Telecommunications infrastructure

SEACOM partners with ICT SMME Chamber to support South African telecom SMMEs

SEACOM and the ICT SMME Chamber have formalised their collaboration with a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), aiming to significantly bolster support for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) within the telecommunications sector. That strategic partnership is set to empower SMMEs by providing them access to SEACOM’s channel partner program, which offers a comprehensive suite of support services.

These include the installation, maintenance, and support of digital infrastructure, as well as facilitating marketing initiatives, inter-business coordination, and personnel training. Through these efforts, SMMEs will gain the opportunity to leverage advanced digital services, with SEACOM providing resources such as Cloud, Connectivity, On-premise Network, and Cybersecurity solutions. This approach is designed to accelerate the digital strategies of SMMEs and enhance their operational efficiency.

SEACOM and the ICT SMME Chamber recognise the vital role of SMMEs in driving economic growth and job creation in South Africa. The MoU underscores their commitment to advancing an inclusive digital economy. The signing ceremony in Bryanston, Johannesburg, highlighted the importance of the initiative and its potential impact on South Africa’s digital landscape. By combining their resources, SEACOM and the ICT SMME Chamber aim to support SMMEs, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to a more dynamic and equitable economy.

India’s local sourcing rules to exclude 5G equipment

The Indian government has introduced draft guidelines mandating over 50% local value addition for 36 telecom products in government procurement. That initiative aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and stimulate innovation within the sector. The guidelines seek to develop a robust local ecosystem and encourage the growth of indigenous technology solutions by prioritising products such as routers, optical fibre, and satellite phones.

However, the Indian government’s decision to exclude 5G equipment from the list of products requiring local sourcing has raised concerns among industry stakeholders. While the new rules are broadly welcomed, the omission of 5G gear is seen as a potential impediment to India’s ambitions in global telecom markets. The exclusion could affect the development and export potential of Indian 5G solutions, creating uncertainty about how the industry will meet domestic and international demands.

The Indian government has recently tightened policy measures by excluding imported items from local content calculations. This adjustment, along with excluding royalties, technical charges, and repackaged goods, aims to ensure that only genuinely locally produced items are considered in procurement processes. These changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen the ‘Make in India‘ initiative and enhance the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers, supporting startups and established companies in developing and producing telecom equipment domestically.

PROTECTA Pilipinas launched to strengthen Philippines’ telecom infrastructure security

PLDT and CICC have launched a major initiative called PROTECTA Pilipinas to enhance the security and resilience of the Philippines’ telecommunications infrastructure. This public-private partnership brings together key players in the telecom sector, including PLDT, Smart Communications, and the CICC, along with other stakeholders like the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators, CitizenWatch Philippines, Infrawatch PH, and others.

The primary goal of this alliance is to implement comprehensive protection measures that address cybersecurity and physical infrastructure security. The initiative focuses on enhancing network resilience through redundancy and disaster recovery plans while bolstering cybersecurity protocols to protect against digital threats. On the physical side, PROTECTA Pilipinas aims to tackle issues such as equipment theft and vandalism and will establish monitoring systems to assess the health and performance of telecom facilities regularly.

PLDT and CICC focus on timely reporting and legal protections as part of PROTECTA Pilipinas. The alliance will develop mechanisms for reporting suspicious activities and advocate for legal measures to protect telecom infrastructure from vandalism and theft. Additionally, they will collaborate with government bodies to align on policies and regulations, creating a robust framework to secure critical telecom assets and promote best practices across the Philippines.

EXA Infrastructure expands into South-Eastern Europe

EXA Infrastructure has agreed to acquire Global Communications Net AD (GCN), a leading Bulgarian telecommunications firm with an extensive fibre optic network spanning over 2,500 kilometres. This acquisition will significantly bolster EXA’s footprint in South-Eastern Europe and enhance its regional strategic assets.

Facilitated by DB Capital Ltd, KND Partnership Ltd, and Sofia Connect EAD, the deal is anticipated to be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to standard conditions. Integrating GCN’s offerings—including dark fibre, wavelength, and colocation services—will expand EXA’s network to 155,000 kilometres across 37 countries, providing crucial access to key interconnection points in Türkiye, Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Georgia.

In addition to these benefits, EXA Infrastructure will gain from GCN’s extensive network infrastructure, which includes over 2,500 kilometres of owned duct and cable connecting Sofia with Bulgaria’s borders and Black Sea coast cities. This network is essential for current and future subsea cables, establishing a vital east-west corridor. Moreover, EXA will acquire 100 kilometres of the metro network within Sofia, enhancing connectivity between major data centres and business hubs.

Starlink to provide free Wi-Fi across United Airlines fleet

United Airlines has revealed a collaboration with Starlink, the satellite-based internet provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to offer high-speed in-flight internet services to its passengers. This partnership is part of Starlink’s efforts to expand its services from rural households to commercial aviation. United plans to install Starlink’s internet connectivity on its fleet of over 1,000 aircraft in the next few years.

Testing for the service is set to begin in early 2025, with passenger flights expected to offer Starlink’s internet later that same year. This move mirrors similar agreements Starlink has made with other airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines and regional carrier JSX, as it seeks to establish a more substantial presence in the airline industry.

In a major win for passengers, United revealed that it will offer Starlink’s internet services free of charge on its flights, providing a significant value-added service as the airline continues to modernise its customer experience.

FCC pushes for new players in space economy

The chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Jessica Rosenworcel, has called for increased competition to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. Starlink currently operates nearly two-thirds of all active satellites and is responsible for a significant portion of space-based internet traffic.

Rosenworcel highlighted that monopolies do not benefit the economy, emphasising the need to bring in more companies to develop satellite constellations and drive innovation in space. She stressed that competition in communications markets typically leads to lower prices and more innovation, and the space sector should not be an exception.

The FCC has been working to support new entrants in the space economy, offering guidance on licensing processes and promoting outreach efforts. Rosenworcel aims to encourage more players to enter the market and challenge Starlink’s dominant position.

In 2022, the FCC withdrew $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies from Starlink, citing the service’s inability to meet basic program requirements. SpaceX had originally agreed to deliver high-speed internet to over 600,000 rural homes and businesses across 35 US states.

Telecom giants unite to transform industry with network APIs

Global telecom leaders have united to launch a groundbreaking venture to transform network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) globally. The new initiative brings together major telecom operators—including América Móvil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone—alongside Ericsson.

The following venture will consolidate and offer network APIs, providing developers seamless access to advanced network capabilities. This integration will simplify leveraging these capabilities across various telecom networks, fostering innovation and the development of new applications and services.

Additionally, global telecom leaders are creating a broad ecosystem to support this initiative, which will involve hyperscalers, Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) providers, System Integrators (SIs), and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). Built on the GSMA’s CAMARA APIs project, the platform will be open and inclusive, encouraging further participation from other telecom operators such as Three Sweden. That collaborative effort aims to drive industry-wide participation and innovation by offering a unified platform for network API access, thereby expanding the initiative’s reach and impact.

Global telecom leaders expect the new venture to significantly boost monetisation and industry growth. The initiative aims to generate new revenue streams and improve monetisation strategies by integrating network APIs globally. The transaction is set to close in early 2025, with Ericsson holding 50% equity and telecom providers the remaining 50%.

Major AI data centre to boost Greece’s digital economy

A new $330 million data centre investment is poised to boost Greece’s digital economy. French company Data4 has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art AI hub in Paiania, near Athens. This development is expected to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.

Data4, which already manages data centres across six European nations, aims to collaborate with Greek banks to finance the project. CEO Olivier Micheli highlighted the significant contribution this data centre would bring to Greece’s economy and digital ecosystem. The hub may expand further, with potential investments of €200 million to add two more centres.

Greece is rapidly emerging as a key data hub in Southeast Europe. With a growing number of data centres, including upcoming investments from global players like Microsoft and Google, the country is positioned to become a digital gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Recent telecoms infrastructure, including high-speed cables, further boosts this role.

Market research shows the data centre sector in Greece is expected to grow by 9% annually through 2028. The country’s digital transformation is being propelled by government support and the increasing adoption of AI and cloud services. Greece could soon become the second-largest data hub in the Mediterranean.

T-Mobile US enhances emergency alerts with satellite technology

T-Mobile US is leveraging its recent successful emergency alert test to strengthen its position as a leader in satellite communications. By demonstrating its satellite-to-smartphone technology through a simulated evacuation notice, T-Mobile has showcased its capability to reach remote areas beyond traditional cell tower coverage.

That strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and emergency response capabilities and underscores its role as a pioneer in low-earth orbit (LEO) communications. Although the test involved Starlink, T-Mobile has used the occasion to emphasise its innovations and technological advancements, aiming to draw attention to its lead in the evolving field of satellite communications.

Building on this technological edge, T-Mobile US is also addressing gaps in emergency communication, particularly in areas with limited mobile coverage. Consequently, the ability to deliver critical alerts where traditional networks are unavailable represents a significant advancement that could improve responses during emergencies, such as natural disasters.

The emphasis on enhancing emergency alert systems reflects T-Mobile’s dedication to public safety and reinforces its commitment to effective crisis management. Therefore, the company’s efforts to bring its satellite-to-smartphone services to market demonstrate its ongoing focus on improving connectivity and ensuring timely emergency responses.

China Telecom Global inaugurates AI and security innovation centres in Hong Kong

China Telecom Global has recently inaugurated two significant centres in Hong Kong: the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center and the Security Business Innovation Center. That development marks a crucial step in China Telecom’s strategy to enhance its high-quality development, cloud capabilities, and digital transformation initiatives.

By establishing these centres, the company aims to leverage China’s high-level opening-up policy to strengthen its international presence and drive global business growth through advanced technology and innovation. Furthermore, these centres are designed to optimise the business structure, integrate internal and external resources, and accelerate the global deployment of China Telecom’s capabilities in AI and security, thereby reinforcing its position as a leading global telecom player.

Additionally, China Telecom Global is placing a strong emphasis on research and collaboration. The focus is advancing cutting-edge technology and fostering partnerships between industry, academia, and research institutions. As a result, these centres are poised to become central hubs for developing AI and security talent, which will support Hong Kong’s evolution into an international centre of innovation and technology.