In partnership with ZTE Corporation, Orange Liberia has completed the deployment of 128 RuralPilot EcoSites across rural Liberia in just three months. The project notably enhances network coverage in underserved areas, providing essential 2G voice and 4G data services.
Each site utilises low-power wireless base station equipment operating on the 800MHz and 900MHz bands and is equipped with solar energy systems and smart lithium batteries supported by PowerPilot AI energy-saving software—this innovative infrastructure addresses transmission challenges through microwave, satellite, and 4G relay technologies.
Jean Marius YAO, CEO of Orange Liberia, highlighted the company’s commitment to improving communication services, stating that these new sites will support rural communities’ economic and social development. Zhang Guanzhen, CEO of ZTE Orange MEA Account, praised the collaboration as a big milestone despite challenges like underdeveloped infrastructure.
With this new network in place, over 580,000 subscribers in rural areas will benefit from enhanced digital, financial, and energy inclusion, marking a transformative advancement in Liberia’s telecommunications landscape.
Ericsson and Telstra have achieved a significant milestone in mobile connectivity with the launch of Ericsson’s 4th generation Radio Access Network (RAN) compute platform. The advanced technology introduces the RAN Processor 6672 in a Centralized RAN (C-RAN) configuration, offering over three times the capacity of previous models and greatly enhancing data speeds, reliability, and efficiency.
The new RAN Compute units handle critical digital signal processing tasks and achieve up to 60% lower energy consumption than traditional setups. Such efficiency supports sustainability goals while improving network performance. Additionally, the platform integrates advanced automation and AI/ML capabilities, enabling support for up to 20 times more AI models and paving the way for future technologies like 5G Advanced and 6G.
Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia, and New Zealand, highlighted the global importance of this deployment, noting it enhances current services and prepares the network for future innovations. Sri Amirthalingam, Telstra’s Executive for Wireless Network Engineering, emphasised that this technology will provide a superior mobile experience and support increased network capacity, setting the stage for future advancements.
PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin) and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) have partnered to develop the Indonesia Cable Express System 2 (ICE System 2), enhancing Indonesia’s telecommunications infrastructure. The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 28 August 2024 during the BATIC 2024 event.
The ICE System 2 aims to address the growing connectivity needs at various landing points throughout Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, Makassar, and Manado, while also providing links to Singapore. This project is expected to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of telecommunications services in these regions, supporting businesses and consumers in their digital endeavours.
The partnership will also focus on expanding infrastructure by connecting the Points of Presence (PoP) of both IOH and Telin with the ICE System 2, solidifying the network’s robustness and ensuring cost-efficient development.
The MOU is a foundational document for further negotiations and will lead to a definitive agreement outlining this transformative project’s specific roles, responsibilities, and technical aspects.
The Department of Telecom (DoT) in India has proposed significant changes to the rules governing lawful interception of messages through the draft Telecommunications, Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages, Rules, 2024. A key change is the elimination of penalties for telecom entities that violate interception norms, including fines and suspension of licenses related to confidentiality. This shift raises concerns about compliance and accountability within the industry.
Additionally, the new rules exempt demonstrations and testing of interception systems by the central government from regulatory scrutiny, allowing telecom entities to facilitate these activities without penalty. However, the DoT emphasises the need for robust internal safeguards, mandating that telecom operators implement effective measures to prevent unauthorised interceptions and maintain confidentiality.
The process for issuing interception orders remains largely unchanged, with orders still issued by the union or state home secretary or, in urgent cases, by a joint secretary or Inspector General of Police. Any order must be confirmed by the competent authority within seven working days, ensuring oversight and accountability.
The draft rules also stipulate that interception records must be destroyed every six months unless needed for functional purposes, with specific orders requiring destruction within two months after interception. Moreover, review committees at both the central and state levels will meet bi-monthly to evaluate the validity of interception orders, promoting transparency and oversight.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently unveiled a draft Telecommunication Tariff (70th Amendment) Order, 2024, aimed at enhancing public Wi-Fi accessibility through the PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s digital communication infrastructure. The National Digital Communications Policy 2018 had set an ambitious target of deploying 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022. This goal was further reinforced by the Bharat 6G Vision, which aspires to expand this network to 50 million hotspots by 2030. However, the current number of PM-WANI hotspots still needs to catch up to these targets, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention to stimulate growth in this sector.
A major barrier to the expansion of the PM-WANI scheme is the high cost of backhaul internet connectivity imposed by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on Public Data Offices (PDOs). The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has noted that these costs hinder public Wi-Fi access, as TSPs often require PDOs to use expensive Internet Leased Lines (ILL) instead of more affordable Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections. This practice raises operational costs for PDOs and limits the growth of public Wi-Fi infrastructure.
To address these challenges, TRAI proposes aligning tariffs for PM-WANI services with those for retail broadband (FTTH) connections. This change aims to reduce financial burdens on PDOs and encourage their participation in the scheme, thereby facilitating the establishment of a wider network of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has issued new guidance on using Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds for alternative technologies, such as unlicensed fixed wireless access (uFWA) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The guidance is open for public comment until 10 September 2024 and emphasises that while fibre remains the ‘gold standard,’ alternative technologies can help bridge the digital divide when reliable options like coaxial cable or licensed fixed wireless are too expensive or unavailable.
The document specifies that BEAD funds cannot be allocated to areas already served by uFWA or LEO services that meet the program’s speed and latency requirements, preventing unnecessary overbuilding. Eligible entities must include one-time installation costs and customer premises equipment in their funding proposals to alleviate consumer financial barriers. Additionally, LEO satellite services are permitted under specific conditions, distinguishing them from ineligible geostationary satellite services.
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) has welcomed this clarification, viewing it as a positive step toward flexibility in the BEAD program and addressing concerns about overbuilding in areas already served.
The South African telecoms industry, represented by the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), is intensifying its push for digital content and service providers, known as over-the-top (OTT) platforms, to contribute financially to expanding and maintaining the country’s network infrastructure. OTT platforms, including popular services like streaming video, audio, and messaging, account for a substantial portion of internet traffic and depend on robust network infrastructure to operate effectively.
Central to this proposal is the concept of ‘fair share’ arrangements, which suggest that OTT providers should contribute to the costs associated with building and maintaining the networks that support their services. Mobile operators like Vodacom and MTN spend approximately 41 billion rand (around $2 billion) annually on network expansion.
By implementing fair share contributions, the ACT believes resource usage can be balanced, incentivising network operators to invest further in infrastructure. This collaborative approach supports the sustainability of the telecom sector and enhances the quality of service provided to consumers.
Additionally, the ACT calls for a regulatory framework in South Africa that would bring OTT service providers under the same licensing and policy regime as traditional network operators. That would ensure a fair and sustainable digital services sector, allowing for better oversight and collaboration between different players in the industry. MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita supports the initiative but warns against harsh measures, emphasising the need for cooperation to sustain future developments and the telecom industry’s health.
Nokia and TIM Brasil have officially announced a strategic partnership to significantly expand 5G coverage across Brazil, with implementation set to begin in January 2025. This collaboration will enhance TIM’s 5G radio access network (RAN) in 15 Brazilian states, making advanced connectivity available to a larger portion of the population.
Under this agreement, Nokia will supply TIM with state-of-the-art equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including baseband units, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These technologies utilise Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, known for its energy efficiency and improved network capacity. Additionally, TIM will implement Nokia’s MantaRay Networks Management system, featuring AI capabilities for better monitoring and management of the network. Nokia will also provide digital deployment, optimisation, and technical support services to ensure a smooth transition and operation of the upgraded network.
The partnership aims to broaden 5G access for consumers and empower Brazilian enterprises to digitise their operations effectively. With a strong emphasis on IoT solutions, this initiative aligns with TIM’s growth strategy, positioning the company to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the digital landscape.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, while TIM’s CTO, Marco Di Costanzo, highlighted its significance in reinforcing TIM’s leadership in the 5G market in Brazil.
The UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI) has made notable progress since its launch, reflecting a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering economic growth through collaboration in emerging technologies. Recently, the National Security Advisors from both countries convened to establish a framework for the initiative, focusing on regulatory and licensing protocols. That meeting resulted in the formation of a bilateral task force designed to streamline communication between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government, ensuring a cohesive approach to the initiative’s objectives.
Regarding sector-specific collaborations, discussions have commenced in key areas such as telecommunications, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health and biotechnology, advanced materials and semiconductors. The two nations are exploring the implementation of Open RAN systems to enhance telecom security and innovation.
Investment partnerships are also a significant focus of the TSI. Investment forums are being organized to attract Indian enterprises, particularly in green technology, offshore wind, and green hydrogen sectors. The initiative includes dedicated programs to empower women in technology, with funding opportunities designed to support their participation and leadership in these fields. This emphasis on inclusivity highlights the initiative’s broader goal of fostering sustainable economic development.
Moreover, the TSI is addressing global tech governance by collaborating on the establishment of digital technical standards and frameworks for internet governance and cybersecurity. This proactive approach aims to tackle emerging challenges in the digital landscape, ensuring that both countries are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of technology in a global context.
Why does this matter?
Looking ahead, plans are in place to launch initiatives focused on technology research centres, incubators, and academic partnerships. As the TSI progresses, further updates will highlight specific projects and collaborations, aligning with the goals of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
Pakistan has recently experienced widespread reports of slow Internet speeds, with users struggling to access services like WhatsApp, both on mobile data and broadband. The country’s IT minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, attributes the slowdown to the widespread use of VPNs, which are often employed to bypass local network restrictions.
Ms. Khawaja explained that when many users resort to VPNs, it can place additional strain on the system, potentially leading to slower Internet speeds. However, this situation is unprecedented, marking the first time that VPN usage on such a scale has been linked to significant regional Internet slowdowns. Meanwhile, Pakistani IT experts are concerned that the government might use this situation as a pretext to tighten digital surveillance and introduce stricter content filtering.
In her statement, Ms. Khawaja hinted at potential future controls to limit content deemed threatening or defamatory to the state or individuals. While she did not specify whether these controls would involve a nationwide firewall, the minister did mention the government’s plan to auction 5G spectrums next year and to lay new Internet cables connecting Pakistan to the Gulf and Africa, aiming to improve Internet speed and stability.
The debate around VPNs in Pakistan is likely to intensify, especially as the government considers regulating these services by approving specific providers. Such measures could impact millions of VPN users in the country, raising concerns about future access to unrestricted Internet services.
