Telecom
Telcos Accelerate Standalone 5G Deployment to Meet COVID-19 Induced Demand- GlobalData
Internet has emerged as a critical lifeline for people and businesses across the world in 2020 as the COVID-19 crisis led to the rise in remote working, virtual schooling, online socializing and at-home digital entertainment, placing an unprecedented burden on the existing communication networks.
Against this backdrop, telecom companies are using the opportunity to fast-track standalone (SA) 5G deployments by swiftly scaling their existing non-standalone (NSA) 5G assets, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Venkata Naveen, senior disruptive tech analyst at GlobalData, commented: “All the 5G rollouts by telecom companies pre-COVID have been NSA deployments with enhanced data-bandwidth and reliable connectivity through the existing 4G network infrastructure. However, COVID-19 has forced them to rapidly shift from NSA 5G networks to standalone 5G to meet the increasing demand.”
An analysis of GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center reveals how major telecom companies have fared with SA 5G rollouts in response to COVID-19.
T-Mobile rolled out world’s first nationwide SA 5G network in the US. Though the company rolled out 600 MHz 5G networks last year, it was based on the non-standalone architecture.
With the shift to SA 5G, the operator expanded its network coverage to over 250 million population and reduced latency by 40%.
AT&T made its SA 5G network available nationwide in the US, making it the country’s second major carrier after T-Mobile to achieve the milestone.
The network is now available to 205 million consumers in 395 regions across the US.
Verizon completed its first trial for end-to-end data transmission successfully over its SA 5G network.
It plans to start shifting mobile traffic from the NSA by the end of 2020 with full commercialization in 2021.
Vodafone launched the UK’s first live SA 5G deployment at Coventry University.
The network will initially be used to boost training outcomes of student nurses using virtual reality.
The move comes a year after the operator launched commercial 5G based on non-standalone (NSA) network technology.
In the rest of the world, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom have started upgrading their existing network infrastructure to SA 5G; Ericsson in Europe plans to switch to SA 5G in 2021.
Mr Naveen concluded: “Bandwidth usage per average customer has increased since the COVID-19 outbreak. The need for high-speed Internet connectivity is becoming quintessential now more than ever with an intertwined virtual and physical presence, where demand for remote work, education, healthcare and e-commerce is increasing. The COVID-19 era can be seen as an early beneficiary of the SA 5G, which is essential to unleash the best of 5G. Looking forward, the SA 5G networks have the potential to unveil many direct-to-consumer use cases that have never been possible before.”
Telecom
MTN Awards N2.5m to Top Fellows at Media Innovation Programme Graduation
MTN Nigeria recently celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), awarding a total of NGN 2.5 million in cash prizes to three outstanding fellows. The graduation ceremony took place at the Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, highlighting MTN’s commitment to fostering innovation in the media sector.
Launched in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the MIP is designed to equip media professionals with essential skills in traditional journalism while emphasizing the importance of technology in storytelling. Over six-months, fellows engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included topics such as media entrepreneurship, ICT in media, and ethical journalism.
During the graduation ceremony, three fellows were recognized for their exceptional contributions including the MTN Nigeria Chairman Award for Innovation awarded to Augustus Aigbe of Cool FM; the MTN Foundation Chairman Award for Innovative Reportage to Moninkanola Ogidan of Adaba 88.9FM, Akure and the MTN Award for Best Reporting awarded to Chiemelie Ezeobi from ThisDay Newspapers.
The Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, emphasized the importance of the media innovation and adaptability in media, stating that these awards represent an investment in the future leaders of journalism. “At MTN, we believe a lot in excellence, which is why the partnership with Pan-Atlantic University is still ongoing. We recognise that the future of media lies in innovation and adaptability.
“These awards do not just celebrate the Fellows’ achievement; we are investing in the next generation of media leaders. In an era where digital platforms redefine how stories are told, media practitioners must be equipped with the skills and resources to thrive.”
Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, highlighted the significance of investing in future media professionals to drive positive societal change while maintaining ethical standards. “In recent times, technological innovation, social media, Artificial Intelligence and the likes have been viewed as dangerous, due to their misuse, although they are not in themselves bad.
“And this is one thing that drives our programs for media practitioners. Our vision is to train and equip competent and professional persons who will use these technological advancements and platforms as a means to contribute to the good of the society.”
The ceremony ended with the Class President, Nifemi Oguntoye expressing his gratitude towards MTN and Pan-Atlantic University for providing a transformative experience that fostered cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and South Africa. “We’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best minds in the industry. The lessons learnt during our study trip, discussions and engagements have been invaluable. We are eternally grateful to Pan-Atlantic University and MTN for the commitment to empowering Nigerian journalists. A number of our colleagues look forward to having this experience in the next cohort and we know they will not be disappointed”, he said.
To date, MTN Nigeria has invested over NGN 300 million in the media. MIP not only aims to enhance the skills of individual practitioners but also seeks to contribute to a more robust media landscape capable of navigating the complexities of a digital economy projected to reach $18.3 billion by 2026. The event reflects MTN’s ongoing dedication to bridging the digital divide and enhancing media capabilities within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Telecom
MTN Commits to Nigeria’s Digital Growth at South Africa-Nigeria Summit
MTN Group and MTN Nigeria have expressed delight at participating in the 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town on Tuesday, during which the strong bonds between the two countries were reinforced and plans were made to accelerate cooperation.
The MTN delegation – led by Group President & CEO, Ralph Mupita, MTN Nigeria Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Olutokun Toriola – was honoured to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sidelines of the meeting, which was hosted by South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Hon Parks Tau.
MTN Nigeria is an important MTN subsidiary, accounting for some 27% of all MTN subscribers and some 23% of Group service revenue.
MTN has long established itself as a company that is a proud supporter of the Nigerian economy, remaining committed to contributing to the nation’s progress across several fronts.
“We believe in the Bi-National Commission’s objectives and the pivotal role of the digital economy in driving inclusive growth in Nigeria. We look forward to continuing our support for economic development initiatives,” says a MTN LinkedIn post.
Telecom
NiRA Honors Ikechukwu Nnamani with Prestigious Presidential Award
Digital Realty Nigeria’s CEO, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, has received a prestigious Presidential recognition from the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) at the 7th .ng Awards.
This accolade recognizes his significant contributions to the growth and evolution of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem over the past three decades.
“Nnamani was honored for his innovative spirit and leadership in shaping the future of the digital landscape,” said NiRA President, Adesola Akinsanya, while commending him and other awardees for their exceptional work in driving digital transformation in Nigeria.
A visibly humbled Nnamani dedicated the award to his dedicated team at Digital Realty Nigeria, acknowledging their pivotal role in the company’s success. He expressed gratitude to NiRA and the broader industry for recognizing his contributions.
This latest recognition adds to Nnamani’s impressive list of accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards and the prestigious Titans of Tech Hall of Fame.
The 7th .ng Awards, a biennial event, celebrated the achievements of individuals and organizations that have made significant strides in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
The two-day event featured insightful discussions on emerging technologies, digital trends, and the role of the .ng domain in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
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