Gemalto and Vinaphone are launching a SIM-based version of Yahoo Messenger across Vietnam.

MTN Group is extending the reach of its regional networks with Etisalat’s SmartHub, a global communications hub facilitating direct routing of traffic between the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Telecom Egypt could acquire a controlling stake in Vodafone’s Egyptian operation once the 4G licensing process is underway.

China Mobile is attempting to court business from mobile users overseas by relaunching an OTT app that uses data connections to offer free calls.

Moroccan telecoms firm inwi is deploying digital security specialist Gemalto’s LinqUs Facebook-for-SIM mobile application, which now includes the popular Facebook Messenger feature.

Telefonica is looking to take on America Movil in Mexico, where the latter has a hefty market share of around 70%.

Idea Cellular has dramatically cut its tariffs, with 2G data prices down by up to 90% and 3G reduced by a third.

The Indian branch of Vodafone has launched the operator’s M-Pesa mobile money and transfer service in Assam and other northeastern states, in partnership with ICICI Bank.

Alcatel-Lucent and China Mobile have announced that the French vendor’s all-IP Evolved Packet Core portfolio has been selected to support the nationwide rollout of China Mobile’s 4G LTE network, set to be the world’s largest mobile ultra-broadband network.

ZTE has introduced three new smartphones for users in Mexico, including the latest models in the bestselling Blade series, adding localised innovations and upgraded features to deliver a better user experience to Mexican consumers.

A new partnership between Telecom Namibia, NewTelco SA and German Internet provider Deutscher Commercial Internet Exchange will establish international access points in South Africa and Namibia to the German Internet exchange (DE-CIX).

Econet Wireless subsidiary Econet Solar International is aiming to deliver its Home Power Stations (HPS) to over 125,000 homes across Africa in 2014.

African carrier’s carrier WIOCC has formed a partnership with Dalkom Somalia to launch connectivity to and from Somalia via the EASSy cable from Q1 2014, offering services directly from Mogadishu to the rest of the world. Capacity will be available from 2Mbps to 10Gbps and above.

Cloud messaging and payments provider Infobip has developed a technical platform for enterprise USSD in South Africa.

Cameroon’s leading high-speed ISP is partnering with Alcatel-Lucent to expand its presence in Africa with a TDD LTE ultra-broadband offering.

World Telecom Labs has launched Easy SMS Hub, enabling operators to increase revenues from text messages by setting up their own SMS hubs.

Gilat Satcom has announced new fibre and satellite services in Africa which will increase broadband availability, speeds and capacity for enterprises, fixed and mobile operators and service providers as well as NGOs and Governmental organisations.

Aviat Networks is deploying its STR600 ultra-high capacity microwave radio solution for MTN Ghana as a part of the upgrade of the leading African mobile operator’s backhaul network to full IP capability.

Global power technology firm Intelligent Energy has launched a personal energy device for charging and powering USB-compatible portable electronic devices.

MTN Nigeria is expanding its 3G network capacity with Cambridge Broadband Networks.

Telefónica Global Solutions has deployed 100G coherent optical transport technology from network specialist Ciena on Telefónica´s SAm-1 submarine and terrestrial network, which connects the U.S. to Latin America.

Russian operator Rostelecom could transfer control of its mobile operation to VTB and Bank Rossiya, the two banks that own Tele2 Russia.

World Panel Inc is launching a suite of handheld solar chargers at AfricaCom in Cape Town next week.

Bharti Airtel has confirmed that it has reached an agreement with the Warid Group to acquire Warid Congo SA.

Ericsson and Zain in Bahrain have entered into a partnership to transform the operator's network.

Bharti Airtel has announced a managed VAS deal under a strategic partnership model with Mahindra Comviva for its Bangladesh operations.

Investment group PPF has acquired a 66% controlling stake in the Czech unit of Telefonica for around €2.47 billion.