Ericsson hails Swisscom deal as 5G proof-point

Swiss operator Swisscom has signed a network transformation deal with Ericsson, which the latter claims is the world’s first commercial 5G deal.

More than any of its competitors Ericsson is all-in on 5G. While Huawei and Nokia have quite diverse interests, including major fixed-line businesses, Ericsson is increasingly looking to narrow its focus on mobile broadband and that, of course, means 5G. It is therefore vital that Ericsson make itself synonymous with 5G in the eyes of operators and the wider world

Ericsson Downsizes in Sweden

image credit: wikimedia.org

Latest news in the telecom space, has it that Ericsson will be getting rid of 3,000 jobs in Sweden.

"The long and short of it is that Ericsson will be getting rid of 3,000 jobs in Sweden, with around a third coming from production, a third from R&D, and a third from sales and admin, through a mix of forced and voluntary redundancies. Borås, Göteborg, Karlskrona, Kumla, Linköping and Stockholm sites will all be affected with Borås and Kumla getting the worst of it."

Read more on Ericsson here.

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NCC To Set Pricing On Fixed Transmission Service

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is perfecting plans to set a cost based pricing for fixed transmission service to ensure competition in transmission capacity market in the telecommunications.

NBC licenses MTN to Provide Digital pay-TV services

NBC raises N34bn to drive digital migration ahead 2017 deadline

As Nigeria strives to meet the new deadline of transiting to digital terrestrial broadcasting by June 20, 2017, having suffered some setbacks as a result of funding, the country has raised N34 billion from sales of assets and licensing, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) said in Lagos, Wednesday.

Consequently, the Commission has successfully licensed MTN Nigeria to use a part of the 700MHz to provide digital pay-TV broadcasting services, even as the pilot launch is slated for the first week in November 2015, in Jos, Plateau State.

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Source: BusinessDay

IHS Holding acquires MTN’s mobile network towers

IHS will support MTN in rolling out its organic expansion programme, while developing local engineering talent. (Image source: Ken Banks)

Mobile infrastructure provider IHS Holding has completed the acquisition of 1,269 mobile network towers from MTN Group Limited’s operations in Rwanda and Zambia 
Under the contract, IHS, will acquire and manage 550 and 719 towers respectively, the company stated.
IHS will acquire and operate the towers andl invest in a build-to-suit programme to support MTN’s future requirements in both countries, it said.

 “We are pleased to reinforce our position as the leading independent mobile tower operator in Africa. The IHS footprint now reaches across Africa into the East and we are delighted to be bringing our value proposition to new markets,” stated group CEO of IHS Issam Darwish.

“We have worked tirelessly to exceed 99.9 per cent network uptime across the continent for MTN and will bring the same commitment to these new portfolios in Rwanda and Zambia.”
IHS will receive US$620mn funding as well as utilising the proceeds of its recent fundraising to finance future projects in key markets across Africa, it revealed.

The company will also support various schemes including its organic expansion programme as well as enrolling locals onto engineering programmes.

Source: CommunicationsAfrica

IHS raises US$130 million for expansion

Telecommunications company IHS has raised US$130mn to strengthen its market presence and accelerate the growth of its company

Funds will be used for acquisitions and investment in new telecommunications infrastructure, IHS said.
According to the company, it will also help its customers expand coverage and capacity by building new towers, and continue investing in alternative energy and green solutions that have a positive effect on communities throughout Africa.
Issam Darwish, vice-chairman and CEO of IHS, said, "The funds will allow us to continue investing in technology, coverage and capacity new build sites, and the growing human resource component that will help IHS continue to provide a quality service and product to an expanding customer base in Africa."