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Ericsson says Connectivity Increases Competitiveness on University Campuses

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Universities are hotbeds for ideas and innovation—and also have a nearly insatiable need for connectivity. From labs to classroom A/V equipment, student cell phone coverage to sports arenas, there are a growing host of demands on the networks of these facilities.

 

Universities have many different IT needs and have to take a holistic view of connectivity, in order to deliver a seamless performance on both public and private networks.

Fixed connections and Wi-Fi alone won’t be enough to meet the demand. The latest generation of mobile wireless in 5G, with its fast speeds, low latency and superior security, can be the missing piece.

Connectivity will be in high demand on campus

Sprawling university campuses can be a difficult environment in which to achieve reliable, secure connectivity.

A private 5G network can serve as an extension of a school’s IP network, untethering applications from hardwired connections and students from Wi-Fi signals that ebb and flow in strength depending on what corner of the quad they’re standing in.

College IT administrators also need to stay ahead of the coming wave of connected devices. To a great extent, they’re already here—a 2018 Center for Digital Education (CDE) survey showed that more than three-quarters of college campuses at the time were either “smart” campuses or on their way to becoming so.

Internet of Things (IoT) applications on campus can include everything from emergency notification systems to building HVAC control, to smart ID badges for students and faculty. The COVID-19 pandemic also rapidly accelerated the use of online portals connecting students both on and off campus.

To power all those devices, a school needs a wide coverage network that gives every inch of campus reliable connections.

Especially in outdoor environments, 5G networks powering a “Fixed Wireless Broadband” solution can provide strong, secure coverage with far less access points than a traditional Wi-Fi setup.

For example, indoors the ratio is typically 5 Wi-Fi APs to 1 LTE/5G AP and for outdoor locations, 7 to 1. This is due to the power regulations set by the FCC as well as the technology advantage of cellular equipment over Wi-Fi.

Mobile broadband can power use cases from the everyday to the cutting edge

One example of how 5G private networks can help university campuses meet their needs is an athletic venue, like a football stadium.

5G equipment allows network slicing, meaning that different functions (arena security, POS for food vendors, tablets on the sidelines, etc.) all have their own dedicated network resources.

A single Wi-Fi network may be too congested or too weak in spots to meet all these needs.

And this can also apply inside the building, for things like smart whiteboards, or A/V equipment beaming in an expert to a classroom.

A mobile broadband connection gives the security and speed of fixed Ethernet while allowing equipment to be moved from room to room. This can also be applied to public safety technology—things like wireless cameras that can be redeployed during an event, or drones for autonomous patrols of outdoor areas.

Private networks aren’t a replacement for Wi-Fi, but a compliment and extension of the school’s existing IP network. A 5G-powered private network can serve as a strong compliment to public mobile broadband, and as IT departments look to “cut the cord” on things like security cameras and A/V equipment, it can provide connectivity that’s just as strong and secure as a hardwired connection.

Future-proof university networks with 5G

Private 5G networks are only part of the overarching connectivity solutions for a university campus.

But there are indirect cost savings to leaning into such a model—for example, public LTE is needed for connectivity outside the school, but costs could be reduced if 80 percent of the data plan is used at the campus. (Studies have shown most wireless subscribers use their phones indoors, meaning they would therefore save on data plans if they used their private wireless networks instead of the public network when on a university campus.)

The use cases detailed here are just the ones that are prolific today. We know driverless vehicles, delivery robots and other cutting-edge tech is on the horizon. In the coming years, universities will want to demonstrate tech proficiency to attract top students and faculty talent to campus.

Things like AR/VR, smart classrooms, and virtual instruction will become the norm. Institutions will also look to things like drones for safety and security.

A 5G private network can help lay a powerful, secure foundation for these technologies.

Every university is in a different stage of bringing students back, as higher education works out what life will be like after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether students are fully returned to the classroom or on a permanent hybrid model, one thing will be consistent—everyone, from students to faculty, will expect good connectivity. If a university wants to stay competitive and attract top students and staff, it needs to offer robust, secure and high-speed connectivity on every inch of campus. A 5G private network is a key part of that solution.


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QNET Named ‘Direct Selling Company of the Year’ at AfriTECH 4.0 Awards

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QNET, a leading global lifestyle and wellness direct selling company, has been honored with the prestigious “Direct Selling Company of the Year” award at the recent AfriTECH 4.0 Conference and Awards.

This recognition underscores QNET’s significant contributions to financial inclusion and e-commerce in Africa.

The award was presented to QNET by Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTech & ATAEx Awards. Onwuegbuchi commended QNET for its unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and driving economic growth across the continent.

He highlighted the company’s innovative approach to direct selling, coupled with its focus on financial literacy and digital innovation.

Biram Fall, Regional Manager for QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

He emphasized QNET’s dedication to innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Africa.

Fall highlighted the company’s impact on the Nigerian economy, particularly through its advanced technology and robust e-commerce platform.

“QNET’s participation in this event further solidified its position as a key player in the region’s digital transformation journey.

“We are committed to staying in Nigeria, our biggest market in Sub-Saharan Africa, and contributing to the region’s development,” Fall stated.

During his keynote speech, Fall underscored QNET’s commitment to empowering individuals through knowledge and skill development.

He highlighted the FinGreen financial literacy program, which has already trained over 1,350 young people in Nigeria to make informed financial decisions.

Fall also emphasized the potential of direct selling to drive economic growth in Africa. “Our e-commerce-driven direct-selling model provides opportunities for income generation across more than 100 countries, helping individuals pursue their goals while contributing to community growth,” he explained.

Addressing the challenges of limited banking infrastructure and cash dependency in Africa, Fall stressed the importance of financial inclusion for e-commerce growth.

He called for collaboration to accelerate financial inclusion and e-commerce growth in Africa, fostering a financially inclusive future for the continent.


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Martin Ekpeke Honored with Digital Reporting Excellence Award @ATAEx

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Martin Ekpeke, Managing Editor of ITPulse, a leading Nigerian online Information and Communications Technology (ICT) news platform, was awarded the prestigious Digital Reporting Excellence Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards.

The award, presented by Tech Castle Foundation, recognizes Ekpeke’s exceptional coverage of cyber threats, digital privacy, and the evolving online security landscape.

“We are thrilled to honor Martin Ekpeke with the Digital Reporting Excellence Award.

“His insightful reporting has been instrumental in raising awareness about critical digital issues and empowering individuals and organizations to stay informed and protected,” said Chike Onwuegbuchi from Tech Castle Foundation.

Ekpeke expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive this award.

“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire ITPulse team.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality, informative content that empowers our readers to navigate the complex digital world.”

The Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and institutions driving digital transformation in Africa.

This year’s event brought together tech enthusiasts, regulators, and other key stakeholders in the Nigerian ICT ecosystem.


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NCC Calls on Judiciary to Champion Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in Nigeria’s digital transformation. During the Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida highlighted the judiciary’s reliance on digital tools to enhance justice delivery.

He stressed the need for special protections for telecommunication infrastructure, which faces disruptions from vandalism, theft, and restricted access.

Maida called for judicial support to implement the Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

This order prohibits unauthorized actions against such infrastructure without a lawful court order.

The judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights, enforcing digital contracts, and developing digital jurisprudence is vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the NCC’s efforts to protect consumers from unfair practices and emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to the telecommunications sector.

She highlighted concerns such as cybersecurity risks, consumer data protection, and the need for improved dispute resolution frameworks within the digital economy.

The workshop aims to equip judicial officers with the technical expertise required to address emerging legal challenges in telecommunications.

Nigeria’s digital economy has significant growth potential, with projected revenues of $18.30 billion by 2026, expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote innovation.

The NCC is working with key stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the Presidential Order and to keep Nigeria competitive in the global digital economy.


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