Wireless Networks

As 4G-related activity continues across Africa there’s news of promotional efforts in Senegal and an imminent rollout in Zanzibar.

Among many 5G demonstrations planned or recently held, two that certainly put 5G centre stage – almost literally – are in Myanmar and Brazil.

Malaysia, Nigeria and Bolivia have all been trialling 5G – at least one of them with an eye to 5G rollout in 2020.

At the Mobile 360 Series – Digital Societies conference in Kuala Lumpur the GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has launched the fourth edition of what it calls a key annual report on the region.

According to reports from the Philippines press, Globe Telecom has revealed plans to improve its wireless networks in the capital Manila, underpinned by an agreement with the city authorities.

Recent news from Vietnam, Lebanon and Mexico indicates growing 5G activity in all three countries.

South African data-only operator Rain has launched what is being called the African continent's first commercial 5G network.

With 5G spectrum affordability very much a talking point recently, it seems appropriate to highlight news that the much-delayed mass spectrum auction may finally be on its way in India.

Hard on the heels of yesterday’s detailed GSMA report on spectrum prices comes an open letter to governments on the identification of spectrum for mobile communications.

It’s becoming more and more common for operators to consider sharing as 5G rolls out, but it’s certainly news when two of the biggest operators in the world propose such a strategy.

US component maker Qualcomm is cooperating with various players across Russia’s mobile sector with a view to trialling a 5G mmWave network in Moscow that will go live later in the year.

With an investment of CNY30 billion ($4.4 billion), the city of Shanghai – China’s second most populous – is planning to implement widespread 5G coverage by 2020.

In what is described as one of the first phase-outs of 3G technology globally, Indian telecommunications giant Bharti Airtel has announced the shutdown of its 3G network in Kolkata.

More 5G plans are under discussion – or under way – across Asia and the Middle East. Three of the most recent 5G announcements come from Saudi Arabia, China and Indonesia.

Romanian operator RCS & RDS Digi.Mobil and vendor Ericsson have announced that they have gone live with 5G mobile services in Romania.

At the recent Global 5G Event in Valencia, we caught up with ZTE’s Alex Wang and Hu Kun to discuss 5G strategy, equipment security, and the challenges that different regions pose to the deployment of the technology.

Globe Telecom, a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines, has announced plans to expand its tower infrastructure in the country.

Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten is transforming customer experience. In this interview, Netcracker Strategy Director Ed Finegold talks about Netcracker’s role in enabling Rakuten’s vision.

5G news from Telkomsel Indonesia, PLDT in the Philippines and Tcell of Tajikistan indicates a clear desire to flag up a 5G offering in many Asian markets, although specific launch dates and service details are not always available.

Digital service provider Zain has launched 5G Internet bundles for its postpaid customers. However, it is not the only operator in Kuwait bringing 5G to market.