Telecom
GSMA, IBM Partner to Accelerate AI Skills in Telecoms Sector
The GSMA and IBM announced a new collaboration to support the adoption and skills of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the telecom industry through the launch of GSMA Advance’s AI Training program and the GSMA Foundry Generative AI challenge and program.
The AI training program, the first in a new series of courses by GSMA Advance, seeks to prepare telco leaders for the AI-era and bridge skills gaps in the telecom industry, by equipping members with skills and knowledge to help effectively leverage Gen AI technologies utilizing watsonx, IBM’s AI and data platform with AI assistants.
The training program, designed for telecoms leaders, will span a wide range of topics, from fundamental AI principles to specialized Gen AI applications in telecoms.
To ensure a wide-range of participants can benefit, GSMA Advance AI Training sessions will take place at IBM offices in five locations around the world in 2024, including Dubai, London, Mexico, New York and Seoul, and an online training program will be available in multiple languages.
A digital version of the program will be available to help address both the business strategy and technology fundamentals of Generative AI. This program will leverage IBM watsonx to deliver hands-on training designed to equip architects and developers with in-depth practical Gen AI knowledge.
The GSMA Foundry Generative AI program will provide GSMA members with access to IBM’s watsonx. This platform is intended to help telecom industry players explore innovative industry-specific use cases of Generative AI, enabling members to improve cost leadership, revenue growth and enhance customer experience.
As part of the ongoing collaboration GSMA Foundry and IBM will drive a series of Gen AI industry programs and challenges to investigate the use of Generative AI in various functional areas of a telecom provider.
Bridging the AI Adoption Gap
Through both the GSMA Advance AI Training and Foundry Gen AI programs, the GSMA and IBM will help address the gap in AI skills, training and tools, supporting GSMA’s commitment to operators of all sizes across the world.
IBM’s latest AI Adoption Index found 40% of telecoms surveyed are exploring or experimenting with generative AI, and 45% have accelerated the rollout of AI.
Research from GSMA Intelligence also shows that while 56% of operators surveyed are actively trialing generative AI solutions – at a rate higher than any other priority technology – adoption this is less prevalent amongst mid-sized and smaller operators surveyed.
Through this initiative, the GSMA and IBM aim to allow operators, including those supporting the world’s least connected communities, to benefit from AI technology, and develop new innovative and inclusive solutions to help connect those in society who are not yet online.
Generative AI holds tremendous potential to help improve all manner of operations and customer engagement. Specifically, generative AI can help transform customer care, IT and network optimization —all areas in which automation can notably help increase agility and efficiency.
Through their commitment to developing generative AI skills and training for the telecom industry, the GSMA and IBM want to enable mobile operators to provide better services and, ultimately, help more people benefit from digital connectivity.
“Artificial Intelligence provides the telecoms industry, and the societies it serves, with huge opportunities to launch new services, improve connectivity and customer experience. Overall, it’s estimated that AI could contribute $15.7 trillion1 to the global economy by 2030,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer at the GSMA.
“However, it’s critical that AI is democratized to ensure that all parts of the connectivity industry and their customers, wherever they are in the world, benefit. Bringing operators access to AI tools and knowledge, alongside the necessary skills, access and training, is key to achieving this.”
“As a world leader in AI for business, IBM will provide critical support to this training for the telecom industry through this collaboration with the GSMA,” said Stephen Rose, GM, Global Industries, IBM.
“Generative AI can create massive opportunities for communication service providers as they look to optimize current processes, and like the GSMA, our goal is to offer this technology within the industry, which we’re making possible through watsonx.”
GSMA Advance Training Launched to Tackle Telco Industry Skills Gap
The AI Training program is the first in a series of courses to be announced by GSMA Advance, the GSMA’s training organization, which also launched today. GSMA Advance aims to bridge skills gaps, foster innovation, and champion workforce diversity so that industries and societies thrive.
With a focus on next-gen learning and cutting-edge technologies, working in partnership with Award Solutions, IBM and Mpirical, the GSMA Advance’s range of courses spans diverse areas such as AI, cybersecurity, spectrum, policy, GSMA Open Gateway, and beyond.
With Mobile World Congress around the corner, the GSMA will share more on the future of the program and additional initiatives to address the AI skills gap.
Telecom
MoMo PSB, LSSBI Advisory Partner for Seamless Tax Payments
MoMo PSB has announced a partnership with Leadership Strategy Sustainability Business Innovation (LSSBI) Advisory to enhance financial inclusion and streamline tax payments in Ekiti, Nasarawa, and Rivers states.
This collaboration introduces MoMo as the official payment platform for taxpayers, enabling easy and convenient payments via the USSD code *5229#.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek report that the partnership aims to boost compliance, drive revenue development, and promote financial autonomy for marginalised communities. Key stakeholders highlighted the significance of this collaboration in closing the financial gap and promoting economic growth.
Read Also: MTN Nigeria takes full control of MoMo bank for $4.6m
With this initiative, MoMo PSB reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible and user-friendly financial services to all Nigerians, particularly the unbanked and underbanked populations.
The launch of the USSD code *5229# demonstrates MoMo PSB’s dedication to expanding financial inclusion and promoting digital payments.
Ekiti State officials lauded the partnership, commenting on the convenience of using the MoMo payment platform, while emphasising its potential to increase tax compliance and benefit local communities.
The collaboration is part of a broader initiative to empower citizens with financial autonomy, encourage saving, and promote responsible money management.
As the rollout begins in Ekiti, Rivers, and Nasarawa, MoMo PSB and LSSBI Advisory aim to expand the initiative nationwide, encouraging other states and private sector partners to explore similar collaborations, leveraging technology to improve access to financial services. This partnership marks a new era in tax payment solutions, prioritising efficiency, inclusivity, and financial empowerment for all Nigerians.
MoMo PSB, established in May 2022 as the fintech division of MTN, continues to focus on delivering user-friendly, accessible, and affordable financial services to both new and existing customers across Nigeria.
Telecom
Glo Introduces Instalment Payment Scheme for Purchase of Smartphones
Globacom has unveiled a new device acquisition scheme to enable Nigerians own smartphones and pay conveniently over several months. The scheme is dubbed: “Buy Now, Pay Small Small” and is available in Gloworld shops across the country.
The scheme aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling individuals and businesses have access to the latest smartphones and devices more conveniently. This, Globacom claims, will make customers more connected and more productive.
A press statement released by Globacom explained that it is offering flexible payment options to its customers so they can acquire devices of their choice and spread the cost of these new devices over several months through instalment payments that is manageable for them.
The scheme has a wide range of smartphones and other smart devices from top brands that customers can chose from.
This device financing is available to all new and existing Glo customers who can avail the benefits of the programme when purchasing new devices from Gloworld stores across Nigeria.
Moreover, customers can choose from various payment plans to suit their budget, with tenures of up to six months and special interest rates on all flagship devices.
Globacom said customers who purchase devices under the programme will also be given a data bonus of 18GB for six months, adding that it is focused on customer satisfaction, through ensuring a convenient system of smartphone acquisition for Nigerians.
Telecom
Here’s Your Last Chance to Secure Discounted Starlink Kits @ Konga
Starlink Week at Konga, an exceptional opportunity to acquire reliable satellite internet at a significantly discounted price, ends tomorrow, Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that customers now have chance to secure a Starlink kit at an exceptional price and experience the transformative power of high-speed internet.
Throughout the week, Konga has been dedicated to making Starlink’s cutting-edge technology more accessible to Nigerians.
Read Also: Konga Announces Starlink Week: An Opportunity To Own High Speed Internet Kit
The e-commerce giant offered Starlink kits and accessories at reduced prices, along with perks that have made this offer hard to resist.
In addition to the unmatched prices, Konga included free nationwide delivery to ensure that customers from every corner of Nigeria benefited from this offer.
Konga also provided free same-day delivery in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, ensuring that customers can start enjoying their Starlink experience almost immediately.
As Starlink Week draws to a close, this is the final call for those who still need to take advantage of this limited-time offer.
The discounted prices, combined with the exceptional delivery options, represent a rare opportunity to invest in a technology that has revolutionized internet accessibility across the globe.
Konga’s Starlink Week has been more than just a promotional event; it has been a gateway to connectivity, offering Nigerians a reliable solution to their internet needs.
Starlink provides the service you need to stay connected wherever you are in Nigeria.
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Visit Konga.com today or walk into any of Konga’s retail stores to secure your Starlink kit before the campaign ends.
- Telecom2 days ago
Glo Introduces Instalment Payment Scheme for Purchase of Smartphones
- E-Financial2 days ago
FintechNGR, Africa Fintech Network Call for Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation on Cross-Border Payments and Remittances
- Uncategorized1 day ago
FG Unveils Committee to Advance Risk Management in Nigeria
- E-Financial2 days ago
Fidelity Bank Trains 1,276 Women in Digital and AI Skills
- Telecom2 days ago
Here’s Your Last Chance to Secure Discounted Starlink Kits @ Konga
- Telecom2 days ago
QNET Reaffirms Commitment to Adhere to Ethical Practices, Local Laws & Regulations
- News1 day ago
NERC says World Bank will Crash Solar Tariff in Nigeria
- Telecom2 days ago
NDPC Boss Inaugurates Local Organising Committee for 2025 NADPA-RADPA Conference