Verizon adds satellite messaging to Android devices

Verizon

Verizon fired shots across the bows of rivals AT&T and T-Mobile US by launching a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite messaging service across several Android devices.

A Verizon representative told Mobile World Live the service for smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 ranges is being made available through an existing partnership with Skylo Technologies.

The operator stated upgrades enabling the service started yesterday (19 March) and will continue over the next two weeks.

It is in addition to D2D emergency and location services launched with the same provider and its Apple satellite messaging for iPhones equipped with iOS 18.

Rival T-Mobile US is currently conducting a beta of satellite messaging covering 500,000 square miles across the US.

Meanwhile, AST SpaceMobile is using Verizon and AT&T’s spectrum in a beta of D2D video calls.

Source: Mobile World Live

EC turns up heat on Apple, Alphabet

Apple

The European Commission (EC) continued its pursuit of Apple and Alphabet over compliance with its Digital Markets Act (DMA), laying out interoperability demands for the former and issuing preliminary findings on the latter’s claimed non-compliance.

In separate statements, the regulator pressed-on with attempts to ensure the US tech giants meet the requirements of the legislation introduced in 2022.

The EC’s document on Apple provided what it described as measures to assist DMA compliance related to interoperability with iOS for third-party connected devices.

It outlined required changes around granting manufacturers and app developers access to a series of iOS features primarily used to connect smartwatches, headphones, TVs and similar devices.

These, it asserts, would mean “connected devices of all brands will work better on iPhones”.

The regulator also detailed measures to improve the “transparency and effectiveness of the process that Apple devised for developers interested in obtaining interoperability with iPhone and iPad features”, including improved access to technical documentation for upcoming changes.

“Apple is required to implement the specified measures,” it added, though noted “as always, these decisions fully respect Apple’s rights of defence and remain subject to independent judicial scrutiny”.

Alphabet
In its disclosure about Alphabet, the authority issued a pair of preliminary findings claiming breaches for prioritising its own products and services in Google Search and issues related to the Google Play app store.

With regards to the latter, it noted “under the DMA, app developers that distribute their apps via Google Play should be able, free of charge, to inform customers of alternative cheaper possibilities, to steer them to those offers and to allow them to make purchases”.

The EC stated its preliminary finding was “Alphabet fails to comply with that obligation”.

Findings have been sent to Alphabet to examine while its full investigation into the issues is ongoing.

Source: Mobile World Live

NVIDIA and Telecom industry leaders to develop AI-Native wireless networks for 6G

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NVIDIA unveiled partnerships with T-Mobile, MITRE, Cisco, ODC, a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, and Booz Allen Hamilton on the research and development of artificial intelligence (AI)-native wireless network hardware, software and architecture for 6G.

Next-generation wireless networks must be fundamentally integrated with AI to connect hundreds of billions of phones, sensors, cameras, robots and autonomous vehicles. AI-native wireless networks will provide enhanced services for billions of users and set new standards in spectral efficiency — the rate at which data can be transmitted over a given bandwidth. They will also offer performance and resource utilisation while creating new revenue streams for telecommunications companies.

“Next-generation wireless networks will be revolutionary, and we have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure AI is woven in from the start,” said Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Working with leaders in the field, we’re building an AI-enhanced 6G network that achieves extreme spectral efficiency.”

Open ecosystems drive innovation

Research-driven breakthroughs harnessing the power of AI are necessary to maximise the performance and benefits of AI-native wireless networks. To drive innovation, NVIDIA is collaborating with telco and research leaders to develop an AI-native wireless network stack based on the NVIDIA AI Aerial platform, which provides software-defined radio access networks (RANs) on the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform.

Developers across the globe are building AI-RAN as a precursor to AI-native 6G wireless networks. AI-RAN is a technology that brings AI and RAN workloads together on one platform and embeds AI into radio signal processing.

To deliver enhanced spectral efficiency and lower operational complexity and costs, AI will be fully embedded into the network stack’s software and hosted over a unified accelerated infrastructure, capable of running both network and AI workloads. Also at the solution’s core will be end-to-end security and an open architecture to foster rapid innovation.

T-Mobile and NVIDIA will expand their AI-RAN Innovation Centre collaboration announced last year with the goal of providing additional research-based concepts for AI-native 6G network capabilities, working alongside these new industry collaborators.

“This is an exciting next step to the AI-RAN Innovation Centre efforts we began last September at our Capital Markets Day in partnership with NVIDIA,” said Mike Sievert, the CEO of T-Mobile. “Working with these additional industry leaders on research to natively integrate AI into the network as we begin the journey to 6G will enable the network performance, efficiency and scale to power the next generation of experiences that customers and businesses expect.”

As the founding research partner, MITRE, a not-for-profit research and development organisation, will research, prototype and contribute open, AI-driven services and applications, such as for agentic network orchestration and security, dynamic spectrum sharing and 6G-integrated sensing and communications.

“MITRE is working with NVIDIA to help make AI-native 6G a reality,” said Mark Peters, the president and CEO of MITRE. “By integrating AI into 6G in the beginning, we can solve a wide range of problems, from enhancing service delivery to unlocking required spectrum availability to fuel wireless growth. Through all of our collaborations with NVIDIA, we look forward to creating impact in 6G, AI, simulation, transportation and more.”

Cisco plans to take a lead position in this collaboration as the provider of mobile core and network technologies and will tap into its existing service provider reach and expertise.

“With 6G on the horizon, it’s critical for the industry to work together to build AI-native networks for the future,” said Chuck Robbins, the chair and CEO of Cisco. “Cisco is at the forefront of developing secure infrastructure technology for AI, and we are proud to work with NVIDIA and the broader ecosystem to create an AI-enhanced network that improves performance, reliability and security for our customers.”

ODC, a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., will deliver cutting-edge layer 2 and layer 3 software for distributed and centralised units of virtual RAN as part of the AI-native radio access stack. Tapping into decades of experience in large-scale mobile systems, ODC is pioneering next-generation AI-native 5G open RAN (ORAN), surpassing existing networks and paving the way for 6G evolution.

“The mobile industry has always taken advantage of advances in other technology fields, and today, no technology is more central than AI,” said Shaygan Kheradpir, the chairman of the advisory board of ODC. “ODC is at the forefront of developing and deploying AI-native ORAN 2.0 networks, enabling service providers to on-ramp seamlessly from 5G to 6G by taking advantage of the vast AI ecosystem to redefine the future of connectivity.”

As a leader in AI and cybersecurity to the federal government, Booz Allen will develop AI RAN algorithms and secure the AI-native 6G wireless platform. Its NextG lab will conduct functional, performance integration and security testing to ensure the resiliency and security of the platform against the most sophisticated adversaries. The company will lead field trials for advanced use cases such as autonomy and robotics.

“The future of wireless communications starts today, and it’s all about AI,” said Horacio Rozanski, the chairman and CEO of Booz Allen. “Booz Allen has the technologies to make AI-native 6G networks a reality and revolutionise secure communications for an entirely new generation of intelligent platforms and applications.”

Expanded aerial research portfolio

These collaborations build on NVIDIA’s AI-RAN and 6G research ecosystem, supported by advancements in the NVIDIA Aerial research portfolio for developing, training, simulating and deploying AI-native wireless innovations.

New additions to the NVIDIA Aerial Research portfolio, also announced today, include the Aerial Omniverse Digital Twin Service, the Aerial Commercial Test Bed on NVIDIA MGX, NVIDIA Sionna 1.0 — building on the open-source Sionna library, which has nearly 150,000 downloads since its launch in 2022 — and the Sionna Research Kit on the NVIDIA Jetson accelerated computing platform. 

The NVIDIA Aerial Research portfolio serves over 2,000 members through the NVIDIA 6G Developer Program. Industry leaders and more than 150 higher-education and research institutions from the U.S. and around the world are harnessing the platform to accelerate 6G and AI-RAN innovation — paving the way for AI-native wireless networks.

Kenya’s mobile subscriptions reach 71.4 mln amid growing demands

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Kenya’s active mobile phone subscriptions grew by 2 percent to reach 71.4 million as of December 2024, up from 70 million in October 2024, the country’s communications industry regulator said in a new report released on Tuesday.

According to the quarterly report by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the country’s mobile phone penetration rate reached 138.5 percent, maintaining an upward trend as demand for telecommunication services continues to expand.

“This growth is mainly attributed to the busy festive season during the same period,” the CA said in the report.

The report also noted an increase in mobile money subscriptions, which rose to 42.3 million by December 2024.

The CA said that online activities such as streaming movies, e-learning, and remote work have accelerated demand for high-speed internet, leading to increased adoption of advanced technologies, including 4G and 5G. As a result, mobile data subscriptions grew to 56.1 million by December 2024.

Smartphone penetration reached 80.5 percent, driven by the expansion of mobile broadband networks, which now cover 97 percent of the population, the report added. 

Source: Xinhua

Ericsson scores Vodafone Spain 5G core deal

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Vodafone Spain lined up Ericsson to provide the bulk of a standalone (SA) 5G core network, advancing a goal to cover 90 per cent of the nation’s population with the technology by the close of the year.

Ericsson was selected as the operator’s main technology partner in the project for residential customers. The equipment maker intends to provide dual-mode 5G core technology which it stated will tap into current infrastructure to contribute to the operator’s coverage ambition.

The deal spans four years: Ericsson pledged its work would help improve “network operational processes and customer experience”.

Ericsson explained the SA 5G core houses “the network intelligence” enabling functions including slicing, improved latency and advanced edge computing.

Latency of less than 10 milliseconds is possible “within ideal conditions”, Ericsson stated.

The vendor explained Vodafone Spain would be able to deliver services based on the standardized APIs prevalent in SA 5G networks, along with offering network-as-a-platform functions.

By Michael Carroll

Source: https:www.mobileworldlive.com

GIFEC Leadership Engages Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications on Closing Ghana’s Digital Divide

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The leadership of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has paid a courtesy visit to the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at growing and strengthening Ghana’s telecommunications and digital financial ecosystem. 

Led by Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer, CEO of GIFEC, the delegation included Deputy CEO Abdul Aziz Mohammed, along with key team members Henry Agyemang Boateng, Ruth Azantilow, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, Fredrick Kojo Aidoo, and Vincent Amponsah. The meeting brought to the fore the need for increased collaboration to bridge Ghana’s digital divide, enhance rural telephony, promote Girls in ICT initiatives and support governments’ One Million Coders Initiative. 

Strengthening Collaboration to Advance Ghana’s Digital Agenda 

During the discussions, the CEO of the Chamber, while welcoming the GIFEC team, emphasized the strong and cordial relationship between the Chamber and GIFEC. He highlighted that members of the Chamber sit on GIFEC’s board, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to supporting GIFEC’s mandate. 

The Chamber reiterated its full support for GIFEC’s initiatives, particularly efforts to bridge the existing telecom usage deficit in underserved communities. The discussion also explored how Ghana has become a leading example of how Universal Service Funds (USF) are managed to drive national digital transformation.    

Growing the Industry to Sustain GIFEC’s Mandate 

The meeting also explored long-term strategies to expand Ghana’s telecom and digital financial sector. On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, together with his management team made up of David Aryeetey, Alaina Dedry-Amuzu and Bobbie Osei, pledged to work closely with GIFEC to find sustainable solutions that support universal access to connectivity while ensuring financial viability for all players. 

Key suggestions included: 

– Encouraging industry-wide growth. 

– Strengthening mobile money and digital financial services to create revenue streams in underserved communities. 

– Investing in fixed broadband infrastructure to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities. 

As Ghana continues its push toward a digitally inclusive economy, partnerships between GIFEC and industry leaders like the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications will be critical in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital services for all citizens. 

Google agrees its largest deal in $32B buyout

Google

Google struck a deal to acquire Israeli cybersecurity company Wiz in a deal worth $32 billion, an agreement coming less than a year after talks between the pair fell through.

The Alphabet-owned company stated Wiz would join Google Cloud once the deal is completed, subject to customary closing conditions.

Adding Wiz to Google Cloud will help the unit accelerate what the company said are two “large and growing trends in the AI era: improved cloud security and the ability to use multicloud”.

Google explored the acquisition of Wiz in the middle of 2024, however talks were abandoned as the cybersecurity player opted to focus on a potential IPO instead.

The Financial Times reported Wiz’s management were also concerned about potential antitrust challenges.

At the time, a deal worth $23 billion was mooted, $9 billion less than the price that has now been agreed.

Should it go through, the buy would represent Google’s largest ever acquisition, which is currently the purchase of device maker Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in 2012.

The combined Google Cloud, Wiz entity will target a range of areas, including: improving how security is designed, operated and automated for customers; provide cybersecurity teams with automated platforms; lower costs; protect against new threats; and boost adoption of multicloud security.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, believes the combined entity will “turbocharge improved cloud security”. Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, added the pair “share a joint vision to make cybersecurity more accessible and simpler to use for organisations of any size and industry”.

Source: Mobile World Live

DRC Secures $500 Million to Expand Internet Access for 30 Million Individuals

To bridge Africa’s digital divide, investment in infrastructure and connectivity is crucial, offering an opportunity to enhance economic inclusion in remote regions.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) secured $500 million to improve internet access for 30 million citizens, addressing structural challenges in its digital sector.

The project, co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the World Bank, aims to expand connectivity nationwide and make internet access more affordable by reducing costs and improving network coverage, particularly in underserved areas.

The agreement was signed on Friday, March 14, by DRC Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi and French Ambassador to the DRC Rémi Maréchaux.

The DRC’s digital sector faces challenges including uneven network coverage, limited internet access, and inadequate infrastructure, hindering economic development and digital inclusion. As of June 30, 2024, the DRC had 59.7 million mobile phone subscribers and 30.7 million mobile internet subscribers out of an estimated population of 95.2 million, according to official figures.

According to the GSM Association (GSMA), 40 million Congolese lack mobile internet access. Meanwhile, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports 3G coverage reaches 55% of the population, while 2G coverage stands at 45%.

Part of the $500 million funding will be allocated to modernize Boma, a city heavily impacted by an economic crisis due to a slowdown in port activities.

The agreement is part of broader efforts to modernize the digital sector and democratize technology access. By strengthening digital infrastructure, the initiative aims to address accessibility and connectivity challenges, paving the way for new economic and social opportunities.

Source: Samira Njoya (wearetech.africa)

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) Announces 7th Annual General Meeting

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) will hold its 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Shareholders on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 GMT. This year’s AGM will be a hybrid event, with an in-person meeting taking place at the Accra International Conference Center, as well as a live stream for Shareholders who prefer to join virtually.

The agenda for the AGM is as follows:

  1. To receive and consider the Audited Financial Statements together with the reports of the Directors and Auditors thereon for the year ended December 31, 2024;
  2. To declare a final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2024;
  3. To re-elect or appoint the following as Directors of the Company:

To re-elect Sugentharen Perumal who is retiring by rotation:

To re-elect Fatima Daniels who is retiring by rotation:

To re-elect Ebenezer Twum Asante who is retiring by rotation:

To re-elect Tsholo Molefe who is retiring by rotation; and

To appoint Nosisa Fubu as a director of the Company.

  1. To approve Directors’ fees for the financial year 2025; and
  2. To authorize the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditor for the financial year 2025.

Shareholders are invited to attend the in-person meeting at the Accra International Conference Center or participate virtually via www.mtnghagm.com from 11:00 AM GMT on March 27, 2025. Participation through the virtual link will be free for all Shareholders on MTN’s network. MTN will reimburse Shareholders on MTN’s network who incur charges.

Alternatively, Shareholders without smartphones may participate in the AGM by dialing +233244300025, entering the access code 8000, or entering the conference PIN 056789.
A unique token number has been sent to Shareholders by email and/or SMS to grant access to the AGM. Registration for the AGM will begin at 10:00 AM at the Accra International Conference Center.

Shareholders have the option to appoint a proxy to attend and vote on their behalf. The proxy does not need to be a Shareholder of the Company. A copy of the Proxy Form can be downloaded from www.mtnghagm.com, and must be completed, signed, and sent via email only to info@csd.com.gh as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting.

To allow Shareholders to review the 2024 Audited Financial Statements before the AGM, a copy has been uploaded online and can be accessed at www.mtnghagm.com.

Voting during the AGM will be conducted electronically by dialing USSD code 8990#.  Shareholders who do not submit proxy forms prior to the meeting may vote using their unique token number.
For further information about this year’s AGM, Shareholders may contact info@csd.com.gh or call 0302 906 576 or 0303 972 254.

Dr. Ishamel Yamson – Board Chairman Scancom PLC

Source: MTN Ghana ( Business Ghana)

Early exposure to ICT shapes future women in tech – Acting AT CFO

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The Acting Chief Finance Officer of AT (formerly of airteltigo) Ama Adorkor Edjah, has made a call for more inclusion of the girl child in Information and Communication Technology at the tender age of their upbringing.

According to her, this helps to give outmost exposure to the girl child and goes a long way to have a profound impact on their career.

Participating in a panel discussion under this year’s FEMITECH Conference with the topic “Empowering the next generation: How families can support girls in tech” She recalled how her father’s enthusiasm for technology shaped her and her siblings’ curiosity and confidence in ICT.

“My dad was very intentional about us learning ICT. During our childhood, he made sure we practiced Mavis Beacon typing skills, and it became a competition among my siblings and me,” she stated. “This early exposure built my confidence in technology and set the foundation for my career. Today, I leverage financial technology to make my work efficient and create value.”

She further highlighted the critical role families must play in fostering an early interest in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She stressed on the need for regular mentorship, this she believes when combined with parental encouragement, creates a strong support system that enables young girls to explore careers in the ICT area.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Hon. Samuel N. George, underscored the need for organizations to prioritize diversity in hiring practices, mentorship, and sponsorship to ensure the advancement of women in technology.

He emphasized that companies with strong mentorship programs see higher numbers of women progressing into leadership roles and stressed the importance of creating inclusive work environments that support work-life balance and mental well-being.

The conference also saw participation from other notable industry leaders, including Prof. Elsie E. Kaufmann, Ing. Dr. Lucy Agyepong, and Dr. G. Ayorkor Korsah who reiterated the importance of investment in digital education, mentorship, and policy support to bridge the gender gap in ICT.

The Females in Tech (FEMITECH) Conference, is an annual event which is held in celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) and organized by the Ghana-India Kofi Anan Centre of Excellence. It brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and aspiring young women to discuss the evolving role of women in technology under the theme “Accelerate Action”.

This year’s event featured insightful presentations on robotics as a gateway to creativity and innovation, cybersecurity, ICT in the energy sector.

The Conference also aims at promoting gender equality by inspiring, empowering, and mobilizing women in technology to take decisive career steps, advocate for equity, and drive innovation. It serves as a platform for cultivating future female leaders in tech and recognizing their contributions.

AT Ghana remains dedicated to empowering women in technology through strategic initiatives and partnerships. As an innovative network provider, AT continues to support mentorship programs and educational initiatives that inspire young girls to pursue careers in the digital space.