Telecom
Rugged Computers are More than Just ‘Hard Shells’
First of all, let us distinguish between a “rugged” computer and a “ruggedized” computer (or tablet or smartphone).
A rugged computer is designed to operate reliably in very harsh environments and conditions. The term “ruggedized” gives the sense that fragile internal components have been somehow protected. Truly rugged devices are not simply wrapped in a tough shell.
Tough and durable mobile computers and smartphones are gaining in popularity – because the customers demand more durable products! – and there are actually some mainstream devices that could be described as ruggedized (and are often advertised as rugged). But they are not truly rugged.
They might be waterproof but lack other aspects of ruggedness, like the ability to withstand vibrations/shocks and function well in extreme temperatures.
Let us briefly recap the definition of ruggedness:
The devices should have passed some of the MIL-STD tests, i. e. the American military standard for equipment.
24 laboratory test methods ensure that the equipment can handle low pressure at high altitudes; exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shocks; rain; humidity; sand and dust exposure; leakage; shock and vibration.
• They must be highly rated on the ingress protection (IP) scale for protection against dust and liquids. The ratings are displayed as a 2 digit number.
The first digit reflects the level of protection against dust and the second digit reflects the level of protection against liquids (water). So an IP65 rating, for example, would ensure complete protection against dust and protection against water jets.
Now let us take a closer look on the tests carried out on rugged computers:
Drop and shock testing. This is one of the most important tests for rugged computers, simply because rugged computers are dropped all the time by workers in the logistics, forestry, public transportation, construction, mining, security and other industries where rugged computers are in high demand.
Drop a normal computer and you will easily break the display or the hard drive. Drop a rugged computer and nothing will happen – at least it is highly unlikely that the device will break if it has passed all the relevant tests.
All rugged mobile computers are tested to ensure they can survive falls as well as high-force impacts to the devices’ casings. Drop tests are certified by independent test laboratories and performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810G.
There are eight different procedures to choose from that each use different ways to cause shock or impact.
The “transit drop test” is the most cited. It requires items to survive a total of 26 drops from the height of 122 cm, on each face, edge and corner, onto a hard surface like concrete.
Liquid resistance testing. Mobile field computers are inevitably exposed to rain, spills and splashes. The second number of the IP code describes the liquid ingress protection, i.e. how well the unit is protected against water.
The scale ranges from dripping water to continuous immersion in water. Water resistance tests are often carried out by the manufacturers of rugged computers by exposing the computer to powerful water jets from many directions without harmful effects.
The test duration, water volume and water pressure varies depending on the rating. The water temperature is lower than the device.
Vibration testing. Ordinary mobile computers are sensitive to vibrations and are not built to handle vibrations. Hard drives disks are especially vulnerable when subjected to vibration. Rugged computers, however, must be able to handle vibrations since they are often used in vehicles that travel on bumpy and rough surfaces.
Vibration tests are performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810G. They are designed to determine if a device can withstand the vibrations it would be exposed to during its lifecycle.
The tests use laboratory shakers set to different levels to simulate being on a vehicle or carried by a person, with variations in the vibrations’ wave form, frequency and intensity depending on the type of device and the environment being simulated.
Sand and dust testing. A rugged computer must be able to keep out particles. Almost all field workers are exposed to dust and dirt at some point that would slow key functions and damage components if not protected.
The dust resistance procedure tests ingress of small dust particles. Flour and sand is projected onto the device at high wind speeds and high temperatures for several hours, rotating the device and varying the temperature and wind speed.
The blowing sand resistance procedure is basically the same as the dust test but the test is done in higher wind speed. The high end test simulates being near an aircraft.
Extreme temperature testing. Rugged mobile computers must be able to handle extreme temperatures and wild temperature swings.
For example, Handheld’s recently launched Nautiz X1 smartphone is designed to function well in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).
High temperature and low temperature tests are conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-810G. When testing for operability during high temperatures, the devices exposed to high temperatures while it is turned off (storage), while being turned on used (operation), and how it works under operational temperatures after having been exposed to higher storage temperatures (tactical-standby to operational).
When testing for operability during low temperatures, again three procedures are carried out to determine how the device will behave in low temperatures. They are much the same as in the high temperatures tests, except being done in freezing conditions.
Humidity testing. In addition to liquid resistance testing for IP rating, many manufacturers of rugged mobile computers test their devices in highly humid conditions as a separate test that is defined by the MIL-STD-810G standard.
The computers are exposed to humidity well over 90 per cent for several days in tropical heat. Many of the same features that make mobile computers liquid resistant also help prevent damage from high humidity.
These are the most important tests. The next question is: how do manufacturers of rugged mobile computers actually make their devices touch enough to pass these tests?
§ As opposed to normal computers, most rugged computers have no moving parts inside, like fans or rotating hard drives. Instead of rotating hard drives, rugged computers have solid-state drives – drives without moving mechanical components that are more resistant to physical shock.
§ There are stiffeners inside a rugged computer, often made out of aluminium, to prevent inside components and boards from flexing during an impact. The outer shell (case) and bumpers are designed to absorb the energy from a drop to prevent internal damage.
§ The touchscreen of a normal smartphone or computer is basically glass (with some coating to make them sensitive to touch), whereas the displays of rugged computers use chemically strengthened glass to prevent against scratches and cracks. The displays can also be positioned lower than then surrounding case to decrease their vulnerability.
§ Display backlight is used to improve outdoor readability, even in direct sunlight.
§ Some rugged computers are fitted with internal heaters in order to operate successfully in very cold environments. The heater warms components to an acceptable operating level and eliminates condensation arising from temperature swings.
In short, every simple detail and small part is researched, developed and chosen to make the computer as rugged as possible.
So where does all this leave us? Well, it is important to know the ingress protection scale – the higher the numbers, the tougher the device, basically.
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‘ It is also instrumental to check that the unit has undergone MIL-STD tests – many devices boast good IP numbers but fail to inform customers that they have not gone through any MIL-STD tests (which basically makes them normal fragile computers that are somewhat dust and water resistant).
With a deeper understanding of the standards and the tests, it will be easier to choose the mobile rugged device that suits your unique needs.
And if you want a rugged computer – then do not buy a ruggedized computer. Rugged computers are built—inside and out—to be rugged. No fragile parts wrapped in a hard shell here.
Jerker Hellström, CEO, Handheld Group
Jerker Hellström is a pioneer and industry veteran in the mobile rugged computer industry. In both entrepreneurial and managerial positions, he has 25 years of experience from developing, designing, manufacturing and marketing rugged computers globally. See www.handheldgroup.com.
Airtel Nigeria has secured a fresh 10-year renewal of its spectrum licence from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reinforcing the telecom operator’s long-term commitment to expanding broadband connectivity and improving digital access across the country.
The renewed licence covers Airtel’s spectrum holdings, which are critical to the delivery of voice and high-speed data services, providing regulatory certainty for continued investments in network expansion, capacity upgrades and improved customer experience.
According to the company, the renewal underscores confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and will support its ongoing efforts to bridge the country’s digital divide by extending quality connectivity to more underserved communities.
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer, Airtel Africa, said the renewal provides the company with the confidence to continue investing in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
He said, “The spectrum renewal reaffirms our long-term commitment to Nigeria, our largest market. It gives us the certainty required to continue investing in network expansion, improve service quality and accelerate digital inclusion for millions of Nigerians.”
Taldar added that Airtel remains focused on expanding broadband access and supporting Nigeria’s digital economy agenda through sustained investments in telecommunications infrastructure.
He further said, “We appreciate the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Government for their continued support in creating an enabling environment for investment. We remain committed to delivering reliable and affordable connectivity while contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
Meanwhile, Industry observers said the licence renewal removes regulatory uncertainty and allows Airtel to pursue long-term capital investments, including the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, as demand for mobile data and digital services continues to grow across Nigeria.
The renewal comes as telecom operators continue to invest heavily in broadband infrastructure to meet rising data consumption and support government efforts to achieve Universal digital access.
Furthermore, It also aligns with the NCC’s objective of ensuring efficient spectrum management while encouraging sustained private sector investment in the country’s telecommunications industry.
Telecom
GSMA Supports Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, Joins Partners to Launch ATLAS Umoja
The GSMA supports the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa by Ministers and Heads of Delegation at the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-2026), describing it as an important milestone in strengthening Africa’s digital future through evidence-based policy, investment and regional collaboration.
The Declaration commits African governments to advancing policies that promote meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient digital infrastructure and locally relevant digital services. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration between governments, industry and development partners to close the continent’s connectivity and usage gaps.
Throughout the conference, the GSMA has worked alongside governments, regulators and industry leaders to support these shared ambitions through practical policy engagement, evidence-based research and new collaborative initiatives designed to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
Speaking during the ATU-GSMA African ICT Regulatory Leaders’ Forum, policymakers and regulators explored how stronger evidence-based regulation, greater regulatory harmonisation and future-ready policy frameworks can create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable digital growth across Africa. Drawing insights from the GSMA’s Digital Africa Index, participants also examined future-ready approaches to satellite regulation, highlighting how technology-neutral licensing frameworks can support innovation while extending connectivity to underserved communities.
Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA, said: “The Abuja Ministerial Declaration sends an important signal that African governments share a common vision for delivering meaningful connectivity through modern, evidence-based and investment-friendly policy. Its emphasis on digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient infrastructure and stronger regional collaboration reflects the practical policy foundations needed to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.”
Launching ATLAS Umoja AI
Supporting the ambitions set out in the Abuja Declaration, the GSMA, Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Togo’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation, Kenya’s Ministry of information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Benin’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Awarri, Zindi, Pawa AI and Mozisha today announced ATLAS Umoja AI –a new pan-African initiative to strengthen collaboration on African language AI.
Designed to complement national AI programmes, ATLAS Umoja will bring together governments, industry and researchers to share expertise, datasets and best practice, helping develop trusted, scalable AI that better reflects Africa’s languages, cultures and development priorities. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation, attract investment and scale African language AI across the continent.
The launch builds on the momentum of the newly established AI for Good Global Commission. Ministers from Nigeria, Namibia and Togo, who serve on the Commission, have committed to support Africa Umoja, demonstrating how African leaders are turning global ambitions for trusted and inclusive AI into practical regional collaboration.
Angela Wamola, Head of Africa, GSMA, said: “Africa’s AI future must reflect Africa’s own languages, communities and development priorities. ATLAS Umoja brings together governments, industry, researchers and innovators to build African language AI at scale. By making AI and digital services available in the languages people speak every day, the initiative will help tackle two of the biggest barriers to internet adoption – digital literacy and locally relevant content – supporting efforts to close Africa’s usage gap and expand meaningful connectivity across the continent.”
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of Nigeria said:“Artificial Intelligence will be a defining technology for Africa’s future, but its benefits must be built on our own languages, cultures and knowledge systems. Nigeria is proud to have taken the first step through N-ATLAS and is equally proud to see that vision evolve into the continental ATLAS Umoja AI.
“By working together with governments, researchers and ecosystem partners across Africa, we can build AI that is more inclusive, locally relevant and accessible to millions of people, while strengthening Africa’s digital sovereignty and creating new opportunities for innovation, education and economic growth.”
Silas Adekunle, Founder & CEO, Awarri added: “Awarri is proud to support The ATLAS Umoja AI and contribute lessons from N-ATLAS, which has demonstrated what is possible when African language data, local technical talent and practical AI applications are brought together. This is an important opportunity to help build AI systems that work for African languages and communities.”
Celina Lee, CEO & Co-Founder, Zindi concluded: “Africa’s AI future will be built by the people who best understand its languages, cultures and communities. Through ATLAS Umoja AI, we have an opportunity to empower local researchers, data scientists and developers to solve meaningful challenges, strengthen national AI capabilities and ensure African language AI is developed by Africans, for Africans.”
Alongside the launch of ATLAS Umoja AI, the GSMA continued discussions with policymakers at the ATU Conference on future-ready regulatory frameworks, including satellite connectivity, spectrum policy and technology-neutral licensing.
Drawing on the GSMA Satellite Regulatory Playbook, discussions explored how modern regulation can encourage investment, expand meaningful connectivity and support the ambitions of the Abuja Declaration.
Together, the Abuja Declaration, ATLAS Umoja and continued collaboration between governments, regulators and industry represent an important step towards expanding meaningful connectivity, accelerating digital inclusion and supporting Africa’s digital transformation.
Samsung has unveiled its most advanced foldable smartphone lineup yet, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The tech conglomerate now sets a new benchmark for premium mobile innovation.
Konga
Nigerian customers can now pre-order the new devices on Konga, Samsung’s trusted e-commerce partner, and stand a chance to receive Samsung gift items worth up to ₦1 million, making this one of the most rewarding smartphone launches of the year.
Designed for productivity, creativity, and everyday convenience, the new Galaxy Z series introduces Samsung’s most refined foldable experience to date.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra combines an expansive display with AI-powered productivity, a powerful 200MP camera, an ultra-thin design, and enhanced durability for users who demand the very best.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 delivers immersive entertainment and seamless multitasking in a lighter, wider form factor, while the Galaxy Z Flip8 elevates self-expression with its sleek design, smarter FlexWindow, and intelligent Galaxy AI features for effortless interaction on the go. Powered by Samsung’s latest AI experiences, the new devices redefine how users create, communicate, and stay productive.
The availability of the new Galaxy Z Fold8 series on Konga further reinforces the long-standing partnership between Samsung and Konga, built on trust, authenticity, and a shared commitment to delivering genuine technology to Nigerian consumers. Through Samsung’s official store on Konga, customers are assured of authentic products, reliable after-sales support, and a seamless shopping experience.
The pre-order offer is available for a limited period. To be one of those who get to experience the new device, tech enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Konga’s Samsung Official Store to reserve their preferred Galaxy Z Fold8 or Z Flip8 device and qualify for exclusive Samsung gifts worth up to ₦1 million, while stocks last.
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