UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat has announced partnerships with Hughes Networks Systems and iWayAfrica to support its African expansion.

VimpelCom has confirmed that it will sell its Zimbabwean unit to state-owned ISP ZARnet.

Spacecom is cooperating with Cameroon ISP Ringo S.A. to deliver the region’s first large-scale cellular-satellite hybrid broadband Internet project.

Online money transfer service WorldRemit has launched instant transfers to Tigo Mobile Money accounts in Rwanda.

The ACE consortium has announced the start of the next phase of the ACE submarine cable system to expand broadband connectivity and digital services in Africa. 

Cable operator Seacom is augmenting the international connections of its new metro wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks in South Africa and East Africa with solutions from Infinera.

Alcatel-Lucent has signed a three-year frame agreement with Tanzanian operator TTCL to modernise the operator’s IP/MPLS and optical transport networks.

NTT’s data and IP services unit NTT Communications Corporation is partnering with Workonline Communications to provide enhanced IP network connectivity services in Africa.

Reliance Jio Infocomm has reportedly delayed its 4G launch again, pushing its plans into the next fiscal year.

The Senegalese government, together with the country’s regulator ARTP, has begun a tender for 4G spectrum.

Serbia’s government has announced that 6 companies have lodged binding bids for the available 58% stake in the state-owned operator Telekom Srbija.

Facebook has announced partnerships with the Praekelt Foundation and Bharti Airtel Africa to expand the reach of its Free Basics programme.

Nigeria’s regulator has pushed back MTN’s deadline for paying its $5.2 billion fine until the ongoing discussions between the 2 parties have been resolved.

Ooredoo Group and Ericsson have signed a frame agreement for the supply of radio, core and transmission solutions, as well as related implementation and integration services.

AIS and True Move have become the first Thai operators to win 4G licences in the country’s long-delayed auctions.

Alcatel-Lucent is to provide the government of Burkina Faso with cloud networking technology that will enable it to develop new digital public services.

Norwegian operator Telenor has suspended 4 top executives in relation to the continuing investigation into allegations regarding bribes paid by its affiliate VimpleCom in Uzbekistan.

Apple has established a new unit in Vietnam to facilitate imports and distribution in the market, which is seeing a huge increase in demand for smartphones.

Cable & Wireless Communications is deploying a new platform from Tektronix across its Caribbean operations.

Digital security specialist Gemalto is delivering its Device Management platform to Bangladeshi number two Robi Axiata.

Indian mobile operators have hit out against the government’s proposals to charge a penalty for dropped calls.

Orange has announced that Helios Investment Partners is acquiring its entire 70% stake in Telkom Kenya.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha has issued a strongly-worded warning to the country’s state-owned operators over making further postponements to the already delayed 4G auctions.

Vietnamese market leader Viettel has partnered with mobile payments firm Fortumo to provide direct carrier billing to the operator’s subscribers.

Ericsson has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia’s Ministry of Communication Technologies and Digital Economy to spur innovation in the country’s ICT sector.

Vodafone and Globacom Limited have announced a new, non-equity partnership agreement that covers Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Filipino number two Globe has pledged a minimum $200 million investment to upgrade the network of its recent acquisition, Bayantel.

Pakistan’s telecoms sector has undergone a sharp downturn over the past year, with revenue from mobile falling by 1.8% and a dramatic drop in direct foreign investment.

MTN Nigeria has been hit with a massive NGN 1.04 trillion ($5.2 billion) fine by the country’s telecoms regulator the NCC after it failed to register personal details for 5.1 million subscribers.