Telecom
Huawei Supports Advanced Sharing of C-band Spectrum in Africa
Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei Technologies has voiced its support of advanced sharing of C-band (3400-3800MHz) spectrum in key regions on the continent.
The technology ICT solutions provider participated in the 2015 Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference, held in Johannesburg.
The Conference attracted high-level stakeholders and decision makers from Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, to discuss topical issues relating to the management and co-ordination of spectrum policy within the region.
In a media statement Huawei confirmed its support of efforts to secure the availability of adequate spectrum for wireless broadband services relying on 4G technology, as well as for future 5G technologies.
“Voice and mobile Internet connectivity have improved rapidly in most urban areas in Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been the fastest growing region over the past five years in terms of both unique subscribers and connections. Consumers, governments, and businesses across SSA are rapidly adopting mobile, not only as a basic communication tool, but also to access information and a growing range of new applications and services
However, the “digital divide” is still at its most extreme in Africa. In absolute terms, mobile broadband connectivity is still at a very early stage of development in comparison to other regions of the world. ,” the statement read.
The argument put forward at the Conference was that without the smart management of spectrum, mobile networks will struggle to meet growing data demands resulting in slower speeds and higher prices, thus hindering Africa from experiencing the full socio-economic benefits of mobile.
There are 8 months remaining until the 2015 World Radio Conference where key decisions will be made impacting the future of mobile broadband over the next year.
The global debate has now focused on potential bands for mobile allocations and IMT identifications: UHF band (470-694 MHz), L-Band 1350-1518 MHz, 2700-2900 MHz band, and C-Band (3400-3800 MHz and 3800-4200 MHz).
With the tremendous increase in end user mobile data traffic, Huawei has predicted that the 3400-3800 MHz range will play an increasing role in the evolution of LTE-Advanced, thanks to the unique amount of contiguous spectrum available (<6GHz) that will allow delivery of a unique end user mobile broadband experience (i.e. up to 1Gbps peak).
Making these four bands available for mobile services, including the 3400-3800 MHz band, does not mandate a change of use for the spectrum at a national level, but instead it gives countries the freedom to take the decision to make additional spectrum available for mobile broadband when demand from the market and society heightens.
In the meantime, countries may want to use, in some cases, more advanced approaches to spectrum sharing between different services as a means of managing spectrum congestion and enabling innovation, while preserving current usage.
During his address to conference delegates, Alessandro Casagni, head of the European Wireless Regulatory Policy at Huawei, elaborated on how more advanced approaches to spectrum sharing may enable mobile broadband innovation while preserving current usage.
Such approaches for spectrum sharing, should be assessed at national level, accounting for the latest technologies (including the availability of LTE-Advanced small cells), while ensuring the continued operation of existing services. The regulations at a national level should be aimed at allowing the introduction of IMT networks with the least prescriptive sharing regulation necessary to protect existing users while maximizing efficient use of spectrum.
The latest mobile network topologies such as small cells, within LTE-Advanced Heterogeneous Networks (HETNETs), and the exploitation of innovative spectrum management approaches such as “database assisted spectrum access”, are now providing additional opportunities for sharing leading to more efficient utilisation of spectrum.
Google has launched its Search Live feature globally to over 200 countries, including Nigeria, where AI Mode is available, enabling voice-and-camera conversations in users’ preferred languages.
Powered by the new multilingual Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model, it delivers natural, real-time interactions via the Google app on Android or iOS—tap the Live icon under the Search bar.
Ideal for hands-free help, users can speak queries for audio replies, follow-ups, or web links. Camera integration adds visual context, like troubleshooting a shelving unit, or pairs with Google Lens for real-world chats.
From the app or Lens, Nigerians can now explore, learn, or solve tasks instantly, boosting everyday productivity worldwide.
Clean and reliable power for telecom networks in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone will be expanded following a $45 million investment by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in IPT PowerTech.
The investment targets countries where limited power supply continues to slow digital connectivity and broader economic participation, the institution stated earlier this week.
To enable this expansion, the IFC is providing a $45 million corporate financing package consisting of an A-loan of $27 million and $18 million in blended finance.
The blended portion is sourced from the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Programme and the IDA20 Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility.
The initiative marks the IFC’s first direct infrastructure engagement in Liberia in a decade and in Sierra Leone in six years.
It will help scale solar- and battery-based power systems that reduce reliance on diesel and support greener, more resilient telecom networks.
By improving the quality and stability of power to telecom towers, the initiative will strengthen mobile coverage and ensure that households, schools, health centres, and small businesses can depend on consistent digital services, said the IFC.
The funding supports the modernisation, operation, and maintenance of 2 235 telecom sites across the three nations. More than 90% of these are located in off-grid or weak-grid locations.
With new solar and battery systems powering these sites, mobile networks will experience fewer outages and improved service quality.
Optimising the energy mix is estimated to reduce power costs for operators by up to 30% in Liberia, 26% in Sierra Leone, and 52% in Ethiopia.
This transition is also expected to cut emissions by more than 10 624 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Furthermore, the partnership will promote gender inclusion by expanding opportunities for women in technical, operational, and leadership roles within the sector, says the IFC.
This agreement reflects a shared vision for a greener telecom industry and empowers the company to scale its innovative energy platforms, according to Nabil Haddad, CEO of IPT PowerTech Group.
Reliable and affordable power for telecom networks is a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation, said Nathalie Kouassi-Akon, IFC regional director for West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
Through this partnership, the institution is supporting a scalable, private sector-led solution that enables mobile operators to reach underserved and fragile communities more sustainably, added Kouassi-Akon.
The project advances the World Bank Group and African Development Bank’s Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
Expedier has unveiled “Expedier for Business,” an online pro-banking platform to simplify global payments, multi-currency transactions, and financial operations for expanding companies.
Kingsley Madu
The tool centralizes payments, invoicing, payroll, and treasury into one secure dashboard, tackling challenges like fragmented systems and poor visibility that hinder international scaling.
Kingsley Madu, Co-Founder and CEO of Expedier, said: “African businesses are increasingly global… Expedier for Business was built to simplify how companies manage money across borders while maintaining visibility, control, and compliance.”
Key features include customizable dashboards for payments, invoices, and workflows; support for USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, and more; virtual cards; automated payroll/invoicing; currency swaps; and real-time tracking.
Security measures cover two-factor authentication, KYC/KYB verification, and team access controls.
As cross-border trade and remote work boom in Africa, the platform aids firms dealing with international suppliers, teams, and customers. It is now available for organizations scaling globally.
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