Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us

Telecom

Huawei Introduces Key Architecture Index to Drive 5G Acceleration

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Huawei has held an online IP Gala conference with its industry partners to introduce the Key Architecture Index (KAI) and share its applications.

Huawei Introduces Key Architecture Index to Drive 5G Acceleration

This was part of the recent AfricaCom event with the theme “Leading intelligent IP networks, accelerating intelligent connectivity.”

In the carrier environment, the IP network enables fixed-mobile convergence, network evolution and the shift towards multi-services and the cloud era.

At the moment, a challenge facing most IP (internet protocol) networks is unnecessary complexity, due to a lack of IP architecture standardisation.

Most networks were built without adequate foresight, and next-generation networks, be they 3G, 4G or 5G, were built on top of existing networks.

This created network complexities around lack of visibility, management and control.

“We have to forever simplify our networks while moving to intelligent self-driving autonomous networks,” said Samuel Chen, director of Huawei Southern Africa Marketing and Solution Sales Department at the conference.

KAI architecture specifically addresses complexity challenges, enabling future-ready networks with easy integration, visibility, management and control, by measuring five dimensions of the transport network.

The KAI model indexes are Congestion Free, Scalability, Simplification, Always-on and Intelligence. Each dimension is evaluated across the optical, IP and the manager/controller/analyzer layer.

“The KAI model helps measure the results at an acceptable level across all of our offering portfolio so that we can realise a cloud-native based approach to monitoring the architecture,” said Hugh Ujhazy, Vice President, IOT and Telecom at IDC.

Zoltan Miklos, general manager of Network Planning at MTN South Africa delivered a presentation at the conference, outlining the Best Experience Congestion-Free IP Transmission Network, which would be the direct result of following an architectural model. He emphasised that it was critical to build networks with customer experience in mind.

“User experience is not only related to the wireless network, but to all aspects that form part of the service chain – from the customer to the core of the network,” he said.

Miklos said MTN was working hard to improve network architecture and was achieving excellent packet-lose rates of less than 10-4 across its entire network. The continuous P3 best-in-test achievements MTN has obtained were testimony to this, he said.

A white paper titled Transport Network Architecture Index in 5G and Cloud Era published by industrial intelligence company IDC this year has encouraged many operators across the world to move their network towards the KAI index model, looking to future-proof their network architecture.

Tony Hu, Huawei vice president of Data Communication Product Line said that a step-by-step approach was the right way for customers to embrace this evolution onto the KAI architectural model.

“We need to think not just as box layers. We need to think about the system layers, the architecture layers,” said Hu. “We need to rethink how services will be running on future IP networks and how to evolve our current networks for the future.”

He said IP networks could evolve by evaluating the current network against the five KAI dimensions. The KAI score obtained could then help the carrier to define the target network and the necessary corrective steps to be taken to get there.

The KAI model measures a network’s five dimension as follows: Congestion Free: Fiberization Ratio, 10G/25G to Site, Convergence Ratio, Network Slicing.

Simplified: SRv6/EVPN, Precise Clock Sync (G.8275.1).

Scalable: IP Capacity, Fixed + Mobile + Enterprise Network Convergence, Control & User Plane Separation (BNG).

Always On: Topology – Ring & Mesh, Network & Service Decoupling, Protection – IP FRR/TI-LFA, IP + Optical Synergy.

Intelligent: Auto Provisioning, Visualization on GIS & Logical Topology, Trouble Recovery(mins level), Predictive & Proactive Maintenance , Full Stack AI.

Ujhazy said inadequate levels of coverage or performance led customers to change providers. By contrast, network excellence led to improved customer experience, which would then enhance the provider’s success in the market.

“In recent years, the transport network has become the deciding factor in the quality of customer experience,” he added.


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Telecom

MTN Nigeria Debuts Game-Changing CPaaS Platform at NextNow Forum

Published

on

L-R: Febisola Oyeniyi, General Manager, Enterprise Sales, MTN Nigeria; Omotayo Ojutalayo, General Manager, Business Development, Enterprise Business, MTN Nigeria; Akinbulejo Onabolu, Head, Enterprise Segment, MTN Nigeria and Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head, SME Segment, MTN Nigeria, during the MTN NextNow Business Forum.
Kindly share this post

At the recently concluded NextNow Business Forum in Victoria Island, MTN Nigeria electrified the business community with a live demonstration of its forthcoming Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS), a solution engineered to redefine how Nigerian enterprises connect with their customers.

L-R: Febisola Oyeniyi, General Manager, Enterprise Sales, MTN Nigeria; Omotayo Ojutalayo, General Manager, Business Development, Enterprise Business, MTN Nigeria; Akinbulejo Onabolu, Head, Enterprise Segment, MTN Nigeria and Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head, SME Segment, MTN Nigeria, during the MTN NextNow Business Forum.

Unlike traditional communication systems, MTN’s CPaaS is built for the realities of a mobile-first market. The platform unifies SMS, voice, WhatsApp, email, and more into a single, intuitive interface.

This approach is especially significant in Nigeria, with over 107 million internet users, 45.4% of the total population, according to Data Report. This figure underscores the necessity for businesses to meet customers where they are.

During the demo, attendees witnessed how CPaaS enables two-way, real-time conversations between brands and customers. The platform’s support for rich media, instant analytics, and seamless integration with business workflows drew particular attention.

These features are designed to empower businesses with data-driven insights and the agility to personalise every interaction, whether it’s a service notification, marketing campaign, or customer support exchange.

Akinbulejo Onabolu, Head of Enterprise Segment at MTN Nigeria, articulated the vision: “CPaaS gives enterprises the flexibility to interact with their customers on their preferred platforms; whether it’s chat, voice, or messaging, in a way that feels personal and immediate. We’re looking forward to the value this will unlock for businesses across industries once it launches.”

The fireside chat added depth to the conversation, with Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head of SME Segment at MTN Nigeria, and Stephen Agbi of Bayobab, highlighting how digital engagement bridges the gap between businesses and audiences. They emphasised that today’s consumers demand immediacy, relevance, and ease, qualities that CPaaS is built to deliver.

The stakes for digital transformation in Nigeria are high. In a report by Punch, the country’s enterprise tech market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2027, reflecting a surge in demand for scalable, cloud-based solutions that drive efficiency and customer loyalty.

The CPAAS Acceleration Alliance have estimated that globally, the CPaaS market is expected to grow from $14.7 billion in 2025 to $72.4 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 18.4%, a testament to the platform’s transformative potential.

The event’s closing keynote from META’s Korhan Yunak reinforced the strategic value of digital channels like WhatsApp, which are now indispensable for business communication and engagement at scale.

As MTN Nigeria prepares for the Q3 2025 launch, the anticipation is unmistakable. With its promise of flexibility, intelligence, and seamless integration, MTN’s CPaaS platform is set to become the backbone of next-generation business-customer engagement in Nigeria, enabling enterprises to not just communicate but to connect, adapt, and grow in a digital-first era.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

NCC, REA Move to Power Telecoms with Renewable Energy

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have teamed up to develop an initiative that will reduce the $350 million annual spending on diesel by telecom operators in Nigeria.

NCC, REA Move to Power Telecoms with Renewable Energy

According to a press statement  by Nnenna Ukoha, acting had of Public Affairs, NCC, this collaboration will focus on deploying renewable energy solutions to support telecom infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

To that end, the two agencies have inaugurated what they called NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, aimed at deploying renewable energy solutions to power telecom infrastructure across the country.

According to the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2025 by the Africa Finance Corporation, telecom operators in Nigeria consume more than 40 million litres of diesel every month, costing them over $350 million annually.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has formally inaugurated the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, marking a pivotal step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital and energy inclusion objectives by developing modalities for the deployment of renewable energy to support telecom infrastructure in Nigeria.”

The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, NCC.

Maida was joined by Abba Aliyu, managing director of the REA, along with senior executives and committee members from both organisations.

Speaking at the event, Maida described the collaboration as a timely and strategic alignment of national priorities.

He noted that bridging the connectivity and power gaps in rural areas remains critical for Nigeria’s growth and development.

He highlighted that the demand for digital services and connected communities creates an opportunity for renewable energy to play a crucial role.

Maida further emphasised that the partnership goes beyond infrastructure; it is aimed at driving inclusion, reducing inequalities, and fostering shared prosperity.

“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people.

“This initiative is about more than infrastructure, it is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities and creating the conditions for shared prosperity,” he was quoted in the statement.

He also noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure no community is left behind in Nigeria’s energy and digital transformation.

Aliyu, representing REA, expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the collaboration.

“This partnership will unlock sustainable development opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially those in areas lacking traditional infrastructure,” he said.

He further emphasised that the collaboration would address both energy and connectivity gaps, benefiting those who are currently underserved.

The newly established NCC-REA Collaboration Committee will work to co-develop and implement integrated solutions that leverage renewable energy to power telecom sites.

The statement noted that the committee will also focus on sharing geospatial data to improve planning, aligning funding frameworks, and tracking the socio-economic impact of the project through clear performance indicators.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

NCC Approves MTN, 9Mobile Roaming Collaboration Deal

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced the execution of a national roaming agreement with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9Mobile), a move that signals a major milestone in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.

NCC Approves MTN, 9Mobile Roaming Collaboration Deal

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory authority, has approved the three-year deal, which allows 9Mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN Nigeria’s extensive network infrastructure across the country.

The agreement, effective immediately, will significantly enhance connectivity and user experience for 9Mobile customers, particularly in areas where its network coverage is limited.

By leveraging MTN’s expansive infrastructure, 9Mobile can now offer improved service reach and reliability, without duplicating capital-intensive investments in network deployment.

In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public, MTN Nigeria described the arrangement as a strategic collaboration that underscores its leadership in fostering innovation, industry cooperation, and operational efficiency.

The company emphasized that the initiative aligns with the NCC’s broader objective of promoting infrastructure sharing to improve telecommunications services nationwide.

“This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria,” said Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria.

“Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork.”The national roaming deal enables subscribers from 9Mobile to access voice and data services through MTN’s network in areas where the former lacks adequate coverage.

This marks the first such large-scale, cross-network roaming arrangement between two major operators in Nigeria, setting a precedent for future cooperative efforts in the telecom industry.

MTN Nigeria highlighted that the agreement contributes to more effective use of telecommunications resources, reduces infrastructure duplication, and accelerates the expansion of mobile broadband access across underserved regions.

It also supports both operators’ sustainability objectives by maximizing existing investments and reducing the environmental impact of deploying overlapping network facilities.

“This strategic collaboration is yet another first in the country by MTN Nigeria and marks a significant milestone for the sustainability of the telecommunications industry,” the company stated.

“By enabling national roaming, MTN Nigeria is contributing to a more effective use of telecommunications resources and accelerating efforts to expand connectivity across the country.”

The agreement is expected to benefit not just subscribers and operators but also regulators and investors who have consistently advocated for policies that promote shared infrastructure and efficient capital utilization in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Uto Ukpanah,  company secretary, MTN Nigeria, affirmed the company’s ongoing dedication to initiatives that create shared value.

“MTN remains committed to fostering innovation and partnerships that create sustainable value for all stakeholders while promoting digital and financial inclusion nationwide,” she noted.

With the successful rollout of this agreement, the telecoms industry is expected to see improved service delivery and expanded access to quality mobile services, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. The collaboration sets a benchmark for future inter-operator partnerships and reinforces the importance of regulatory support in advancing national connectivity goals.

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending