Wireless Networks

Vodafone Qatar has deployed commercial VoLTE services, allowing subscribers to make high definition (HD+) calls over its network.

Local news reports indicate that Liberian mobile operator Lonestar Cell-MTN is succeeding in its efforts to boost coverage to remote towns and villages across the country.

Telenor Pakistan and Ericsson have signed an agreement through which Ericsson will transform the Telenor Pakistan mobile backhaul network into an IP-based infrastructure.

Senegalese operator Expresso has delayed its launch of commercial 4G services due to the outbreak of Covid-19 (coronavirus).

MTS is continuing its cooperation with Ericsson as it looks to modernise its network infrastructure in preparation for the advent of 5G.

Madagascan operator Telecom Malagasy (Telma) has completed an upgrade to its LTE network allowing it to deliver 4G+ (LTE-A) across the country.

Loon, a subsidiary of Alphabet that offers a novel approach to internet connectivity, has announced that its internet balloons have been approved to fly in Kenya.

According to recent reports from the regional press in the country, a major operator is encouraging Pakistan to work on network sharing.

Omantel has announced a partnership with Ericsson to manage its multi-access mobile networks.

Nigeria is still the biggest telecommunications market on the African continent. But will SIM registration rules eventually put a dent in the numbers?

Recent reports in the Vietnamese press indicate that state-owned operator MobiFone has successfully piloted a 5G mobile network in four Vietnamese cities.

Indian operator Bharti Airtel has announced plans to collaborate with technology company Cisco to launch what Cisco calls India’s largest 5G-ready, 100G IP and optical integrated network designed to enhance network availability, capacity and scale.

Inadequate rural coverage is often a problem in African markets but Liberia’s House of Representatives has now asked the country’s Post and Telecommunication Committee to launch an investigation into the issue – and the country’s two leading operators in particular. 

Ooredoo, the international communications company operating across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia, has signed a deal with Huawei that will cover its networks in Kuwait, Oman, Indonesia, Tunisia and the Maldives.

Senegalese operator Expresso Telecom has switched on its 4G network and will begin providing commercial services on 31^st March.

Batelco and Aptilo Networks have entered into a partnership to deliver business-to-business (B2B) or (B2B2C) Wi-Fi services in Bahrain.

Saudi operator Mobily has signed a deal with Nokia for next-generation telecom technologies.

According to a recent press release from A1 Belarus the operator has begun work on launching voice and data mobile communications at all new stations on the Minsk metro, as well as along the lines connecting them.

Ericsson’s 2019 annual report seems to have confirmed what many people suspect – that 5G deployment in India will be delayed due to spectrum allocation-related constraints in the market.

Internet para Todos Perú (IpT Peru) has partnered with Parallel Wireless to deploy hundreds of programmable virtualised 4G OpenRAN sites for mobile broadband.

In the mobile broadband data era it is forecast that over 80% of traffic will occur in indoor locations creating demand for new indoor coverage solutions.

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has partnered with tower firm K-Net to deliver connectivity to one of the country’s more remote regions.

Recent 5G coverage has reported launch activity in Thailand, Tajikistan and Croatia, though what constitutes a launch may be up for debate; a couple of 5G debuts are concentrated in a relatively small area.

Infinet Wireless has installed a new high-capacity wireless infrastructure to improve public safety and expand its geographical coverage in Mexico’s Zacatecas state.

While much if the rest of the word is arguing about whether or not to partner with China for 5G rollouts, the expansion of 5G networks in China itself may be slowing – an unexpected victim of the ongoing Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

Uzbekistan’s state operator Mobiuz has embarked on a wide-reaching modernisation of its network in order to boost capacity and quality of service.

Etisalat is set to trial Parallel Wireless 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G OpenRAN across its markets in Middle East, Asia and Africa.

MTN Group, the largest mobile operator in Africa, has chosen TEOCO, a provider of analytics, assurance and optimization solutions, to standardize its radio and microwave network planning tools.

News reports from Kenya indicate that the country is edging closer to 5G rollout. The early indications are that leading operator Safaricom, pioneer of mobile money and the dominant force in the market, with close to two thirds of all subscribers, will be the first company to launch 5G.