Telecom
WTL’s Survey Receives 94% Support for Network Sharing
By peter oluka
A survey carried out by World Telecom Labs (WTL) about rural telephony in Africa has supported network sharing as critical for achieving rural telephony.
Conducted every year, WTL’s surveys provide the latest insight and opinions from operators, ISPs, Governments and vendors building networks across rural Africa.
The survey shows that, despite the significant investment in Africa’s telecom infrastructure during the past year, the cost of building rural networks combined with low ARPUs and a long ROI continue to be the major barriers to building rural networks.
Unfortunately the survey revealed a general cynicism amongst industry stakeholders. In answer to the question ‘Which African operators are really trying to build networks in rural areas?’ 33% of respondents said that no operators were really trying whilst 40% said MTN was the most proactive operator.
However, it’s clear that people working in rural telephony are looking for new ways to build commercially sustainable networks with 94% saying that every element of a rural network could and should be shared – and that network sharing, spectrum sharing and neutral wholesale players all offer a way to spread the CAPEX costs of rural networks.
In answer to the question ‘What do you think Governments in Africa should do to speed up the rollout of rural networks?’ the responses were mixed.
In WTL’s view, each and any of the ideas below would be welcomed by those who want to build rural networks.
It also recommended that governments should legislate, giving operators targets: 10% of survey respondents; esstablish policies to allow all types of infrastructure sharing: 10% of respondents; allow the creation of dedicated MVNOs for rural service: 10%; ensure that roaming agreements in rural areas are in place: 16%; collaborate with local municipalities to support and facilitate the deployment of shared infrastructure: 9%; subsidise the backhaul infrastructure: 12%; reduce the industry-specific supply tax rate: 10%; build open access networks: 11%; offer fair and non-discriminatory access to public infrastructure: 11% and other: 1%.
Leigh Smith, MD of WTL, said “We hope that the findings of our survey are of interest. We present our results with appropriate commentary, as an indication of current thinking, and as a call to action to urge greater stakeholder collaboration to help break barriers, extend boundaries and deliver more coverage.
It’s clear that the traditional MNO model is not working for rural Africa – and that most people think that network sharing is the way to move forward.
“WTL is now able to provide a rural system that can be shared by multiple operators and we are looking forward to working with operators, ISPs, NGOs and Governments who are open to a new rural wholesale model.”
As a result of demand from the industry, WTL has customised its multi-award winning Vivada (Village Voice and Data) system so that wholesale carriers can build sustainable and commercially viable rural networks that can be used by operators of all sizes.
Vivada is suitable for providing services to pre and post-paid customers with varying telecoms budgets including GSM for every type of handset; Wifi connectivity for smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs – and connectivity to cybercafés and hotspot call cabins.
With the introduction of Travel Saga, a premium, fast-paced gaming experience that is currently live and accessible to customers on its network, Globacom has lifted the bar for mobile entertainment in the country.
Travel Saga is a story-driven, intricately connected role-playing game designed to provide the thrill, complexity, and competitive intensity of some of the most well-known action games in the world.
The game, which has been painstakingly optimized for mobile devices, redefines mobile gaming as a full-fledged digital battlefield by translating a console-grade experience onto data-enabled handsets.
Fundamentally, Travel Saga takes users on quick virtual journeys against recognizable international landscapes. In a dynamic, ever-evolving gaming environment, players are thrown into furious missions, fierce fights, and ever-expanding tales where talent, strategy, and endurance determine who rises through the ranks to become a true war hero.
In addition to the excitement of fighting, users are encouraged to go to various locations, take part in thrilling challenges, and participate in intense competition for in-app rewards like points and victory badges. With each encounter and accomplishment, the immersion increases with each level, maintaining momentum and excitement.
Flexible subscription plans with one-time or auto-renewal choices are available to subscribers for the service, which costs ₦100 per day and ₦250 per week. By dialing *70021#, customers can quickly subscribe and gain instant access to the action.
With Travel Saga, Glo reaffirms its dedication to innovation and high-end digital experiences, making top-notch gaming easily accessible to its customers. The game offers uninterrupted action, adventure, and competition, all smoothly supported by the Glo network.
SHELT, a leading cybersecurity-as-a-service provider, has earned inclusion in the 2025 MSSP 250, the annual ranking of the world’s top 250 Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) by MSSP Alert, a CyberRisk Alliance publication.
SHELT
The list evaluates firms on business performance, service breadth, and industry impact, spotlighting those excelling in growth, operational excellence, and advanced managed security amid rising cyber threats. Selection criteria include annual recurring revenue, profitability, workforce expansion, business growth, and the depth of managed security offerings.
SHELT’s recognition underscores its investments in scalable security operations, threat intelligence, and tailored managed services across multiple regions, enabling clients to navigate complex risk landscapes effectively.
“Being recognised in the MSSP 250 is a meaningful milestone for our team,” stated Youssef Abillama, CEO of SHELT. “It validates our focus on building practical, resilient security services that help organisations manage risk and respond effectively to today’s evolving cyber threats.”
The company hailed the honour as testament to its teams’ dedication and expertise worldwide, reaffirming commitment to enhancing capabilities and delivering trusted cybersecurity solutions.
Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook, has appointed Dina Powell McCormick, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, as its new president and vice chairman, bolstering its leadership amid aggressive AI and infrastructure expansion.
Dina Powell McCormick
The announcement, made on Monday, positions Powell McCormick – who recently stepped down from Meta’s board after eight months – to guide overall strategy, including multi-billion-dollar investments in data centres and global partnerships.
A Goldman Sachs veteran with 16 years in senior roles and prior stints as deputy national security adviser under Trump and in the Bush administration, she brings deep finance and international ties to the role.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hailed her as “uniquely qualified” for the company’s next growth phase, while President Trump praised the move on Truth Social as a “fantastic choice”.
The hire signals Meta’s efforts to strengthen White House relations, following recent dinners with Trump and U.S. investment pledges worth hundreds of billions
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