Tunisia is making remarkable progress in enhancing its digital infrastructure as part of a comprehensive national strategy to drive economic growth and foster digital transformation. The government recognises the crucial role that advanced technologies, particularly 5G, will play in this endeavour.
Tunisia is positioning itself to leverage these advancements by prioritising the rollout of high-speed networks, stimulating innovation and enhancing connectivity across various sectors. Recently, the three major telecom providers, Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo Tunisie, and Orange Tunisie, submitted their applications for a 5G license, marking a pivotal milestone in the nation’s technological evolution.
With 16.258 million mobile subscribers and a penetration rate of 136.5% as of 29 February 2024, Tunisia also reports 11.583 million mobile internet users, reflecting a penetration rate of 97.2%. These statistics provide a solid foundation for the forthcoming 5G rollout. Tunisia established a specialised technical committee on 24 May 2023 to effectively manage this transition, tasked with evaluating studies and guiding the strategic approach to 5G deployment.
Moreover, Tunisia is adopting a proactive stance towards technological advancement, underscoring its commitment to national development through innovation. By embracing 5G technology and enhancing its digital infrastructure, the country is improving connectivity and creating a conducive environment for economic growth and transformation.
Why does this matter?
This forward-thinking strategy positions Tunisia as a key player in the regional digital landscape, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and numerous opportunities for its citizens. As the nation continues to invest in advanced technologies, it is poised to unlock new potential for economic advancement and improved quality of life.
Vodafone and Intelsat have strengthened their partnership to enhance satellite connectivity solutions for organisations operating in challenging environments, especially in remote areas and disaster zones. This collaboration aims to provide reliable and secure connectivity options that empower businesses, governments, and charitable organisations to track valuable cargo efficiently, establish rapid communication during emergencies, and support various critical applications.
By integrating Intelsat’s Flex portfolio into Vodafone’s offerings, the partnership will deliver two key services – Communications-on-the-Move (COTM), which employs a vehicle-mounted antenna for seamless connectivity, and Communications-on-the-Pause (COTP), a compact satellite terminal designed for temporary sites. Moreover, that partnership seeks to bolster humanitarian efforts, mainly through the Vodafone Foundation’s initiatives focused on health and education across Europe and Africa.
These efforts will provide essential connectivity for NGOs and government agencies responding to environmental and humanitarian crises. Additionally, this collaboration complements Vodafone’s existing work in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, which includes direct-to-smartphone connectivity and has already facilitated high-speed mobile broadband services in Papua New Guinea.
Intelsat’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in underserved regions exemplifies its partnership with CNH Industrial for precision agriculture in Brazil, further showcasing its dedication to providing internet access in rural areas. Vodafone and Intelsat leaders, including CEO Marika Auramo and Jean Philippe Gillet, highlight the vital role of reliable connectivity in community welfare and resilience. This partnership aims to enhance connectivity solutions and address urgent needs during emergencies, significantly impacting communities worldwide.
Telecom operators in India are increasingly concerned about the exclusion of over-the-top (OTT) messaging and calling apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, from the licensing framework recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). They argue that these services function similarly to traditional telecom operators and should be subject to the same regulations.
The following issue was notably raised during a recent meeting with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, where leaders from major companies, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, convened to discuss how the current regulatory landscape hampers their competitiveness. In addition to regulatory concerns, financial sustainability is a critical issue, particularly regarding adjusted gross revenue (AGR) payments.
During discussions, operators highlighted the substantial financial burden of AGR liabilities, with Vodafone Idea owing ₹70,320 crore and Bharti Airtel approximately ₹21,500 crore. These debts strain their resources and threaten their viability in a highly competitive market. Moreover, the Supreme Court’s recent rejection of Vodafone Idea’s curative petition regarding AGR underscores the legal challenges that exacerbate their financial distress, reflecting the precarious state of India’s telecom industry.
Furthermore, consumer issues surrounding unsolicited commercial calls and SMS were also discussed. Operators pointed out the frustration these calls cause, prompting the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to monitor and address the problem. Additionally, Scindia’s meeting with telecom equipment manufacturers in India highlights a comprehensive approach to tackling sector challenges and fostering innovation.
Officials from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Users Association (BMPUA) are united in their call to restore the BTRC’s independence as stipulated in the original Telecommunication Regulation Act of 2001.
They argue that the BTRC is compromised by excessive influence from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, undermining its role as an impartial regulator. Both groups demand full autonomy over licensing, tariff regulation, and governance to reclaim their regulatory effectiveness.
The BMPUA also advocates for significant amendments to the Telecommunication Regulation Act, particularly removing legal clauses that shield the BTRC from judicial review. Such changes, they argue, are vital to enhancing public accountability and ensuring the commission operates with greater transparency in the public interest.
Moreover, they stress the need to reduce telecom service costs in Bangladesh by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries and promoting competitive licensing for key infrastructure like submarine cables. Strengthening competition and enforcing higher standards for telecom infrastructure, such as stricter tower quality and equipment regulations, are seen as essential steps toward making telecom services more reliable and affordable for all.
Additionally, BTRC officials and the BMPUA emphasise the importance of transparent, merit-based governance within the commission. They propose that all leadership positions be reserved for qualified Bangladeshi citizens to ensure that local expertise is prioritised and that the commission remains fully committed to advancing national interests.
In a further push for transparency, both groups advocate for public hearings before setting tariffs for internet and voice services, giving consumers a say in pricing decisions. They also highlight the critical need to recognise internet access as a fundamental human right, insisting that the BTRC be given full authority over internet regulation to prevent arbitrary shutdowns and external interference. These measures, they believe, will reinforce the commission’s independence while safeguarding the interests of consumers and promoting a more competitive, efficient telecom sector.
The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made a significant advancement by notifying new right-of-way rules under the Telecommunications Act of 2023. That initiative aims to streamline the installation of essential telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile towers and small cells, on public and private properties.
By empowering central and state governments to oversee temporary telecommunications installations in the public interest, the DoT ensures quick responses during emergencies or major public events, keeping citizens connected when it matters most. Additionally, the introduction of a force majeure clause allows for extended application timelines in the event of unforeseen circumstances, acknowledging the challenges that telecom providers in India may face and providing the necessary flexibility for project completion.
Furthermore, the DoT has underscored the importance of maintenance in its regulatory framework by introducing specific permissions for the upkeep of telecom networks. The proactive approach enhances the reliability of existing infrastructure, fostering greater consumer confidence in telecommunications services. The DoT has also established a clear fee structure that balances revenue generation with the promotion of infrastructure development, specifying fees for applications related to small cell installations and network examinations.
A group of leading telecom companies, including Nvidia, Ericsson, Nokia, and T-Mobile US, have partnered to launch the first AI-RAN Innovation Centre. Located in Bellevue, Washington, the centre aims to transform Radio Access Networks (RAN) using AI.
T-Mobile explained that the centre aligns with the AI-RAN Alliance’s mission to improve open RAN technology, enhancing network performance through AI. The operator’s CEO, Mike Sievert, noted the immense potential AI holds for reshaping future mobile networks.
The companies highlighted that AI-RAN concepts will adopt open and containerised structures similar to open RAN but with added GPU-powered accelerated computing. This approach is expected to drive advancements in network reliability, performance, and efficiency.
Additionally, the centre will incorporate Nvidia’s AI Aerial platform, offering advanced tools for designing and deploying AI in wireless networks. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasised the broad impact AI will have on the wireless industry, beyond traditional applications.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has put forward a unified service authorisation framework designed to streamline the licensing process for various telecom services, including mobile, satellite, landline, broadband, and internet. That initiative embodies the principle of ‘One Nation – One Authorization,’ aiming to simplify the regulatory landscape and enhance market competitiveness.
TRAI has categorised the proposed authorisations into three distinct groups – main service authorisations, which encompass primary telecom services; auxiliary service authorisations, tailored for enterprise-focused services with lighter regulatory oversight; and captive service authorisations, intended for private networks that require specific spectrum allocations.
TRAI recommends consolidating commercial VSAT-CUG and GMPCS services into a single authorisation for satellite-based telecommunications to improve operational efficiency. By removing restrictions on VSAT operators, they will be able to extend their services beyond closed user groups, while satellite providers can utilise gateways in India for international operations.
Additionally, TRAI proposes significant reductions in entry fees for various service authorisations to lower barriers for new market entrants and stimulate competition. The merger of National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) services into a unified Long Distance Service Authorization will facilitate the establishment of gateways and cable landing stations, thereby streamlining operations.
However, the proposal needs to specifically address the regulation of over-the-top (OTT) services, leaving some stakeholders concerned about its implications for the broader telecommunications framework. That gap indicates a pressing need for further dialogue on this important issue.
IFC and Airtel Africa have established a strategic partnership to enhance mobile connectivity across sub-Saharan Africa. With a substantial investment of $200 million, the collaboration is focused on modernising Airtel Africa’s network and expanding its infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.
By targeting over 37 million subscribers, this initiative is poised to significantly impact the region’s digital landscape, improving access to essential services and creating opportunities for millions. That partnership is dedicated to tackling the critical connectivity gap in a region where approximately 600 million people still lack access to 4G mobile coverage.
Despite the heavy reliance on mobile phones for business activities, many areas remain underserved, hindering potential economic growth. By enhancing network performance and availability, IFC and Airtel Africa aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that more individuals can enjoy reliable mobile internet access.
Furthermore, the financing is structured as a sustainability-linked loan, incorporating performance metrics that align with Airtel’s sustainability goals. These include increasing smartphone adoption and promoting financial inclusion for women. Recognising the pivotal role of mobile banking in regions with limited financial infrastructure, the partnership seeks to empower women by improving their access to mobile banking solutions.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken crucial steps to enhance service quality in the telecommunications sector by mandating compliance reports from telecom companies, effective 1 October. That directive faces opposition from industry players, who contend that the new regulations will increase operational costs and compliance burdens.
Nonetheless, TRAI’s enforcement of these regulations aims to guarantee that consumers receive reliable and high-quality telecommunications services. Introducing stricter quality standards explicitly targets the performance of fixed, wireless, and broadband services, addressing persistent issues such as frequent call drops and service interruptions.
Furthermore, TRAI has significantly raised financial penalties for non-compliance, implementing a graded penalty system that escalates from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh based on the severity of the violation. This adjustment creates a robust incentive for telecom companies to comply with the new quality norms. Additionally, operators must compensate users through rent rebates and validity extensions for service outages exceeding 24 hours, underscoring TRAI’s commitment to consumer protection.
UK Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant has called on broadband providers to collaborate on infrastructure sharing to curb the proliferation of telegraph poles across the UK. His appeal comes amid growing concerns about the rising number of poles, often criticised as unsightly and unnecessary.
Bryant further stressed the importance of reducing such infrastructure, particularly as the new Labour government focuses on addressing the issue of excessive pole deployment, which has surged concurrently with the country’s rapid fibre network expansion. Speaking at the Connected Britain event, Bryant urged operators to prioritise sharing existing infrastructure rather than installing new telegraph poles to support the expanding fibre broadband rollout.
While poles are a cost-effective and swift solution, he advocated for a more sustainable approach that minimises visual and environmental impact. Bryant also outlined the government’s efforts to streamline infrastructure deployment through regulatory reforms, such as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022. He emphasised the need to prevent redundant installations, building on the groundwork laid by former Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez in promoting infrastructure sharing.
