We all know how we got to this modern world of infrastructure in 2025. Or do we? Most of the real stories behind the rise of the fiber business never make it into the public sphere. But in less than two weeks we’re going to be treated to a whole lot more of them when Dan Caruso’s new book drops. … [visit site to read more]
While the growth of 5G private networks in Africa may not so far have been as spectacular as some operators had hoped, such networks are certainly gaining traction in South Africa, as a recent agreement signed by operators MTN and China Telecom and tech giant Huawei seems to indicate.
The three major telecommunications names recently signed an agreement to deploy a state-of-the-art 5G private network for a leading (and so far unnamed) manganese mining company in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
The 5G private network will, we are told, provide ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity – and lots of it – enabling applications such as personnel surveillance, vehicle tracking and unmanned trucks. This, Huawei says, will not only enhance efficiency but also improve workplace safety.
Beyond operational enhancements, by optimising energy consumption and resource management, the technology aligns with international environmental standards, positioning the mine as a leader in sustainable mining.
As Huawei points out, this initiative also marks a significant milestone in advancing the 5G-to-Business (5GtoB) ecosystem, showcasing a successful collaborative model between three industry leaders.
Huawei has provided an end-to-end 5G private network tailored to meet the unique demands of mining operations; MTN has contributed its infrastructure and expertise in network integration and operations; and China Telecom has leveraged its global expertise in vertical industries, providing advanced system integration and innovative digital solutions.
So does this partnership – a collaboration that will involve Africa’s largest 5G private network in the mining sector – demonstrate the potential of 5G to drive industrial transformation in Africa, as Huawei suggests?
Certainly the promise of smarter, safer and more sustainable mining operations as well as better resource management and addressing of global supply chain demands sounds like a step forward in a key industry.
But it’s not the only target industry on MTN’s list. It was in November last year that we reported that MTN South Africa had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Telecom Global and Huawei to develop digital infrastructure across MTN’s African footprint.
Building on its strategic partnership with Huawei, MTN is already rapidly expanding its 5G private network business across a growing range of industries, including mining, oil and gas, ports, manufacturing, and education – and, of course, MTN is also extending its 5G presence to more countries in Africa.
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This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Dan Rice, Senior Managing Director and Communications and Media industry lead for Accenture in the US
Adapt or Be Forgotten
In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell picked up his telephone prototype and forever changed how the world connects. Fast forward almost 150 years, and the telecom industry is once again standing at the precipice of massive change. But here’s the thing – today, many see telcos as slow movers, lagging the tech giants of the world.
I disagree. … [visit site to read more]
Two new global PoPs, a subsea expansion, and a new IX collaboration: … [visit site to read more]
Intracom Telecom has upgraded its uni|MS Network Lifecycle Automation & Management Platform.
Release 13.1 boosts the platform’s capacity, allowing it to provision and manage up to 1 million Fixed Wireless Access devices (FWA CPEs) – a 65% increase from the previous version’s 600,000 devices.
Amidst rapid and substantial growth in the deployment of WiBAS CPEs by WISPs and telcos worldwide for their FWA networks, Intracom Telecom saw the need to develop innovative software that significantly enhances the capacity of the uni|MS platform.
To reach 1 million FWA CPEs, Intracom Telecom significantly redesigned how CPE entries are handled by the uni|MS database, using new technologies such as containerised applications. The platform was extensively tested, in a fully automated test environment, utilising actual network data and simulated stress scenarios to ensure it is ready for future growth and scaling needs.
As a result, the software algorithms developed by the company’s R&D have allowed it to deliver excellent customer experience to 65% more subscribers with the same or less data center CPU and storage resources.
Dimitris Padelopoulos, CTO of Wireless Solutions Portfolio at Intracom Telecom, stated: “This achievement is the result of the continuous evolution of the uni|MS platform by our company’s R&D department, focused on developing and integrating new innovative technologies. The capability to support up to 1 million devices ensures an efficient and reliable solution, capable of meeting even the most demanding current and future needs of our customers.”
John Tenidis, Product Management & Marketing Director of Wireless Systems in Intracom Telecom, added: « FWA is becoming an integral part of all modern fixed access networks, and with the release 13.1 of uni|MS we are strengthening our solution offering to both existing and potential clients, ensuring that we stay ahead of their needs as the FWA sector continues to grow.”
Zayo has detailed the next wave of longhaul buildouts it will be working on over the next few years, and it’s quite a lot. The communications infrastructure provider says it has more than 5,000 new route miles of fiber in the pipeline. The buildouts are in response to AI-driven data center capacity buildouts, which will inevitably require significant new capacity. … [visit site to read more]
Four significant items of metro and last mile fiber news, three from the US and one from the UK: … [visit site to read more]
India’s digital transformation over the last decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the days of dial-up connections, the nation has surged into a new era of rapid digitization.
At the heart of this transformation lies the telecom industry, which has played a pivotal role in connecting millions to the digital world, many for the very first time. The expansion of mobile networks, especially into rural areas, coupled with the availability of affordable smartphones, has driven this digital revolution.
Telecom has been empowering the country’s digital journey by enabling the building of digital assets and networks in India. The industry built the country’s digital superhighway, which has been a key enabler on which the economy growth as well as the digital transformations continue to speeden. With the penetration of telecom infrastructure, we banked the unbanked enabling the growth of digital financial transactions. Today, initiatives like UPI system, digital financial institutions have contributed in making India as one of the biggest digital payment marketplaces globally. The telecom sector has been cementing the country’s digital highways for greater dexterity with future ready technology solutions and network, ushering in an era of myriad digital possibilities for the nation. The Indian government’s initiatives under its “Digital India” mission has further added a much-needed impetus to this revolution, driving digital innovations and cutting-edge technologies.
Today, India is not just keeping pace but leading the charge in the global digital arena, spurring innovations that are shaping the future. With over 60% of its population under the age of 35, India boasts the world’s largest youth demographic, making it one of the most dynamic markets for digital technology. The Indian government’s initiatives, such as Digital India, focusing on sustainable development, inclusion, and leveraging digital infrastructure, helps add further momentum to this.
As the digital economy grows at an unprecedented rate, India presents an unparalleled opportunity for global companies. The country’s vast and varied digital ecosystem encompasses key sectors such as financial services, commerce, entertainment, education, and enterprise digitalization, all of which are experiencing significant growth.
Five Essentials for Tech Companies Entering India:
India’s diverse demographic landscape demands a deep understanding of the local market. Global companies need to design tech solutions that cater to the unique needs and preferences of Indian consumers. Success in India hinges on implementing user-friendly and culturally resonant technologies that appeal to a wide range of users. This means localizing content, features, and services to align with regional languages, behaviors, and expectations.
The backbone of India’s digital growth is its expanding IT infrastructure. Companies entering India should collaborate with local partners to leverage the country’s extensive fiber networks and state-of-the-art data centers. This collaboration ensures data centralization, security, and scalability for businesses, allowing them to operate efficiently and meet the growing demands of the Indian market. Robust IT infrastructure also enhances the seamless execution of operations, from urban hubs to remote rural areas.
India’s vast and diverse geography makes connectivity a critical factor for success. Forming strategic partnerships with local telecom carriers and internet service providers is essential for enhancing connectivity. By doing so, companies can access next-gen technologies like 5G, which are rapidly being deployed across the country. Investing in AI and other advanced technologies will help future-proof businesses, enabling them to tap into both urban and rural markets effectively.
Cloud technology is central to India’s digital expansion, with a growing demand for data security and compliance. Companies should partner with cloud providers that have a strong local presence and a robust infrastructure. This ensures that data is stored securely within India, aligning with the country’s data localization requirements. As India’s data center landscape continues to expand, businesses have the opportunity to localize their data, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency.
India’s regulatory environment is evolving rapidly, particularly in the areas of data protection and cybersecurity. Companies entering the Indian market must ensure strict compliance with local laws to avoid legal and operational challenges. Engaging with local experts who understand the regulatory landscape is crucial for navigating India’s complex legal environment. This includes adhering to cybersecurity regulations and data protection laws, which are becoming increasingly stringent.
India’s rapid digital transformation and expanding economy present an unparalleled opportunity for global companies. By customizing solutions for the Indian market, investing in IT infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, leveraging cloud technologies, and adhering to local regulations, businesses can tap into this dynamic and growing market. As India continues to lead in digital innovation, it stands as the next major growth market for companies worldwide.
Sharat Sinha is the CEO of Airtel Business.
One subsea item and three bits of data center news: … [visit site to read more]
