lescompétences numériques etl’accès aux technologies sontdeux priorités essentielles auxyeux du gouvernement allemand,puis a évoqué l’initiativeeSkills4Girls, lancée pourpromouvoir la participation,l’éducation et l’emploi desfemmes et des filles dans lemonde du numérique.

Afin de poursuivre le travail, leBMZ a récemment rejoint lePartenariat mondial pour l’égalitédes sexes à l’ère numérique(EQUALS), une initiativeimpliquant de nombreux acteursvisant à accélérer le progrèsmondial sur la représentationégale des hommes et des femmesdans le secteur numérique.

Suite à la séance plénièred’ouverture de la conférence, lesdélégués avaient un choix difficileà faire, puisque plusieurs séancesparallèles traitant des diversaspects de l’éducation et de latechnologie leur étaientproposées.

Parmi les deux débats les plusintéressants, le premier étaitconsacré à la coopération

internationale pour l'infoéthique,la paix, la justice et l’efficacité desinstitutions, ainsi qu’à laconcrétisation du 16e objectif dedéveloppement durable (SDG16 :promouvoir des sociétéspacifiques et cohésives pour ledéveloppement durable, garantirà tous l’accès à la justice et mettreen place des institutions efficaces,responsables et inclusives à tousles niveaux).

La seconde séance concernaitla coopération internationale surl’éducation et l’inclusionnumérique, et la nécessité de «n’oublier personne ».

Lors du débat consacré àl'infoéthique, les discussions ontsouligné le fait que l’Afriquefaisaient face aux mêmesproblèmes que le reste du monde,et notamment : les difficultésrelatives au contrôle ducyberespace pour prévenirl’extrémisme violent et lesdangers des fausses informations,des discours de haine, de ladiffamation, du racisme, de lapornographie et autresmanifestations indésirables, quece soit sur le web grand public ousur le plus subversif dark web.

La seconde séance, elle aussiprésentée sous forme de débat,était consacrée au rôle des TICpour l’amélioration de la qualité devie des personnes handicapées,pour l'autonomie des femmes etdes filles (5e objectif dedéveloppement durable : parvenirà l’égalité des sexes), et aégalement traité des opportunités

offertes par l’apprentissage enligne en faveur d’une éducation dequalité pour tous.

Ces deux discussions ontabordé la majorité des questions(mais pas toutes, loin s’en faut)auxquelles le secteur des TICafricain est confronté en matièred’éducation et de formation.Cependant, l’événement final dela conférence a fait l’objet d’undébat important, initié par lamotion suivante : « Cetteassemblée estime que lesinitiatives grandioses de la SiliconValley prennent rarement encompte les contextes locaux et nesont pas ce dont l’Afrique abesoin. »

La récente annonce de Google,qui s’engage à consacrer 50millions de dollars à une initiativepour l’éducation en Afrique,s’ajoute à une série de projetsélaborés par diversesorganisations internationales etaxés sur l’utilisation de latechnologie pour promouvoir latransformation de l’éducationafricaine et ainsi stimuler leséconomies locales.

Mais certaines initiatives ontété lourdement critiquées. Parexemple, le projet « Un ordinateurportable pour chaque enfant », quiavait pour objectif de fournir desordinateurs portables à chaqueenfant du Kenya en partenariatavec le gouvernement du pays, amal été accueilli parce qu’ilprivilégiait le matériel plutôt queles infrastructures decommunication.

Les principaux intervenantsdans ce débat étaient Dr DanielWagner, professeur de pédagogieà l’université de Pennsylvanie etdirecteur du programmeinternational du développementde l’éducation, Dr Bitange Ndemo,ancien secrétaire permanent dudépartement kényan pourl’éducation et maître deconférences sur l’entrepreneuriatet les méthodologies de rechercheà l’université de Nairobi; SteveVosloo, spécialiste del’apprentissage mobile, etresponsable de projet en chefpour l’UNESCO, et enfin AliceBarlow-Zambodla du réseau sud-africain e/merge Africa Network.

Le débat, très animé, a abouti àune conclusion peut-êtreinattendue. Les questions et lescommentaires du public étaientrecueillies par l’ancienparlementaire britannique DrHarold Elletson, à l’origine dudébat eLearning Africa, et par S.E.l’Ambassadeur Keshwar Jankee,ambassadeur de Maurice enAllemagne.

En dépit du fait que lesintervenants, tous utilisateurs detechnologie, soient pour la plupartfavorables aux efforts desentreprises de Silicon Valley pourcontribuer à la transformationpositive de l’Afrique, la motion aété approuvée. Il seraparticulièrement intéressant devoir si Silicon Valley en tientcompte à l’avenir. �

Stephen Williams

Photograph: ICWE


Gunter Nooke, représentant spéciald'Angela Merkel pour l'Afrique à

eLearning Africa à Maurice.

La session «info-éthique» a montréque l'Afrique est

aux prises avec desproblèmes

mondiaux, toutcomme le reste du

monde.

LA TECHNOLOGIE


Innovating communications for a‘connected world’Shifts and fluctuations occur in every sector, with political, economic, and social factorsall guiding peaks and troughs, positive and negative. The telecoms industry throughout2017 has been testament to this.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ACROSSall areas of society and businesshas had huge repercussions fortelcos: OTT apps are replacing

traditional voice and SMS in consumer andenterprise markets, causing revenues fromtraditional services to tumble. In addition,with the EU’s abolition of roaming chargesthis year, operators have come underincreasing pressure to find new revenuestreams. As a result, the industry is at aninflection point and whilst it’s inevitable thatsome will flounder, through harnessingglobal digitalisation, service providers canflourish. Daniel Kurgan, CEO, BICS, forecaststhe main issues which will shape thetelecoms industry in 2018. Rather than‘trends’, these predictions signifyopportunities for long-term growththroughout the next 12 months and beyond.

Out with the old, in with the new: Thedecline in legacy services will continue,meaning operators must adopt newapproaches underpinned by a ‘connectedworld’ mindsetThe decline in traditional voice services, longfeared in the telecoms industry, has graduallybecome the reality. Whilst consumers andbusinesses seem to be using morecommunications services, more often, the timeand money spent on traditional means ofcommunicating is declining. 2017, like noother, has been a year in which we’ve seen OTTcommunications players come to the fore.WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype,WeChat, and a vast array of others can nowoffer more attractive, feature-rich, enhancedservices, often for a lower cost and at moreconvenience than provided by traditional voiceand SMS.

In light of this, 2018 must be the year inwhich operators and telcos change tack.Instead of doing battle with the digital players,we’ll witness a growing number of incumbentscollaborating, consolidating, and adopting amore forward-looking ‘connected world’ vision.By providing and managing critical mobileinfrastructure, telcos will continue to stayrelevant in the communications ecosystem inthe future, so long as they adapt accordingly.

This means moving to virtualisedinfrastructure and offering services and

solutions which recognise mobile as thebeating heart of communication andinteraction. Looking beyond mobile telephony,we’ll see a rise in the number of traditionalindustry players experimenting with digitalservice offerings, and adapting their businessmodels to the diverse needs of the globalmarket. The IoT, storage, healthtech, smartcities, chatbots, data analytics, 4K content:operators will move into diverse sectors, todeliver new solutions and engagingexperiences.

M&A megadeals and small-scaleconsolidation will be progressed, announcedand completedAs we head into the New Year, many in theindustry will be asking: will 2018 match therampant M&A activity of the past 12 months?

M&A megadeals will continue into 2018,with the IoT in particular driving telco interest in

companies in a variety of vertical sectors. Weshould expect more deals involving chipsetand semiconductor manufacturers, as those inthe wider telco industry look to capitalise onIoT growth.

Continued hype around driverless cars willalso drive M&A activity between the telco andautomotive industries. Connected cars will relyon ultra low-latency, high-reliabilityconnectivity; something telcos are able toprovide and manage, with potentially hugereturns.

It’s not only the big firms with the big buckswho’ll be floating and confirming partnershipdeals next year. We’ll also witnessconsolidation between smaller players lookingfor a way to enhance offerings, expand assetsand stay relevant in the digital economy.

Significant of CPaaS will drive A2P trafficvolumes and allow MNOs to monetise arange of services2018 will be the year that CPaaS(Communications Platforms-as-a-Service)really takes off. Adopting CPaaS will allowdevelopers to easily and cost-effectivelyintegrate real-time communications servicesinto their offering, using the existinginfrastructure and expertise of the provider.We’ll see the benefits initially in customer care,with businesses from airlines and healthcareproviders, to banks and retailers, adoptingCPaaS to enhance customer engagement,using cloud-managed voice, video calling, orSMS. Without the need for extensive andexpensive hardware purchases and back-endsystem development, businesses can go tomarket faster than ever with new services, tothe benefit of consumer and enterprise.

We identified this trend a couple of yearsago, and made significant progress this year bycompleting our acquisition of CPaaS companyTeleSign.

CPaaS services that will drive A2P volumes,together with the increased usage of 2FAWhile enhancing engagement via voice andvideo calling is a natural progression whichaligns with a more digitally-connected future,SMS has often been overlooked. But despiteP2P messaging services declining, 2018 willsee the surprise (for some) return of thehumble SMS for A2P communications. The

Continued hype arounddriverless cars will alsodrive M&A activity betweenthe telco and automotiveindustries.

30

DIGITAL New opportunities


Daniel Kurgan, CEO of BICS.

Photograph: B

ICS


31

boost in CPaaS adoption will serve as a majordriver for A2P traffic volumes, which areforecast to increase by 20 per cent over thenext five years to more than 2.7 trillion by 2022.

Our world is growing ever-more connected,and whilst network infrastructureimprovements will continue next year, manyregions will still be a while off ubiquitous 3G orLTE. Businesses in these regions will continueto adopt A2P SMS next year as a crucial tool forreliable customer engagement. Even in thoseregions with 5G on the horizon, SMS willcontinue to prove popular with the enterprisemarket next year. Whilst apps can be deleted,push notifications turned off and emails lost inbulging inboxes, SMS allows an enterprise toautomate communication, instantly, directly,and securely reaching their target customers.

In 2018 we’ll also see greater adoption ofA2P SMS by banks and financial institutions,social media platforms, and healthcareproviders, which will harness this for end-userauthentication. Financial transactions, hospitalappointment details, website access and thelike can be verified via 2FA; sending the end-user a OTP (one-time password) via SMS.

This will help position A2P SMS – and value-add services like traffic monitoring and

management – as a key revenue driver forMNOs globally.

The IoT will prosper, and more enterprises inmore sectors will recognise mobileconnectivity as the cornerstone of asuccessful IoT strategyThe combination of more sophisticatednetwork infrastructure, the falling price ofhardware, and the rise of cost-effective as-a-service business models have created theperfect IoT storm. From start-ups tointernational corporations, this climate willopen the door to more companies looking tolaunch IoT strategies and enjoy the efficienciesthis ecosystem will deliver.

Connecting people with things offersexciting opportunities, yet next year theopportunities presented by connecting ‘things’with ‘things’ will be even more significant. Asmore companies connect smart devices,infrastructure and sensors, reliableconnectivity will be required in order to supportdifferent M2M use cases. However, to trulyunlock the potential of the IoT, devices must beable to access high capacity connectivitywherever they are in the world.

The value of the IoT has become clear in

recent years, so in 2018 operators andenterprise will be looking for solutions andapproaches to realise the benefits, andenhance end-user services. Lacking the corenetwork infrastructure needed to deliverconnectivity, next year we’ll see increasedadoption of M2M white label platforms byoperators. These can then be re-sold to theenterprise market, enabling the managementof connected infrastructure and worldwideroaming agreements needed for global IoTconnectivity.

Everyone is competing to gain a foothold inthe IoT, and as more companies,manufacturers and operators enter the fray,competition will heat up in 2018. Rapid time-to-market, reduced CapEx and OpEx and a simple,accessible means of entering the IoTecosystem will therefore be fundamentalrequirements of making this move.

While 2017 was undoubtedly a turbulentyear for a vast number of operators, 2018presents huge opportunities for telcos ifdigitalisation can be harnessed correctly.Operators should therefore look to embracechange and innovate, and in doing so canrealise the full benefits that the connectedworld will bring. �


DIGITALNew opportunitiesPhotograph: arrow/pixab

ay


Apps such as WhatsAppand Facebook Messengeroffer more enhancedlow-cost services,compared to traditonalvoice services


32

The adoption of TVWS technology aims to see communities in remote parts of Africa better connected, while supporting thedelivery of a wide range of socio-economic services, such as improving learning through access to the Internet in schools.Communications Africa explores how the deployment of TVWS is one step nearer towards solving the connectivity gap.

TECHNOLOGY Connectivity

TVWS SOLUTIONS ARE suited todelivering broadband services tounderserved populations to support abroad range of commercial,

education and government applications.Microsoft’s White Space technology is anexample of this, offering wireless networkingover the old television bands, higherthroughput, low power usage and greaterpenetration into buildings. This has beensuccessfully rolled out in the US andSingapore and is being tested in Kenya,Tanzania, South Africa and the Philippines.

Kalpak Gude, President of the DynamicSpectrum Alliance, says creating a new era ofcommunication everywhere, for everyone, willrequire a blend of technologies and ofbusiness plans. Access to spectrum is

essential to both deliver the connectivity aswell as the throughput and capacity. The onlyrealistic way to make this spectrum available isthrough aggressive sharing. Old methods ofspectrum clearing and exclusive licensing willnot free up the necessary spectrum, and will infact drive the very scarcity that is essential toeliminate. Incumbent users of spectrum are nolonger easy to remove, as their services arevaluable and even critical to established userbases. Efforts to remove these incumbentshave generally already taken years to achieveonly disappointing results. Television WhiteSpace (TVWS) technology has the ability to useshared spectrum to help solve the connectivitygap that exists in virtually all countries aroundthe world, regardless of the level ofdevelopment. TVWS projects are operationalaround the globe, including Africa, to deliverconnectivity to those that have been hardest toreach. TVWS is enabled using dynamicspectrum access technology that allowssharing of television broadcast spectrum withwireless broadband in areas where thespectrum is not used. Both services co-exist,spectrum efficiency is increased, and value tothe people is increased greatly.According to Kalpak, dynamic sharing

technology will also be used in urban areas toincrease available throughput and capacity.The U.S. FCC is using the technology to unlock150 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz (CitizensBroadband Radio Services (CBRS)) band toprovide broadband around the country. Thismodel provides the potential to move societybeyond spectrum scarcity. CBRS allowsprotection of incumbent services while stillenabling both licensed and unlicensed/lightly-licensed (e.g., Wi-Fi) use to provide the mostcost effective and efficient path to deliverservices to end-users and devices. Dynamicsharing also enables mobile carriers to gainaccess to significantly more spectrum, whilealso allowing network investment from newedge players that will help to build the nextgeneration networks.The future of communications will need to

solve both the connectivity and coverageissues, both of which require access tosubstantially more spectrum. The exclusivelicensing models of the past arecounterproductive to solving this problem.Fortunately, dynamic sharing technology andregulatory models are available to moveindustry towards spectrum abundance to allownext generation networks to flourish.�

TVWS projects areoperational around the

globe, including Africa, todeliver connectivity tothose that have been

hardest to reach.


Bringing connectivity to remote areas withTV white space technology

TVWS projects are operational around the globe,including Africa. (Photo: adobestock)

S10 CAF 1 2018 Report FC_Solutions_Layout 1 16/02/2018 16:33


SOLUTIONS

33www.communicationsafrica.com

QUIKA HAS ANNOUNCED it has created the world’s firstfree high-speed satellite Internet service for consumers indeveloping countries. The company provides high-speed,low latency Ka-band Internet using high-throughputsatellites, in a bid to solve the challenges to internetadoption, such as lack of infrastructure and affordability.

“3.9bn people (53 per cent of the world’s population)are still offline. The majority of these people, live in ruralareas and are often poor. The main reasons for people notusing the internet are inequalities in relation to incomeand education, as well as the lack of infrastructure,relevant online content and services, plus relatively highcosts of access and usage,” said Alan Afrasiab, founderand chairman of Quika and CEO of Talia Limited

“While numerous initiatives have been implemented tobring unconnected communities online, a significantamount of people still remain unconnected. With Quika, wehope to accelerate Internet adoption around the world and

transform societies for the better.”Quika Free revealed that the service is available to all

individuals and businesses and will launch in Q2 of 2018across Africa and the Middle East before rolling out toother developing countries.

THROUGH THE “5G Pioneer”Initiative, QualcommTechnologies expects that itwill be able to provide Chinesemanufacturers with theplatform they need to launchpremium tier and global 5Gcommercial devices. The firmrevealed that it will be workingwith some of the leadingChinese manufacturers toexplore new mobileapplications and experiencesenabled by 5G, while alsofocusing on othertransformative technologies -such as Artificial Intelligence(AI) and the Internet of Things(IoT), to continue to drivetechnological evolution andindustry transformationworldwide.“5G will bring massive new

opportunities to the mobileindustry, and we are excited towork with these manufacturerson this 5G Pioneer Initiative,”said Cristiano Amon, president,Qualcomm Incorporated.“Qualcomm Technologies hasclose relationships withinChina’s mobile andsemiconductor ecosystem,and we’ll continue to work withthis ecosystem to driveinnovation as we move fromthe 3G/4G era to the 5G era,”added Amon.“Lenovo started 5G

technology research as well asproductization since the globalcommunications industrybegan the 5G standard-settingprocess, and we have beenworking closely withQualcomm Technologies inboth aspects,” said YuanqingYang, chairman and chiefexecutive officer, Lenovo. “Wehope to make our personal lifeand work smarter, and enableintelligent transformationacross multiple industriesthrough our concerted efforts.”

MYDAWA HAS BECOME a huge hit, enabling consumers toconveniently purchase authentic medicines and wellnessproducts was launched in March 2017.

Speaking during an update on the growth of the platform,MYDAWA managing director Tony Wood explained that thesteady rise in users was as a result of rising healthcare costs,an increased awareness from the customer and negativepatient experiences reported in Kenya.

“MYDAWA is proud to be a formidable force in disruptingKenya’s healthcare industry through innovation. The companyis anchored on privacy, convenience and guaranteed qualityas part of its promise to service delivery,” said Wood.

The MYDAWA solution is beneficial to consumers as theygain the advantage of having increased transparency,convenience and affordability. MYDAWA presents a uniquemechanism that gives back control to the consumer. Oncea prescription has been uploaded online, the consumercan use the mechanism to check the authenticity ofproducts.. Consumers recieve value for money sinceproducts sold at the platform are 40 per cent below themarket price for MYDAWA products, whilst 3rd party

products are sold at a 20 per cent cheaper rate.Wood also highlighted the need for healthcare operators

to continue to embrace disruption in the industry tobecome more efficient, to lower costs, increase accessibilityto healthcare and provide the best possible care to patients.Consumers are now more informed and empowered, thanksto technology such as the Internet and MYDAWA enables theconsumer to access healthcare products through itsplatform without comprimising on quality and affordability.

MYDAWA is a platform that allowsconsumers in Kenya to purchase medicinesand wellness products.

More than 30,000 registered users in Kenya have signed up to e-health platform

Quika launches high-speed satellite Internet serviceQualcomm andChinesemanufacturersannounce “5GPioneer” initiative

Alan Afrasiab, founder Quika, CEO Talia Limited.

Ph

oto

gra

ph

: Bu

sin

ess

Wir

eP

ho

tog

rap

h: M

YD

AW

A

Tony Wood, managing director, MYDAWA, at SankaraHotel during the MYDAWA launch.

Ph

oto

: MY

DA

WA


In-room Safes & Room Access Technology

•

security industry

•

of homeland security

I • Roads and Transport Authority • du

•


SOLUTIONS

34

LE FOURNISSEUR DE sécurité numérique Gemalto aobtenu la certification AT & T pour son module IoT(Internet of Things / Internet des Objets) CinterionLTE-M, élargissant les possibilités de connectivitécellulaire pour les solutions IoT. Le module Gemaltoconsomme peu d'énergie et la bande passanteoptimisée pour l'IoT doit permettre une utilisationparticulièrement efficace des réseaux 4G déjà enplace. Il convient pour les solutions IoT avec desbesoins en énergie réduits et qui ne demandentpas un débit de données élevé telles que lescompteurs intelligents, la localisation d'actifs, lasurveillance et le contrôle à distance, les solutionsde santé, les systèmes de sécurité, les points devente (PDV) et les applications de villesintelligentes. Les premiers programmes pilotes ontété mis en place en janvier, avec une accélérationdu déploiement attendue au premier trimestre de 2018.

Selon Gemalto, la conception du moduleCinterion EMS31 LTE-M repose sur lesradiofréquences (RF) flexibles qui prennent encharge l'utilisation évolutive multi-bandes etmulti-technologies. À l'avenir, 10 bandes defréquences LTE supplémentaires permettront unecouverture mondiale. Cela supprime le besoin de

plusieurs variantes pour un déploiement mondialsimplifié et une mise sur le marché très rapide. Lemodule de Gemalto partage une empreintecommune avec d'autres modules industriels deCinterion, offrant une migration transparente auxsolutions 2G, 3G et 4G existantes.

La mise en œuvre du protocole de sécurité de lacouche transport TLS (Transport Layer Security)accélère l'échange numérique sécurisé au niveaudu module, générant des économies d'énergiesupplémentaires, souligne la société. De plus, latechnologie propriétaire permet une activation etun arrêt 15 fois plus rapides que les systèmestraditionnels. Cette fonctionnalité unique deGemalto améliore la réactivité, minimise lesproblèmes de latence et réduit considérablementla consommation d'énergie, ce qui permet deprolonger la durée de vie des batteries desapplications sensibles à l'alimentation telles queles systèmes de suivi et repérage.

Le module peut être personnalisé grâce à latechnologie SIM intégrée (eSIM) pour soutenirfacilement le regroupement de l'offre deconnectivité IoT. L'association de deuxcomposants permet de réduire la taille desmodules et le coût total de possession tout en

simplifiant le développement et la logistique et enrenforçant la sécurité et la résistance auxintrusions. Les réseaux étendus à basseconsommation (LPWAN - Low-Power Wide-AreaNetwork) croissent à un taux annuel composé de206 % et les réseaux LTE-M sont en cours dedéploiement dans le monde entier », commenteSam Lucero, analyste principal pour l'IoT chez IHSMarkit. « L'EMS31 LTE-M de Gemalto est bien placépour être un leader dans la catégorie, supportantune multitude de cas d'utilisation mobile IoT àfaible bande passante. »

« Le module robuste sans fil LTE M de Cinterionassocie la longévité, la fiabilité et l'omniprésencede la connectivité cellulaire LTE à l'efficacité etl'économie des technologies des réseaux étendusà basse consommation LPWAN - précisément cedont la plupart des nouvelles solutions IoT ontbesoin », commente Andreas Haegele, Vice-Président Senior des produits IoT de Gemalto. «Ensemble, AT & T et Gemalto révolutionnent lespossibilités cellulaires pour l'IoT, permettant auxsystèmes d'actifs connectés, aux maisons et auxvilles intelligentes de se connecter instantanémentet de rester connectés en toute sécurité durant lalongue durée de vie des appareils IoT. »

Le module sans fil Gemalto LTE-M obtient la certification AT & T

I wish to subscribe to COMMUNICATIONS AFRICA for 1 year (6 issues) starting with the next copy.

NAME ..................................................................................POSITION ................................................

ORGANISATION ...................................................................................................................................

TELEPHONE......................................................FAX ............................................................................

ADDRESS ...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................

COUNTRY..................................................................EMAIL: ...............................................................

Subscription Form

Other readers who do not meet our terms ofcondition and who are not in Africa may subscribe at the following rates:

1 year US$124, £63, €93, N3500, KSH2200, R228

2 years US$211, £107, €158 3 years US$280, £142, €210

� I enclose a cheque for ......................................payable to “Alain Charles Publishing Ltd” together with this form.

� Please invoice me/my company.

� Please charge to my credit card

� Amex � Visa � MastercardCard number:

ooooooooooooooooExpiry date:oo/ooSecurity Code:ooo(Please note that we will debit your account in sterling).

Signature: ..............................................................

Please tick the most relevant box(es)

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN YOUR ORGANISATION:

1 - 49 50 - 99 100 - 249

250 - 499 Over 500

YOUR JOB TITLE/FUNCTION

Corporate Management

Government Executive

General Management

Technical Management

Others, Please specify

...................................................................

YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR ORGANISATIONCOMMUNICATION POLICY (Please tick all that apply): Do you:

Initiate/plan communication strategy

Evaluate/select suppliers

Authorise purchase of equipment or services

YOUR BUSINESS

Communication service providers

PTT/telephone organisation

Network operator

Broadcast (TV, radio)

Government telecoms ministry

Communication equipment manufacturer/supplier

Communication service users

Industry

Financial services/banking

Defence

Transportation (airlines, railways etc)

Government departments (not telecoms ministry)

Other, Please specify

...................................................................

01 0302

04 05

01

03

02

04

05

01

03

02

04

19

18

17

06

20

21

24

22

23

10

01

16


Subscription order can also be placed via the web: www.alaincharles.com or email at [email protected]

Send this subscription form by airmail together with cheque payable to:Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place London, SW1W 0EX, UK

NEW TECHNOLOGY IS expected tochallenge how businesses sellthemselves, as digital marketingexperts warn this will be aconsequence of the rise in AI andsmart technology adoption. Digitalmarketing firm Fat Media has revealedthat growing smart tech, blockers, AIand dynamic pricing are allchallenging how businesses arepromoting their products andservices.

Alexei Lee, head of social and PR atFat Media says Amazon’s voiceactivated assistant Alexa is a basicexample, as it has led to consumerscontinuing to become ever morecomfortable with aspects of theirchoice set being outsourced tomachines. According to him, this layerof assisted decision-making will makeit increasingly hard for businesses toensure their products are part of thatchoice set, for instance, the mostpopular will always be presented first.This will mean businesses will have torely even more heavily on advertisingspend with the technology giants likeGoogle and Amazon to push theirproduct to the right audience.

He also firmly believes that the“Internet of Things” is also set to pick

up pace, meaning businesses willneed to place more emphasis onenvironmental factors that influence acustomer’s decision-making process.For example, do people shopdifferently using smart technology inthe car? Are they likely to ask theirfridge to order a take-away? Or willthey only do it whilst ordering a movieon Amazon Video?

According to Adebayo Sani, CEO ofOracle Nigeria, AI is rising inpopularity across Nigeria and willcement its place in enterprises by theend of 2018. “With IDC projecting thecountry's ICT market to grow to $10bnin 2018; Nigeria is fast emerging as thehotbed of technological innovation inAfrica, and we are working withcustomers that sit right on the edgeof this potential. In a market definedby growth, development and change,Oracle Nigeria has focused onredefining the capabilities of cloud,the potential of technology and therelevance of innovation.”He continued, “From the ubiquity ofnext-generation cloud to thereliability of blockchain, we continueto invest in solutions and servicesthat will help bring transformationalchange for our customers."

New tech will challenge how businesses sell themselves


The UAE’s never-ending construction projects increases the need for constant upgraded strategic protection plans. Homeland security is a top priority for the UAE in light of their social and economic development and growth. The UAE has doubled its spending on homeland security from US$ 5.5bn to US$ 10 bn.

This event focuses on risks to critical infrastructure, including a range of potential threats, vulnerabilities and consequences of attacks and incidents. The event aims to provide both theoretical and practical approaches to asses and managesuch risks.

A comprehensive event

| | EXHIBITOR WORKSHOPSAN OFFICIAL OPENING A THEMATIC CONFERENCE

Get in touch with our team for more information on our sponsorship packages | Tel: +971 4 4489260 | Email: [email protected]: www.homelandsecurityseries.com

Are you a supplier or producer of relevant security solutions?Join us in Abu Dhabi for a unique comprehensive event to network with key buyers from the Government and private sectors

• Access Controls• Biometrics• Building Management Systems• CCTV Monitoring• Intercom & Communication Devices• Intruder Alarms• IP & Networking Systems• Security Systems• Surveillance Equipments• Digital Door Lock Systems• In-room Safes & Room Access Technology• Safes & Vaults

Our delegates are looking for solutions in:

Why your brand needs to be present here?

• Demonstrate your solutions to a target platform of consultants and end-users• Limited spaces per category ensures minimal competition

• Be a part of an exclusive group of solution providers for the security industry

• Generate strong leads and drive ROI

• This is the first ever conference on protecting CI with concepts of homeland security

Invited speakers include professionals from:• Dubai Police • Roads and Transport Authority • du• Commercial Bank of Dubai

Critical InfrastructureProtection

Organised by

Exhibitor Official Media Partners

Homeland Security

7th & 8th May 2018Abu Dhabi, UAE

M i d d l e E a s t

Workshop Partners


http://www.gulfhomelandsecurity.com/middleeast


http://www.idt.net/

Transforming network infrastructure - Communications Africa · 2018-02-19 · Business. Following...

Documents

Transcript of Transforming network infrastructure - Communications Africa · 2018-02-19 · Business. Following...