Chinese tech giants began shifting their AI development set-ups to mimic DeepSeek’s low-cost large language model, spurring a surge in demand for US-based Nvidia’s AI chips designed for the nation, Reuters reported.
The news agency stated Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance significantly increased orders for Nvidia’s H20 chips, which are not covered by US export licensing rules.
Nvidia reconfigured its high-end offerings for China following US export controls on AI chips introduced in October 2023. The H20 is its top-end chip available in the country.
The US government is mulling fresh restrictions on exports of chips including the H20 and forcing companies in Japan and the Netherlands to back the expanded curbs.
DeepSeek jolted the international AI industry after launching its R1 model, which reportedly was developed at a fraction of the typical cost, using less-advanced chips compared with big name US counterparts.
Ericsson employed low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to handle 5G backhaul in a remote area, advancing the potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) as a connectivity option in areas not covered by mobile or fixed infrastructure.
In a trial conducted in Spain with industrial digital technology multinational Oesia Group and the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Ericsson used a portable 5G gNodeB to connect to a data centre laboratory operated by 5TONIC, an R&D facility initiated by Telefonica and IMDEA Networks Institute.
The trial focused on connecting the transport element of the private gNodeB network with the laboratory’s Control Plane functions, proving the set-up can be used to maintain connectivity in areas lacking traditional infrastructure.
Ericsson explained the set-up connected 5G devices at the remote location using the portable private network, with the NTN element providing broader connectivity. The transition from mobile to satellite access was shown to be smooth, employing 3GPP Advanced Traffic Steering-Switching-Splitting technology.
Manuel Lorenzo, head of Technology and Innovation at Ericsson Spain, said the “seamless transition between mobile and satellite access”, would enable continuity of service.
There is also potential to apply the approach in areas affected by disasters, UC3M Signal Theory and Communications Department expert Daniel Segovia noted.
Maria Grana, director of technology with Oesia’s Inster unit, explained it provided a satellite terminal using an electronically steered Ku-band antenna which connected to Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO constellation.
She said the trial is “a significant achievement for satellite communications”.
UC3M coordinated the trial, which employed Ericsson’s 5G infrastructure alongside the Inster terminals.
New contract expands Network International’s growing portfolio of issuer processing collaborations in the African continent
Network International (Network), a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has been appointed as a Payment Processor – Issuing partner for MTN Group Fintech, Africa’s leading mobile financial services provider. This partnership marks a significant extension of Network’s portfolio of issuer processing collaborations throughout the African continent.
With a footprint spanning over 50 countries and serving over 250 financial institutions, Network International brings its expertise to this partnership which will enhance MTN Fintech’s cutting-edge mobile services and provide even greater value to stakeholders and customers across Africa.
The partnership will focus on rolling out card issuance products across key MTN Fintech markets, starting with Rwanda which is already operational. Soon Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria will also be covered under this collaboration. Network International will provide a comprehensive range of services, including transaction processing, card management and online fraud prevention. MTN Fintech users will benefit from a seamless experience accessing both traditional mobile services and innovative digital payment solutions.
Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing at Network International commented: “Our collaboration with MTN Group Fintech marks a major milestone for our outsourced payments services in Africa. It demonstrates our ability to successfully serve Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) via our fully-fledged processing solutions and our continued dedication and commitment to the African region. We are excited to support MTN Group Fintech’s growth strategy, and its business development plans across the continent.”
Cedric N’guessan, Executive for Payment and E-commerce at MTN Group Fintech added, “This collaboration with Network International is pivotal in enhancing financial inclusion across Africa and beyond. It enables our customers to actively engage in the global economy, aligning perfectly with our strategic goals alongside Mastercard to broaden access to digital financial services across the continent.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey has charged stakeholders within the global digital financial ecosystem to prioritize effective collaboration to reduce the incidence of fraud.
According to him the rising levels of fraud and their complicated nature, undermines trust, stifles innovation, and erodes financial inclusion gains made in Ghana and across the world.
He made the remarks as a special guest speaker at the recently held 18th Edition Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards – West Africa 2025, in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking on the topic “Collaborative Approaches to Fraud Mitigation: Building a Trustworthy Digital Finance Landscape,” Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the increasing sophistication of fraudsters and the urgent need for stakeholders across the digital finance ecosystem to work together.
“The collaborative roles required to mitigate fraud within our ecosystem cannot be understated. No one institution can do it alone as fraud is a complex problem which demands a unified stakeholder approach,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
The Role of Stakeholders in Fighting Fraud
Dr. Ashigbey outlined the critical roles different stakeholders must play in fraud prevention and mitigation, including:
Regulators and Policymakers – Enforcing stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, promoting cross-border collaboration, and establishing regulatory sandboxes for testing innovative fraud mitigation solutions.
Telecom Companies (Telcos) – Securing SIM registration processes, partnering with banks and fintechs to detect and block fraudulent transactions, and leveraging data analytics for fraud detection.
Banks and Fintechs – Implementing AI-driven fraud detection systems, educating customers on digital security, and sharing fraud intelligence to create a unified defense.
Consumers – Being vigilant about sharing personal information, using strong passwords, and reporting suspicious activities promptly.
Academia – Conducting research on emerging fraud trends and working with stakeholders to develop innovative solutions.
Security Agencies – Upgrading skills to stay ahead of cybercriminals, conducting regular security audits, and integrating cybercrime policing at all levels.
The Judiciary – Strengthening legal frameworks, speeding up fraud-related cases, and enhancing sentencing to deter cybercriminals.
Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure for Fraud Prevention
Dr. Ashigbey also underscored the importance of a robust National Identification system in fraud prevention. He emphasized that affordable, secure, and interoperable digital identity solutions are essential for reducing identity theft and ensuring a more trustworthy financial ecosystem.
Additionally, he highlighted other key digital public infrastructures such as Unified Payment Interfaces (UPIs), credit bureaus, blockchain technology, and digital land registries—all of which play a role in fraud prevention.
Ghana’s Leadership in Digital Finance
Drawing insights from Ghana’s success in mobile money interoperability, regulatory sandboxes, and public-private partnerships, Dr. Ashigbey urged deeper collaboration between the government, telecoms, fintechs, and academia.
“We must move beyond Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to Public-Private-Academia Partnerships (PPAP), leveraging research and innovation to combat digital fraud effectively,” he noted.
A Call to Action: Collaboration is Key
As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, Dr. Ashigbey called for a united front in tackling fraud, emphasizing that working in silos is no longer an option.
“As Nelson Mandela said, ‘It always seems impossible until it is done.’ The only way we can outsmart fraudsters is through deep collaboration, leveraging AI and digital innovations to secure our financial future,” he concluded.
The event brought together key industry players, policymakers, and security experts to discuss the future of secure digital banking.
Nigeria has taken a significant step to protect its telecommunications infrastructure by setting up a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), aims to curb the rampant fibre cuts that have disrupted telecom services nationwide.
Frequent damage to fibre optic cables, often caused by road construction and maintenance activities, has led to severe service interruptions, affecting millions of telecom users. In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 50,000 fibre cuts, with around 30,000 attributed to road construction projects.
The new committee, inaugurated on February 18, 2025, comprises representatives from both ministries and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It will serve as a coordinating body to develop strategies for minimising cable damage and establishing clear communication protocols between telecom operators and construction firms.
Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi stressed that the committee’s primary role is to develop standardised engagement procedures to ensure fibre optic infrastructure is safeguarded before, during, and after road construction projects. This includes creating instant communication mechanisms between telecom firms and road contractors, ensuring that fibre placement is factored into road design and construction planning, and collaborating with Federal Controllers of Works to protect fibre infrastructure nationwide.
Additionally, Engr. Farouk Yusuf, Permanent Secretary at FMoCIDE, highlighted the critical role of fibre optics in Nigeria’s digital economy. Reliable fibre networks underpin both fixed and mobile broadband services, enabling seamless connectivity, economic growth, and technological innovation.
NCC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, stressed that reducing fibre cuts will improve service quality, lower maintenance costs, and enable faster broadband expansion. He acknowledged that the lack of an efficient coordination mechanism between road contractors and telecom firms has been a key factor behind rising fibre cuts.
“Every time a fibre cut occurs, Nigerians experience service disruptions. Operators are forced to invest heavily in redundant routes and repair work. If we can prevent these avoidable incidents, telecom companies can redirect funds toward expanding network infrastructure,” Dr. Maida explained.
Going forward, the government has committed to incorporating fibre optic ducting into new road infrastructure projects, ensuring that telecom networks remain resilient. The committee will meet regularly to evaluate progress, address emerging challenges, and refine its strategy.
Philippines-based Globe Telecom started testing Nokia’s Network Exposure Platform (NEP) to determine how it can provide banks and other enterprise clients with security verification tools to prevent fraudulent transactions.
In a statement, the vendor explained the pair are partnering to expand the number of APIs available to the operator and its enterprise customers to create security-focused applications.
Joel Agustin, Globe’s head of service planning and engineering, noted with cyberattacks on banking services accelerating, it is “crucial we make available the latest network-powered technologies to our enterprise customers and help them safeguard against fraud”.
The operator is now at the testing stage, he said.
Shkumbin Hamiti, head of Nokia’s network monetisation platform, explained its NEP supports Globe in organising, controlling and securing the way its network is integrated into developer ecosystems and platforms.
Nokia noted its offering is an implementation of the GSMA’s operator platform, which is designed to provide a common way of exposing network capabilities to developers.
Globe and Nokia contribute to GSMA Open Gateway and Linux Foundation CAMARA, the statement added.
Research by Omdia for Telstra’s global connectivity arm found manufacturing companies face an up to $2 million threat from cyberattacks after a significant hike in overall security incidents and breaches in 2024 due to greater use of IoT, AI and cloud technologies.
Omdia warned less than half of manufacturing companies had adequate cybersecurity in place as it revealed 80 per cent faced a considerable rise in threats during 2024. It stated businesses attacked were hit with resilience or availability issues costing between $200,000 and $2 million.
In its study for Telstra International, the research company noted dangers are growing as companies employ cloud, AI and IoT in digital transformation processes. Omdia explained the costs listed tended towards the higher end when enterprise and corporate systems or production control was affected.
Telstra International head of global enterprise business Geraldine Kor noted the figures put companies in a Catch-22 situation, increasing risks while they deploy much-needed fresh technology to unlock new potential in manufacturing.
She argued companies need a clear security strategy to overcome fragmentation, suggesting “one group or person” is granted “the authority to act on security challenges for mission-critical systems”.
The connectivity player’s global head of cybersecurity Ganesh Narayanan explained relying on air gapping is becoming ineffective as information and operational technologies converge, with Omdia senior principal analyst Adam Etherington suggesting companies should explore “proactive remediation”.
Omdia surveyed more than 500 technology executives globally.
Cell C is planning to launch 5G services in South Africa in the next couple of months as its financial turnaround plan gains traction.
CEO Jorge Mendes told TechCentral in an interview on Thursday that the company is at an advanced stage of preparing to launch 5G to its subscribers – and it plans to use the technology to deliver both 5G on smartphones and to offer a range of new, 5G-based fixed-wireless broadband solutions with large data bundles that compete with fibre.
Cell C’s 5G launch plans come after a period of intense negotiations with network partners MTN and Vodacom, which operate the last-mile infrastructure that connects consumers to the company’s core network. Mendes said those discussions have progressed well and that Cell C is confident it will be able to launch a 5G offering that makes commercial sense.This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side
He said Vodacom and MTN have proved to be good partners and that there is mutual respect between the three operators, despite the fact that they compete head-on in the marketplace for a share of consumers’ wallets.
Mendes said Cell C’s decision, taken several years ago, to shut down its own radio access network in favour of outsourcing that function to Vodacom and MTN has worked well. Not only has it significantly reduced the company’s capital expenditure, it has also greatly improved Cell C’s network quality, he said.
Cell C has spent the past 18 months deploying a Mocn – multi-operator network core – roaming system, which has allowed it to create a virtual representation of its network on top of either MTN or Vodacom’s infrastructure.
VoLTE
This, according to Mendes, has given Cell C significantly greater control over where it directs user traffic, allowing it to lower costs and be more efficient.
It is also aggressively moving voice calls off old circuit-switched technology and onto an internet protocol-based technology known as VoLTE that routes calls over 4G/LTE.
“This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side,” said Mendes.
MTN Foundations’ ‘Save A Life’ project has so far collected a total 35,620 units of blood since the project’s inception in 2011.
The initiative, which reached its 14th year last Valentine’s Day, saw a collection of 6,620 units of blood even though the foundation was seeking to raise about 6,100 units from 52 blood donation centres across all 16 regions of the country.
Prior to this year’s blood donation exercise, MTN Foundation had raised a total of 29,000 units of blood for various hospital blood banks.
This annual exercise is to support the National Blood Service and regional hospitals in addressing the critical shortage of blood supplies in the country. Through the generosity of MTN employees, partners and members of the public, this year’s initiative exceeded expectations – reinforcing MTN Ghana Foundation’s dedication in improving access to quality healthcare.
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer-MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, while presenting blood samples to the National Blood Service expressed excitement about this year’s success and appreciated all donors, healthcare partners and volunteers who contributed to this life-saving cause.
“We are thrilled to have surpassed the target set for this year’s campaign. I hope this will help to alleviate the gap in blood supplies at our hospitals. At MTN, we believe in making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. We remain committed to championing initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Blood Service, Dr. Shirley Owusu Ofori, for her part commended the MTN Ghana Foundation for its ongoing commitment to replenishing the country’s blood banks.
“The partnership between the MTN Ghana Foundation and the National Blood Service has over the years encouraged voluntary, unpaid blood donations and ensured a steady supply of life-saving blood for patients in need,” Dr. Ofori mentioned.
About ‘Save a Life’
The MTN ‘Save a Life” campaign is an annual blood donation initiative held on Valentine’s Day, organised by the MTN Ghana Foundation. It provides MTN staff and the general public with an opportunity to donate blood that helps replenish the National Blood Bank and regional hospitals. This initiative began in 2011 as a response to appeals from the National Blood Service for voluntary contributions to address critically low blood supplies.
ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new global study from the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value, with support from GSMA Intelligence found that telecommunication and communication service providers (CSPs) who are embracing cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their networks experience significant benefits, including enhanced performance, scalability, cost savings and monetization opportunities.
The global study*, “Rewiring the Telecom Mindset: How CSPs are Gaining Network Advantage with Cloud and AI,” reveals insights from 750 global network executives —from leading providers including Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Telstra, Verizon, and Vodafone—on the importance of adopting cloud and AI-driven approach to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape and deliver enhanced network performance.
Key findings include:
79% of telco executives surveyed prioritize network performance above all else, with network modernization as their second priority.
62% of those identified as pioneering technology innovators leverage traditional AI for network planning , compared to the 40% adoption rate of their peers, and 54% integrate generative AI into network planning, double that of their peers highlighting how cloud readiness can drive agility and unlock on-demand resources for advanced AI-driven capabilities.
55% of respondents say they’ve suffered a network security breach in the last 12 months. Despite this, only 42% of executives consider network security a top challenge over the next three years.
Over the next three years, surveyed executives expect to increase network investments in cloud implementation by almost 20%, traditional AI by 16%, and generative AI by almost 19%.
The study also emphasizes the need for CSPs to look beyond technology adoption and transform their culture to capture network monetization prospects and stay competitive. This includes embracing bold, calculated risks, fostering collaboration, learning from failure, and instilling a proactive approach to innovation.
“Telecommunications companies that adopt a cloud and AI-driven approach will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern network landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities,” said Rahul Kumar, Senior Partner & Vice President, Global Industry Leader for Telco & Media Industry, IBM. “By rewiring their mindset and embracing a culture of innovation, CSPs can unlock significant benefits and stay ahead of the curve.”
“The study’s findings underscore the critical role that cloud and AI will play in shaping the future of telecommunications,” said Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence. “As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that CSPs must prioritize network modernization, enhancing security, and innovation to remain competitive and drive growth.”
Connect with IBM at MWC 2025: AI is taking center stage for IBM at MWC 2025. Join us as we delve into how the technology is enhancing everything from customer engagement and personalization to operational efficiency. IBM industry experts will be at Hall 2 – Stand 2H20 with dynamic activations and an insightful speaking program with daily sessions to delve into AI use cases and other relevant topics for attendees.
*Methodology The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 750 telecommunications industry executives from 25 countries. Roles included CTOs, Chief Networks Officers; Heads of network planning and architecture, network operations, radio access network, core network, network security, network engineering, service assurance, and network IT systems; and leaders responsible for network monetization. A two-step cluster analysis was performed based on respondents’ evaluations of cloud computing’s impact on network characteristics and their implementation of AI technologies. The clustering variables included eight network performance indicators (rated on a scale from -100% to +10,000%): network performance, security, scalability, flexibility, reliability, availability, maintenance costs, and deployment time. Additionally, the analysis incorporated the number of use cases where organizations deployed both traditional AI (including machine learning) and generative AI across 17 network management areas, ranging from network planning to field service operations. This clustering approach identified a distinct leading segment characterized by superior benefits derived from cloud computing adoption, coupled with broader implementation of both AI and generative AI solutions across network operations. In addition, 14 executives from leading companies in the telecom industry were selected to be interviewed one-on-one to validate and explore the survey results in more depth.
The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM’s thought leadership think tank, combines global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: www.ibm.com/ibv.
About GSMA Intelligence GSMA Intelligence is the definitive source of global mobile operator data, analysis and forecasts, and publisher of authoritative industry reports and research. It is the most accurate and complete set of industry metrics available, comprising tens of millions of individual data points, updated daily. GSMA Intelligence is relied on by leading operators, vendors, regulators, financial institutions and third-party industry players, to support strategic decision-making and long-term investment planning. Visit www.gsmaintelligence.com for more information.
About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
