Operators

Zambian operator Zamtel announced it switched on 744 towers to vastly expand its network coverage, with its chief executive claiming the move repositioned the operator to have the largest coverage in Zambia.

Swedish vendor Ericsson beat rivals to supply equipment for Czech operator CETIN’s 5G network, Reuters reported.

Zain Group will transfer management of state-owned operator Touch to the Lebanese government by the end of this month, reported Lebanon’s official National News Agency.

Malaysian operator Digi Telecommunications announced it chose ZTE to supply equipment for its nationwide network modernisation project, as part of plans to prepare for a commercial 5G launch.

Vodacom KwaZulu Natal Region pledged to invest over ZAR320 million ($19.3 million) for infrastructure in the South African region, with a major focus on building new LTE base stations.

Liquid Telecom South Africa announced the appointment of Deon Geyser (pictured) as its new CEO effective from next year, as part of plans to reposition the company as a leading digital services provider.

Nextel Brazil has been rebranded as Claro-nxt after being acquired by America Movil in December last year.

Rakuten Mobile and STC signed a memorandum of understanding, with the aim to collaborate and improve mobile technologies through the use of open technology and wireless infrastructure.

Mexico’s Movistar has reportedly pushed back its deadline for switching off its 2G network.

Airtel Africa is to expand its strategic partnership with Ericsson to enable 4G coverage in Kenya using Ericsson’s radio access network (RAN) and packet core products for 4G.

Following a public tender, Mauritania’s Autorité de Régulation (ARE) has finally found bidders for the country’s three available provisional 4G licences.

BT Group has closed the sale of its Latin American units and assets to CIH Telecommunications Americas.

Veon is taking full ownership of Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (PMCL), which trades as Jazz.

Angola is edging further away from mobile duopoly status with the news that Leonel Augusto, the chairman of the Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM) has supported Africell’s aim of launching services in the second half of next year.

Turkey’s regulator has cleared the government-backed Turkey Wealth Fund to take a controlling stake in fixed and mobile operator Turkcell.

Leading Indian operator Vodafone Idea (or Vi as it is now known) plans to upgrade its 3G users to 4G in key markets. However, it also plans to retain its 2G services.

Philippines operator Globe Telecom announced a large-scale network upgrade backed by massive investments, in a bid to boost connectivity services in the country by 2021 and adhering to government requests. 

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance is reportedly looking to sell off a stake in state provider Ethio Telecom next month.

Chile’s Movistar is looking to sell a 10MHz block of 1900MHz spectrum via a private tender.

Telecom Egypt has applied to the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to acquire a holding of 2600MHz TDD spectrum.

Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom rolled out 5G connectivity to more key cities in Metro Manila, as the operator continues deployment plans.

3 Indonesia deployed software from Indian mobility solutions provider Comviva, in a bid to tackle stock issues on its device voucher top-up system and enhance the customer experience.