Ericsson aims to stand out at MWC25

Ericsson outlined plans to open its previously invite-only stand at MWC Barcelona to wider audiences, including enterprise customers and developers, this year, with an open area set to showcase its network capabilities.

Speaking to Mobile World Live as part of our MWC25 Preview Week, Cecilia Atterwall, head of marketing at Ericsson, revealed the vendor’s usual exhibit in Hall 2 will include a new open area where visitors can expect demonstrations of emerging technologies, including augmented reality experiences, while it will also promote 5G enterprise applications.

The stand will also highlight the role of cellular connectivity, fixed wireless access and network APIs in driving business innovation, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. With nearly 100 cases from a set of 100 different partners, 20 percent of Ericsson’s demo team will come from external companies.

In line with its push for industry collaboration, the company will showcase its work with major industry players, including Salesforce, BT, KDDI, Toyota, and Nvidia Omniverse.

Atterwall stated enhanced capabilities at the pavilion, which spans 6,000 square meters, are driven by a belief that the telecoms industry now requires “a shift in our industry and in how we collaborate and work together so no one can make it on their own.”. 

She further pointed to Ericsson’s latest partnership with multiple operators to establish Aduna, a venture focused on expanding access to network APIs, as an example underscoring the vendor’s efforts towards establishing an interconnected ecosystem.

Atterwall continued, “We’re trying to work from the perspective of the users, both enterprise customers and consumers. What are the key value points of differentiated connectivity?”

Source: Mobile World Live

Meta Platforms begins cutting jobs

Meta

Meta Platforms reportedly started a round of employee layoffs as part of its plan to shift its workforce to high priority areas such as AI.

Bloomberg reported thousands of Meta Platforms staff received email notifications they are being let go. The news agency stated US-based employees will receive severance packages involving 16 weeks of salary and two weeks of pay for each year of their employment.

Eligible staff will still receive bonuses, and the company is awarding stock, Bloomberg wrote.

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg informed employees last month the company planned to cull 5 per cent of its workforce, around 3,600 people, explaining staff in the US would receive notice on 10 February and international workers at a later date.

On its Q4 2024 earnings call, CFO Susan Li stated it had more than 74,000 employees at end-December, a 10 per cent increase on 2023.

She noted staff pay would be the next-largest driver of expense growth after infrastructure in 2025 as the company shifts more resources towards generative AI, its Reality Labs division, infrastructure monetisation, and regulation and compliance.

Last month, Zuckerberg revealed Meta Platforms planned capex of $60 billion to $65 billion in 2025, as part of a scheme to broaden its AI infrastructure.

Source: Mobile World Live

Altman rebuffs Musk-led $97B bid for OpenAI

Elon Musk

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman rejected a $97.4 billion play by an Elon Musk-led consortium to take charge of the non-profit group that controls the AI company, heating up a longstanding rivalry between the two tech moguls.

The news, first reported byWall Street Journal, marks an attempt by Musk to block OpenAI’s ongoing bid towards a for-profit structure and return it to its original nonprofit mission. The group of bidders includes Musk’s AI company xAI, as well as investment firms Baron Capital Group and Emmanuel Capital.

Altman swiftly rejected the offer, stating on Musk-owned platform X: “No thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.”

According to Reuters, the OpenAI CEO also informed employees that the company remains committed to its existing for-profit push. Musk responded by calling Altman a swindler.

Sources told Reuters that if Musk were to proceed with the acquisition, he would need to secure sizeable funding, possibly utilising his stakes in Tesla or SpaceX.

Long-running feud
In 2024, OpenAI initiated a restructure of the company, making its for-profit unit independent from its nonprofit parent to boost its ability to raise funds.

Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, left the organisation in 2018 over clashes with Altman and has since heavily criticised the company’s revised business model. For instance, he urged lawmakers in two US states to push OpenAI into auctioning large stakes in its business.

The pair also publicly clashed over US President Donald Trump-backed joint venture Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative involving OpenAI. The tech moguls took to X last month to spar over Musk’s allegations about the project’s financial viability.

Source: Mobile World Live

Somalia launch Africa’s first national IPv6 internet protocol centre

Somalia

Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) and Jamhuriya University of Science & Technology (JUST), in collaboration with the African Network Information Center (AFRINIC), have launched the country’s first National IPv6 Internet Protocol Center, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation.

The centre will serve as a hub for research, training, and implementation of IPv6 technology, ensuring Somalia transitions towards a more secure, scalable, and modern internet infrastructure.

The shift from IPv4 to IPv6 is essential for expanding internet access, strengthening network security, and supporting emerging technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The inauguration ceremony brought together government officials, industry leaders, academia, and key stakeholders from Somalia’s digital ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Eng. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamud, President of Jamhuriya University of Science & Technology (JUST), praised the partnership between government institutions and academia in advancing digital services.

“This collaboration is crucial for Somalia’s technological and knowledge development. Strengthening cooperation between public institutions and the education sector is key to building a strong digital economy,” he explained.

NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, underscored the strategic importance of IPv6 adoption, emphasizing its role in expanding internet services, enhancing cybersecurity, and integrating advanced technologies into Somalia’s digital infrastructure.

“This center is a landmark achievement in modernizing Somalia’s telecommunications sector and accelerating our digital growth. IPv6 is not just an upgrade-it is the foundation for a more resilient and future-ready internet ecosystem.”

Minister of Communications and Technology, H.E. Mohamed Adan Macalin, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing digital connectivity and called on all stakeholders to support IPv6 adoption.

“The launch of this center signals Somalia’s transition into a modern digital era. I urge all telecommunications companies, academic institutions, and private sector players to actively engage in implementing the National IPv6 Strategy.”

During the event, NCA and JUST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing their partnership and designating the university as the host institution for the center. The agreement outlines cooperation in training, research, and public awareness efforts to facilitate a smooth transition to IPv6 across Somalia.

The National IPv6 Center is a key component of Somalia’s National ICT Strategy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a secure, scalable, and sustainable digital future.

Source: nation.africa

MTN to End 3G Service in South Africa by December 2025

MTN

MTN has announced plans to shut down its 3G network in South Africa by December 31, 2025-accelerating the phase-out schedule by a full year.


The decision comes after a successful pilot in Cape Town, where the operator tested a migration strategy designed to transition users to more advanced 4G and 5G services.


In a letter sent to participants of the Cape Town pilot, MTN explained that the move follows a directive from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, which, as early as September 2022, signaled its intention to eliminate both 2G and 3G networks. The operator assured customers that while there would be some inevitable short-term impact, the transition would be implemented in carefully planned stages to minimise disruption.


The pilot project, which covered areas including Durbanville, Greater Melkbosstrand, and several Cape Town suburbs such as Milnerton and Bloubergstrand, was used to fine-tune the migration process. Encouraged by its success, MTN is now confident that a full rollout will be smooth and will ultimately enhance customer experience by delivering faster, more reliable connectivity.


This planned upgrade reflects broader trends in the South African telecom market. Industry giants like Vodacom and MTN are urging the government to avoid rigid deadlines, emphasizing that flexibility is essential in light of the high costs associated with upgrading to 4G and 5G devices. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has confirmed that ICASA is conducting an economic impact assessment to ensure that the switch-off will not unduly affect consumers, especially in regions where access to advanced networks remains limited.

The move to phase out older networks is part of a larger strategy to modernise South Africa’s mobile infrastructure. With the introduction of budget-friendly devices such as Vodacom’s Mobicel S4 and MTN’s Icon 5G, there is hope that the transition will not only boost network efficiency but also make modern mobile technology more accessible to a broader segment of the population. However, some analysts warn that the shift must be managed carefully to avoid alienating customers who still depend on 3G services for essential communications.


As the countdown to the December 2025 deadline begins, all eyes will be on how MTN and its peers handle the migration. The planned phase-out is seen as a necessary step toward a more connected and technologically advanced future for South Africa, but its success will depend on balancing the rapid pace of technological change with the practical needs of everyday users.

Source: News Ghana

Telecel Enterprise Business Director champions tech’s role in empowering women entrepreneurs

Telecel

Director of Enterprise Business at Telecel Ghana, Tawa Bolarin, has emphasised the vital role of technology in strengthening businesses during a panel discussion at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue (APD) 2025 Breakfast Meeting, under the auspices of the Ladies Entrepreneurship Club.

The discussion, themed Scaling Your Business Through Strategic Technology Investment, centred on integrating technology into business for accelerated growth and bridging the digital divide by providing women-led businesses with the tools they need to thrive.

A key focus of the discussion was the importance of effectively leveraging digital tools to drive business growth, shedding light on how many businesses, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, are not fully harnessing the potential of existing tech devices to fuel their success.

Ms Bolarin said there is a critical need for businesses to recognise the value of technology in accelerating growth. She emphasised that the challenge is not only the inaccessibility of technology for small businesses but in the underutilisation of basic connectivity options, which can serve as gateways to opportunities and growth.

“If you’re not using tech devices or tools to access information to help grow your business, then you’re facing a challenge. The real challenge isn’t just having access to tech, but knowing how to use it strategically,” she explained.

For many businesses, the barriers to tech adoption go beyond simply having access to the devices. Data costs, lack of infrastructure, and rural exclusion were highlighted as significant hurdles that prevent smaller or rural businesses from fully engaging with digital solutions.

Ms. Bolarin stressed that for a business to stay competitive, it must integrate important tech tools and understand their value in driving efficiency, expanding reach, and improving customer engagement.

“We need to empower businesses to understand why these tools are crucial and how they can leverage them for growth,” Ms. Bolarin added.

Tech support and capacity building form part of the Telecel Women in Business initiative, which was launched last September during the annual celebration of the telco’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Month.

Additionally, the Women in Business package provides tailored solutions and support to women-led businesses including access to grants and loans, health and life insurance products, free website development, and e-commerce support.

With this initiative, Telecel wants to create an enabling and supportive climate where women-led businesses can be sustainable and grow.

Moderated by the founder of the Ladies Entrepreneurship Club, Tonisha Tagoe, other speakers on the APD 2025 Breakfast Meeting panel included Edna Engmann of Fidelity Bank, Em Ekong of the Aspen Institute’s Network of Development Entrepreneurs, Johanna Svanikier of HACSA Foundation and Grace Krobo-Edusei of Grace Centre for Growth and Excellence.

Source: Myjoyonline

AI Maturity: Telecom Outpaces Tech in AI Preparedness

ai-in-telecommunications-b3416a757409cd4d02e46ad7ce25ecea

Telecommunications has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), solidifying its position at the forefront of technological innovation.

According to a recent GenAI Readiness report study we conducted, the telecommunications industry is the most AI-ready sector for 2025.

Telecom outpaces other industries, including the technology sector, in its preparedness to harness the potential of AI. This remarkable achievement underscores the telco industry’s proactive approach to technology adoption and commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

As the world embraces the power of AI, telecommunications stands as a vanguard, actively pioneering the integration of AI capabilities into its operations and services.

Verizon leads in spearheading AI integration

Verizon Communications stands as the undisputed leader in AI maturity within the telecommunications industry. Verizon secures the top ranking with an impressive AI Maturity Score of 87.7, surpassing its competitors in the sector.

Several factors have contributed to Verizon’s dominance in AI maturity. The company has made strategic investments in AI research and development over the last few years. Additionally, Verizon has leveraged AI to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive operational efficiencies. By harnessing AI efficiency, Verizon has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the telecommunications landscape, setting a benchmark for other companies.

The report ranks the top 10 telecom companies by AI maturity, which are:

  1. Verizon
  2. AT&T
  3. Orange
  4. T-Mobile
  5. Vodafone
  6. Qwest
  7. Bell
  8. Movistar
  9. Telstra
  10. DISH Network

The report is built upon our AI Maturity Index — a metric that evaluates the AI readiness and adoption of companies across industries. This index assesses an organization’s AI maturity, considering factors such as investment in AI technologies, integration of AI into business processes, and the development of AI-driven products and services.

The significance of the AI Maturity Index lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of an organization’s AI capabilities. This metric serves as a valuable benchmark for companies to gauge their AI readiness relative to peers and competitors. By understanding their AI maturity level, businesses can make informed decisions about their AI strategies, investments, and workforce development.

AI adoption trends in telecommunications

According to the AI Maturity Index, telecommunications has the highest average AI Maturity across industries. However, it still only reaches a score of 34/100. This indicates how far many enterprises have to go if they are to be in a position to capitalize on new and emerging AI technologies.

As highlighted by McKinsey & Company’s analysis, Generative AI models can democratize access to powerful capabilities, enabling telecom companies to reshape customer expectations and introduce groundbreaking offerings. This could revitalize profitability and position AI-mature companies as industry leaders.

Companies that have effectively integrated AI technologies stand to gain a significant edge. Critical use cases for GenAI in the telecom sector include conversational chat for customer service, network maintenance, annotation with automation, content creation and localization, and technical sales knowledge management.

Ultimately, the implications of AI maturity in telecommunications extend beyond operational efficiencies and innovation. By embracing AI’s transformative potential, companies can future-proof their businesses, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and stay ahead of the competition in an increasingly digital landscape.

The views expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not represent The Fast Mode. While information provided in this post is obtained from sources believed by The Fast Mode to be reliable, The Fast Mode is not liable for any losses or damages arising from any information limitations, changes, inaccuracies, misrepresentations, omissions or errors contained therein. The heading is for ease of reference and shall not be deemed to influence the information presented.

Source: www.thefastmode.com

Author: Matt Hogan

Serving as Vice President, Growth Marketing at HG Insights, Hogan joined the company through the acquisition of Intricately, where he was the Vice President of the sales and customer success teams. His data-driven mindset and breadth of experience provides a comprehensive focus on elevating the performance of Go-To-Market organizations across sales, marketing, and customer success.

MTN Ghana CFO calls for measures to attract more investments into Africa

MTN

The Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana, Antoinette Kwofie, has called for the unification of regulations across the continent to facilitate the attraction of capital to invest in the infrastructure on the continent.
Participating in a panel discussion at the 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) on the topic, “Filling the Funding Gap for Infrastructure”, Antoinette Kwofie underscored the importance of collaboration among African nations in achieving sustainable growth.


“As Africans, we need to start thinking as one unit. Success can be achieved by playing as a team. So, we need to start thinking about how we can collaborate across the different countries we have on the continent and operate seamlessly as one unit, bring our ideas and funds together and fund projects across the continent,” she stated.

She further emphasized the need to move away from fragmented economic strategies and instead work towards a common goal, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to drive investment and trade.
“We need to stop thinking as 54 different countries. We need to operationalize AfCFTA, we need to harmonize regulations, we need to remove trade barriers, we need to create an incentive for Africa to invest in Africa,” she added.
Madam Kwofie also highlighted the crucial role of human capital in Africa’s transformation, stressing the need for investment in skills that will propel technological advancement on the continent.

“Human capital is one of the things we need to get right if we want to achieve transformation on the continent. Investing in human capital, not just for the technical skills but for the technological skills amongst others,” she noted.
She pointed out that Africa has immense talent yet continues to rely on external technological solutions. According to her, it is time to harness local expertise to develop solutions tailored to the continent’s needs.
“We tend to buy technology from the West when we have so much talent on the continent. MTN has a group of software developers, and they are all Africans developing technology for Africa’s future. It is possible.”

MTN Ghana remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster economic growth, digital transformation, and infrastructure development in Africa. As a leading telecommunications company, MTN continues to champion digital innovation and investments that contribute to a prosperous and interconnected Africa.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogue is organised by the Africa Prosperity Network and is aimed at achieving deeper economic integration between African states in outlining its industrialisation priorities. Among the topics under discussion were the policies that will ensure the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Source: News Ghana

XTransfer, Ecobank to assist African SMEs handle cross-border payments

XTransfer, a Chinese cross-border trade payment platform, and Ecobank Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding of Cooperation (MOU) last week to provide cross-border financial services to Africa’s small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) engaged in foreign trade.

Ecobank stated in a statement that the agreement will facilitate trade between China and African countries.

In recent years, China and Africa have deepened trade relations, with imports and exports significantly increasing, according to the pan-African bank.

“Despite this growth, African SMEs engaged in foreign trade face numerous challenges related to cross-border payments and fund collections. These challenges include difficulties in opening accounts with traditional banks, a high risk of funds being frozen, difficulties in foreign exchange and related losses, lengthy remittance times and high remittance costs,” said Ecobank.

As a result, Ecobank said its partnership with XTransfer will foster collaboration between both parties to provide comprehensive cross-border payment solutions for African SMEs’ foreign trade.

Further, the bank said XTransfer will leverage Ecobank’s extensive network across Africa, enabling its Chinese clients to collect funds in local African currencies while assisting African SMEs in making payments in their local currencies to negate foreign exchange issues.

Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Group, commented: “This partnership builds on our established strategy, which includes a representative office in China and a dedicated China desk.

“By integrating XTransfer’s cutting-edge solutions with our pan-African payment platform, we simplify payments, reduce transaction costs, and enable African businesses to thrive in global trade.”

While, Bill Deng, founder and CEO XTransfer, said: “This collaboration represents a significant milestone for XTransfer and greatly enhances our global payment capabilities. Leveraging Ecobank’s extensive payment network in Africa will accelerate our business expansion in the region.

“We are looking forward to the synergies and opportunities this partnership will create. Together, we will drive innovation and improve the financial landscape, making financial services more efficient and accessible for African SMEs.”

Source: extensia.tech

Telecel Ghana is customer service leader in telecom sector

Telecel Ghana has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to customer service, earning the coveted Customer Service Leader in the Ghanaian Telecommunication Sector honour in the 7th Ghana Customer Service Index.

Scoring the highest with 75% ahead of other telcos, the prestigious accolade demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s dedication to providing superior customer experience in the telco sector, almost a year after its rebranding efforts.

The recognition reflects the telco’s consistent efforts to prioritise customer needs and deliver efficient service.

“This recognition reflects our longstanding commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations at every touchpoint.

“Addressing our customers’ needs is always our top priority, and we will continue to innovate and adapt to provide efficient, and inclusive customer service for all,” Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, said.

The Ghana Customer Service Index, a survey conducted by the Institute of Customer Service Professionals, is a national indicator of customer evaluations for the quality of goods or services patronised by both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians living in Ghana.

Commenting on the recognition Mercy Dawn Akude, General Manager of Commercial Operations said, “At Telecel Ghana, we believe that our customers are at the heart of everything we do and that drives us to continuously improve how we serve them, be it in-person or through our self-help channels.

“This recognition is a testament to our team’s devotion to building lasting relationships with our valued customers.”

The Ghana Customer Service Index uses ten parameters in its survey of organisations across eleven sectors – trust, competence, professionalism, look and feel, customer-centric innovation, staff engagement, processes and procedures, health and safety and ease of doing business.

Telecel Ghana made significant strides in enhancing its customer service experience, achieving a 32 per cent increase in the number of calls answered at their Call Centre last year.

This rose further in January 2025, with a remarkable 68 per cent rise in call responses.

The telco also rolled out a series of initiatives including the expansion of multi-channel support, over 400 community shops nationwide, upgraded Telecel Play App and AI-powered chatbot, TERi and a clear demonstration of its commitment to inclusivity through its Super Care initiative – tailored assistance for the Deaf community.

Looking to the future, Telecel Ghana remains bent on elevating its customer service standards by embracing digital transformation and responding promptly to the evolving needs of its customers.

Source: Myjoyonline