Telecom
Network Innovation: The Road to SDN
Most of operators in West African are facing the challenges in the communications network evolution from 2G & 3G to LTE, or from mobile network to fixed mobile convergence (FMC).
With the diversity of the services, the network is transforming to large scale and more complex structure.
Simplified network operation and maintenance to improve efficiency and reducing costs has become the focus of operators CXO concerning. Currently the hottest topic on network evolution should be SDN (software defined network).
In recent years, the communications industry has intensified research and practice, and gradually, the value of SDN is becoming recognized by more and more people.
Since the SDN architecture has eliminated the traditional multi-layer network structure, realizing a design that separates the control layer from the data layer for remote (virtual) controls, it can help enterprises create more flexible, secure and manageable networks.
For this, more and more enterprises, especially telecom carriers, have begun to transform the industry with SDN.
Since early 2015, cases of SDN commercial deployment have multiplied, though there are still many obstacles to overcome in widespread applications. For instance, there are outstanding problems that have yet to be resolved, such as standards unified issue has been outstanding. In this regard, some leading standardization organizations have adopted open solutions, committed to creating an open SDN ecosystem to help enterprise customers dispel doubts and have SDN up and running as quickly as possible.
SDN Prospects Are Broad And Difficulties Are Many
Today, with the overall rise of cloud computing, Big Data, and Internet of Things (IoT), ICT systems have taken center stage in daily operations, and SDN offers advantages for ICT system construction for which carriers have high expectations in the hopes that it will improve their competitiveness in the future.
A recently released report by IHSInfonetics predicts that global telecom carriers will increase spending on SDN software and services from $103 million in 2014 up to $5.7 billion in 2019; during this time, the SDN software market will grow by 15-fold.
SDN has drawn such attention because this concept can help carriers evolve to a brand-new ICT-based architecture to increase flexibility and intelligence.
Over the years, , carriers from around the world have been working hard to avoid pipelining network resources while trying to gain a foothold in the IT cloud services market.
As a new transformational network technology, SDN can help quickly provide customers with cloud services quickly and automatically deploy new businesses.
Likewise, SDN can also help carriers utilize existing network resources as much as possible for a smooth evolution.
At the AT&T’s 2015 Q2 Earnings Call Conference, CFO John Stephens said that networks with added flexibility from SDN solutions are expected to reduce carrier capital expenditures.
However, when it comes to the specifics of SDN deployment, many carriers believe that there are still quite a few obstacles that must be overcome.
During Huawei’s SDN/NFV (Network Functions Visualization) summits held in several countries, surveys conducted by some organizations indicated that many carriers are worried that current SDN providers and solutions cannot satisfy the desired targets, while roughly half of the participants believe that the greatest obstacle to SDN/NFV deployment is the lack of uniform standards.
As for the maturity of technology and solutions, actual performance and other such issues, the secret is finding the right supplier.
This supplier should have a profound understanding of both communications and IT with knowledge of the complexities of the carrier network environment and the ability to accurately judge and fully meet the individual needs of different carriers for SDN deployment in different environments.
As for the lack of uniform standards, many ICT companies and standards organizations are actively working things out.
On the whole, however, the openness advocated for by SDN standards organization Open Networking Foundation (ONF) has been recognized as a core gene of SDN. China’s three main carrier, MIIT China Academy of Telecommunications Research and Huawei, Baidu, Alibaba and other ICT companies are all members of ONF, and to create an open and innovative SDN ecosystem, they have all made major contributions.
Standardization Teams On The Move
As a promising key technology, SDN has captured the attention of foreign and domestic standards organizations.
ITU-T and IETF, a response to the Internet’s future development needs, is carrying out research on SDN-based future network standards.
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) network function virtualization industry specifications taskforce of major US and European telecom carriers and ICT companies has focused investments in NFV research with the hopes of replacing private dedicated network elements through the development of standard IT virtualization technology and standard servers, storage and network equipment. In China, CCSA (China Communications Standards Association), MIIT China Academy of Telecommunication Research and other organizations are studying standardization for future networks and SDN.
In current tests or commercial trials, SDN standards organization ONF’s OpenFlow protocol has won the support of most companies, a strong contender for a future SDN standard.
Chinese companies are eager to get involved in SDN standards R&D and have gained a favorable position.
For example, in ONF, Huawei experts serve as ONF’s Service Area Director, L4-L7 Service project chairman, and deputy chairmen to the security project and optical transmission project. Huawei’s launch of plastic optical fiber (POF) technology-based OF-PI also forms a technical basis for the next step of ONF protocol evolution.
Huawei was also one of nine founding members of the Open Network Operating System (ONOS) open source project released in December 2014. Also, in IETF, two Huawei experts serve as chairmen to two major SDN working groups, I2RS and L3SM, partaking in over 50% of IETF’s SDN-related document writing.
In the ETSI ISG NFV project, Huawei is the Industry Engagement Officer holding posts as vice-chair of the reliability group, leader of the architecture hardware acceleration taskforce and multiple speakers for the architecture group.
Clearly, regardless of the global ICT industry’s consensus on SDN standards, meanwhile, concerning the telecommunication network architecture is more and more complex due to the service evolution, so the operators in Western African are going to pay more and more attention on SDN now.
Open Value
In the research and development of SDN standards, even though the big trend is for open SDN, there are also more than a few enterprises that are attempting to introduce private dedicated technology.
In fact, whether the IT industry or the communications industry, closed and open policies have always been competing with one another.
Enterprises that adopt a closed policy often have the first-mover advantage and can rely on proprietary technology to deny others entry into the mainstream markets for exclusive rights to major profits, think of Microsoft in the operating systems field, Qualcomm in the mobile communications field, and Apple in the mobile terminal field.
However, while closed technology may prevail for the time being, its vitality is nothing compared to open technology.
The Windows operating system has teetered on with sluggish growth, successors to the CDMA2000 standard lack strength, and the Android camp has been gaining an edge on Apple – all of which stands testament to this fact.
For telecom carriers, open SDN can bring obvious value. Earlier this year, when China Telecom Science and Technology Committee director and SDN Industry Alliance chairman Wei Leping spoke of the openness of SDN, he believed that it had three main benefits: First, an open ecosystem can give all walks of life the chance to get involved, thereby stimulating even more network and business innovations; second, an open policy creates a wealthier and flatter ecological chain, there by attracting even more software developers; third, an open SDN can help carriers from being bound to single solution providers, thereby giving them more options and bargaining power when it comes to hardware and software selection.
From the perspective of promoting commercial SDN deployment, open thinking offers SDN networks with superior flexibility and can be fully adjusted with the progress of industry standards; carriers first to invest in commercial applications won’t have to think twice about standard issues.
At the 2015 MWC Conference held earlier this year, ONF executive director Dan Pitt said that more and more open source software is becoming a key component to rapid SDN deployment. This helps to meet critical carrier needs.
At the conference, SDN open source platform ONOS board member and Huawei’s fixed network product line president Zha Jun also stated that SDN openness and innovation is linked to the development of the entire industry chain, requiring the active participation of all sides. Huawei will continue to invest in open SDN technology and product R&D and promote an open SDN ecosystem and the healthy growth of the entire industry.
As a leading global communications company, Huawei’s attitude toward the development of an open SDN ecosystem is incredibly important.
As is well known, Huawei is pragmatic in that it quickly implements its promises with movement in the marketplace; Huawei’s own SDN solutions already fully support the open source ONOS platform architecture, and the company is working with ONOS, ONF, Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV), and other industry organizations to join together in creating a cohesive, open and programmable SDN network architecture for carriers.
Picking Up The Pace Of Commercial Deployment
As commercial value and application models become clearer than ever and as technology and solutions will become ever more mature, despite the SDN issues yet to be resolved, this won’t hinder global carriers’ plans to partake in its development.
As for expectations, from 2015 to 2016, major global carriers will complete top-notch SDN designs based on their existing networks; from 2016 to 2017, major global carriers will launch new SDN/NFV architecture; from 2018 to 2019, some leading carriers will use SDN/NFV solutions in 70% of new networks.
In a recent IHS SDN strategy survey (survey respondents were carriers accounting for 49% of global telecom spending and 46% of global telecom revenue), 82% of respondents’ service providers had already deployed SDNs or were planning to appraise SDN within the year. In other words, SDN has already become the preferred solution of global carriers for subsequent network construction.
During the Moscow SDN/NFV Summit held in August, Euguene Solomatin, chief analyst at Russia’s largest ICT media group CNews, said that Russia would launch a commercial SDN/NFV network between 2016 and 2017, and he expects that the market share related to SDN projects would reach $2.5-3 billion in 2017.
Over the past two years, major carriers around the world, including AT&T, NTT, Telefónica, Verizon and China’s top three carriers, have begun to launch SDN testing based on their own circumstances.
On account of strong growth in market demand, Chinese carriers have repeatedly set precedents in commercial SDN deployment. For instance, the world’s first carrier commercial SDN deployment was completed in April 2014 by Beijing Telecom and Huawei.
Based on information disclosed, Chinese communication company Huawei has successively carried out over 35 SDN joint innovation projects and commercial deployment with over 20 leading carriers from around the world, including China Telecom, China Unicom, China Mobile as well as Telefónica, VDF, and SingTel. At the end of March, Huawei and Telefónica also jointly completed the industry’s first SDN-based IP+Optical synergy field trial.
As for Huawei’s progress in the SDN field, industry commentators believe that apart from its position in the telecom industry and its outstanding communications technology, its adherence to open policies has been a key factor. Huawei is a strong supporter of open SDN, and its SDN solutions fully support the ONOS open platform architecture.
Currently, Huawei is actively promoting the user-friendly next-gen SDN network programming language NEMO and next-gen virtual network – Open Network Hypervisor technology, making it easier for networks to be open; Huawei’s innovative SDN sandbox technology has simplified SDN application development and verification to provide even more developers with convenience in SDN R&D. Additionally, unlike the veiled “open” of some SDN providers, Huawei’s open is much more thorough.
Huawei not only actively promotes open source controller applications, but it also pushes for open source at the synergy level and is committed to building a fully open SDN.
For a single SDN supplier, although this will lead to dilute some market opportunities and lower their control over the industry chain, the benefit of openness is that they can win over even more partners to make the “cake” bigger and promote full SDN implementation.
From development perspective, so long as the supplier has a competitive advantage in new technology, industry solutions and other such fields, it will naturally drive more and more partners to keep up, thereby influencing the future direction of open SDN. So, in a way, the success of Huawei’s openness is precisely its leadership in the field of SDN.
Since early 2015, the true SDN commercial implementation projects have multiplied as the market has actually experienced the benefits of SDN firsthand.
Telecom carriers have also become more willing to use this to develop smart and efficient networks and services, all of which is inextricably linked to their adherence to openness and their joint promotion of the commercial progress of SDN which aims to give customers more freedom and flexibility will naturally be open.
Chinese companies that adhere to openness like Huawei will also win the respect of the market and partners in promoting the full implementation of SDN while raking in generous returns.
Ms. Yuqing Ji, editor in Chief, CCTIME.COM, a leading IT trade media in China
The need for Nigeria to think outside the box in its need to drive towards global relevance with innovations and scientific developments will be on the front burner at the NITRA Innovative & Scientific Conference scheduled to hold on Thursday July 23, 2026 in Ikeja, Lagos.
NITRA
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will lead other delegates to discuss and take far-reaching decisions at the event, which has its theme as “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide With Scientific Innovation”.
Other companies that have indicated interest in partnering with NITRA include mobile communications company, Tecno; Africa’s premier end-to-end AI solutions company, Hyperspace; and telecommunications data infrastructure company, Digital Realty.
Speaking on the proposed event, the Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), Chike Onwuegbuchi noted that the event will seek to create a platform for government and private organisations to deliberate on policies around scientific innovations in Nigeria, challenges, place of indigenous and foreign collaboration, roles of each stakeholder, and grassroots development in that regard, among others.
According to him: “The Federal government, with series of programmes and partnerships, has established the urgent need to create an ecosystem that thrives on scientific innovation, breeding institutions and individuals with a target of placing the country at the fore-front of Next-Gen development.
It is a known fact that digital and scientific innovations are crucial, not only to the survivability of a nation, but also to the sustainability of its growth and development, with significant effect on economic strength, global image, defense and security, government capabilities to function, and public health and safety, communication and digital footprint, among others.
The federal government is actively driving scientific innovation to foster economic diversification and build a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Efforts are heavily focused on commercializing research, establishing massive research funds, and funding strategic infrastructure, particularly in technology, biotechnology, and healthcare. Core government initiatives and policies include the newly instituted National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), which aims to mobilize about $500 million annually to support research and the commercialization of scientific outputs; and the Nigeria Genomic City, a multi-ministerial initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading hub for genomics, precision medicine, and biotechnology. It is designed to protect indigenous data, stimulate artificial intelligence in health, and develop a highly skilled scientific workforce.
According to the General Secretary of NITRA, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, the forum will also be a vehicle to propagating the views of decision makers to the public, thereby furthering the cause of public awareness and information dissemination on the topic.
The focus, he said will be on how Nigeria can sustain digital innovative growth and scientific development in Nigeria
The board of global payments company, PayPal, says a 53 billion dollars takeover offer from financial technology firm, Stripe, and private equity company, Advent International, does not adequately reflect the company’s long-term value.
PayPal
According to reports, the proposed acquisition, valued at 60.50 dollars per share, remains under consideration, with the board yet to formally respond to the offer.
The directors are said to be evaluating not only the financial value of the proposal but also the structure of the financing, the timeline for completing the transaction and the likelihood of obtaining regulatory approvals.
They are also considering the possibility of competing bids emerging.
Although the offer represents a premium of about 28 per cent above PayPal’s recent share price, the board believes the company could deliver greater value to shareholders if its ongoing turnaround strategy succeeds.
Following reports of the bid, PayPal shares gained about two per cent to close at 56.73 dollars.
Sources familiar with the discussions said Stripe and Advent have secured approximately 50 billion dollars in debt financing from JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, while both firms would jointly contribute 17 billion dollars in equity.
Under the proposal, the two companies would jointly own PayPal instead of dividing its operations.
PayPal, Stripe, Advent International, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley have all declined to comment on the proposed transaction.
The discussions come as PayPal seeks to strengthen its business after years of increasing competition from rivals including Apple Pay, Google Pay and emerging financial technology firms.
The company, which was valued at about 360 billion dollars in 2021, now has a market capitalisation of approximately 36 billion dollars.
Since assuming office as Chief Executive Officer in March 2026, Enrique Lores has embarked on a restructuring programme aimed at improving operational efficiency and restoring growth.
The restructuring includes the creation of three business divisions comprising Checkout, Venmo and Consumer Financial Services, and Payments and Crypto.
The company is also targeting 1.5 billion dollars in cost savings through the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.
PayPal’s latest financial results indicated signs of recovery, with first-quarter revenue rising seven per cent year-on-year to 8.35 billion dollars, while total payment volume increased by eight per cent to 464 billion dollars.
If approved, the transaction would combine two of the world’s largest digital payments companies.
The combined business would process an estimated 3.7 trillion dollars in annual payment volume, significantly strengthening its position in the global online payments market.
However, analysts expect the proposed acquisition to face intense regulatory scrutiny because of the companies’ combined market share in merchant payment services.
To address possible antitrust concerns, the bidders have reportedly considered options, including separating PayPal’s Braintree business or other assets if required by regulators.
Sources said Stripe and Advent remain interested in pursuing the acquisition despite the board’s reservations, although negotiations are expected to continue.
Market observers are also awaiting PayPal’s earnings report scheduled for July 28 for further indications of the company’s financial recovery and future growth prospects.
Concerns over network reliability and its impact on Nigeria’s growing creator economy took centre stage at MTN Nigeria’s Data on Trial event, where content creator and streamer, Jarvis, challenged telecommunications operators to improve connectivity for digital creators.
Speaking during the event, Jarvis asked whether there were locations in Nigeria where uninterrupted internet connectivity could support real-life (IRL) streaming without network disruptions.
“Are there places where there is no breakage when streaming IRL?” she asked.
Her question highlighted the challenges faced by content creators who depend on stable internet services for live streaming, content uploads and real-time engagement with audiences.
Responding, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Technical Officer, Mr Yahaya Ibrahim, said network performance depends on several factors, including location, network coverage, device capability and the number of users connected to a particular base station.
He noted that operators continue to invest in expanding network capacity to meet the growing demand for data services.
Earlier, MTN’s General Manager, Network Performance and Quality Assurance, Mr Michael Ndukwe, explained the evolution of mobile network technology in Nigeria, from first-generation (1G) services to the current fifth-generation (5G) technology.
According to him, each phase of technological advancement has significantly increased network capacity and enabled new digital services.
Ndukwe cited Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data showing that Nigerians consumed about 13.2 million terabytes of data in 2025.
He added that data usage reached approximately 4.06 million terabytes in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting the country’s increasing reliance on digital platforms and online services.
According to him, the growth is being driven by wider adoption of 4G and 5G networks, increased smartphone penetration, the proliferation of smart devices and expanding use of social media platforms.
Participants at the event noted that as more Nigerians build businesses and careers around digital content, access to reliable and high-speed internet has become critical to sustaining the country’s digital economy and creator ecosystem.
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