Industry News

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has been awarded Telco of the Year at the prestigious Africa Tech Festival Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa. This award recognizes MTN Ghana’s innovative approach to addressing 4G traffic suppression in Accra since 2021.

MTN Ghana triumphed over competitors such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies, LANCK Telecom, and Orange Telecom to secure this esteemed accolade. This achievement followed a collaborative effort with Huawei to deploy a groundbreaking 2.6G Frequency-Division-Duplexing (FDD) massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution. This advanced technology significantly improved 4G network performance, providing a 5G-like experience and alleviating capacity bottlenecks.

Commenting on the award, Stephen Blewett, the CEO of MTN Ghana, stated, “We are thrilled to receive this award, which validates our commitment to investing in modern network infrastructure. In an increasingly digital world, the importance of robust and accessible telecommunications infrastructure cannot be overstated. Our goal is to ensure that everyone benefits from a modern connected life. This recognition reinforces our belief statement and fuels our journey toward becoming a technology and platform player.”

The Telco of the Year Award aims to recognize and honor network providers and telecommunications services that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity for all. The award celebrates the vital role telecommunications companies play in connecting people, businesses, and communities, driving digital transformation, and fostering economic and social development across the region.

The 2024 Africa Tech Festival Awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements of telecommunications companies that excel in delivering high-quality services, expanding network coverage, and innovating to meet the evolving needs of their customers.

MTN Ghana is dedicated to leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress by providing reliable network services with extensive coverage, ensuring digital inclusion, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience.

MTN Ghana Adjudged Telco of Year 2024

The Award Presented to MTN Ghana

Source: MTN Ghana ( Business Ghana)

Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the ministry of communications and digitalisation and mobile network operators, recently began negotiations with relevant stakeholders in The Gambia to advance the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative.

This latest agreement, says the NCA, aims to reduce the cost of telecommunications services for citizens travelling between Ghana and The Gambia, fostering seamless communication and strengthening economic and social ties. 

Negotiations began at a high-level meeting on 19 November. Today should see the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave the way for MNOs to start technical and regulatory discussions. These in turn will eventually lead to the implementation and launching of the ECOWAS Roaming Regulations in the first half of 2025. 

Currently, there is an existing agreement among Ghana, Benin and Togo under the ECOWAS Free Roaming Regulations. This allows citizens of these countries to enjoy affordable telecom services while travelling across borders.

Ghanaians traveling to Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo now use local rates in these countries for SMS and voice calls, eliminating exorbitant roaming charges. Receiving both local and international calls is free. Ghanaians can now access the internet at the same rates as residents in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo. The ongoing discussions in The Gambia aim to extend these benefits to citizens travelling between Ghana and The Gambia.

During his opening remarks at the meeting, Professor Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, NCA’s deputy director general (technical operations) and leader of the Ghana delegation, stated that the meeting is a significant step towards regional integration.

ECOWAS is a regional political and economic union of 15 West African countries. The Regulation on Roaming on Public Mobile Communications Networks in the ECOWAS Space was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 16th December 2017 with the aim to reduce the prices paid by ECOWAS citizens for the use of communication services while roaming within the community.

Source: Vaughan O’Grady (Developing Telecoms)

The MTN Ghana Foundation has supported thirty-three (33) former Trokosi girls who graduated from the Baptist Vocational Training Centre in Frankadua, Eastern Region.

The beneficiaries received certificates in Catering, Hair Dressing, Dress Making, and Cosmetology. In addition to funding their training, the MTN Ghana Foundation provided them with seed capital and start-up equipment, including gas cylinders, ovens, sewing machines, fabrics, sewing kits, hair dryers, washing basins, hair relaxers, towels, roller stands, and hair products. This support is to enable the graduates to setup their businesses immediately after graduation.

Commenting on the reason for the investment, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, said, “We hope that our support will aid in their reintegration into society, reduce their dependency on their families and ultimately help them break the cycle of poverty.  She further stated, “It is our hope that they will become self-reliant by using the skills they have acquired to enhance their livelihood and that of their communities.”

Rev. Emmanuel Obani, Head of the Baptist Vocational Training Centre, praised the MTN Ghana Foundation for its assistance to the graduates. He said, “We are thankful to the MTN Ghana Foundation for supporting our graduates. This timely assistance will greatly benefit the beneficiaries in their career paths.”

This is the second time the MTN Ghana Foundation has supported the training and reintegration of former Trokosi girls. In 2021, the Foundation assisted 15 former Trokosi girls with training, equipment, and seed capital. The success of the first project helped in extending more support to the girls this year.

Since its inception in 2007, the MTN Ghana Foundation has executed over 168 major projects across Health, Education, and Economic Empowerment, positively impacting more than 4 million people throughout Ghana.

Beneficiaries at during the graduation.

A group picture of beneficiaries with some of the equipment that were presented to them.

Source: MTN Ghana (Business Ghana)

Africa’s biggest mobile operator MTN is exploring partnerships with low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite providers to bring internet connection to rural and remote customers in particular, Group CEO Ralph Mupita said on Monday.

Satellite-internet has become an alternative connectivity solution across Africa with the popularity of providers such as Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

LEO satellites provide high-speed internet even in areas where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure such as fibre and mobile broadband is difficult and expensive to deploy.

“To keep customers and businesses connected at all times, we’re going to have to embrace satellite as an additional technology form,” Mupita said in a media call.

He said South Africa-based MTN was carrying out proof of concepts with several LEO satellite operators for possible partnerships.

“We are exploring several, and actually some of them we’re happy to be resellers through our enterprise business to some of our customers in specific countries,” Mupita said.

MTN is not alone in seeking out partnership agreements. Smaller rival Cell C is doing the same.

South Africa’s biggest operator Vodacom, majority owned by Britain’s Vodafone, announced a partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper LEO satellite last year.

“We’re very aware of the challenges of having to compete as a fixed and wireless operator with LEO satellites over time, so we’re arranging ourselves to be able to sure proof our businesses in our key markets,” Mupita said.

Starlink operates in several African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others, including South Africa, and resistance from state telecoms companies.

South African regulator ICASA is currently working on the regulatory and licensing framework for satellite internet providers to provide clear rules for operators.

“LEO operators should be treated the same as terrestrial operators such as ourselves, subjected to the same regulatory requirements whether it’s around data privacy, data transport, localization and access to spectrum,” Mupita said.

“Our ask is that there just be a level playing ground.”

Source: Reuters (My JoyOnline.com)

The College of Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has honored the Chief Executive of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Chief Executive Officer award at its inaugural Alumni Excellence Awards & Fundraising Dinner.

The citation, signed by the Provost, Prof. Kwabena Britwum Nyarko, said the honor was in recognition of her remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of engineering. “The prestigious award reflects your outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments and commitment to the advancement of engineering,” the citation said.

Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the maiden Alumni Excellence Awards celebrated the achievements of notable alumni and raised funds to support the KNUST College of Engineering’s continued excellence in engineering education. The ceremony was attended by alumni, faculty, and industry leaders from across the country.

Receiving her distinguished honor presented by Professor Mark Adom-Asamoah, former Provost of the College of Engineering, Ing. Obo-Nai, who graduated from KNUST with a degree in Electrical Engineering, expressed her gratitude for the role the university and the College of Engineering played in shaping her career journey.

“It is an immense privilege to receive this award tonight. My time at KNUST laid the foundation for everything I have accomplished, and I stand here today as a reflection of the incredible opportunities this institution provided me,” Ing. Obo-Nai said.

The event was also a fundraiser, with proceeds aimed at advancing the College’s strategic initiatives, including infrastructure development, scholarships for deserving students, and research funding. The fundraising dinner attracted generous donations from alumni, corporate partners, and philanthropists.

The KNUST College of Engineering has long been recognised as a hub of excellence in engineering education, producing some of the brightest minds in the field, both in Ghana and internationally.

Source: bftonline.com

During the quarter ending September 30, MTN Group made significant strides in its localization initiatives. As Africa’s largest telecom services provider, the company has been expanding its local shareholder base across several operational companies, with notable progress in Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, the telecom giant announced that these efforts are part of MTN’s broader localization strategy. The company released its results for the current reporting period yesterday. Group CEO and President Ralph Mupita highlighted the ongoing advancement of their strategic priorities, including localization initiatives. He noted, “In the third quarter (Q3), we achieved an additional 2.1% localization in Ghana, bringing the local shareholding in Scancom PLC to 30%.”

Mupita further elaborated on the progress, stating, “This achievement followed the successful sell-down in June 2024 of an additional 7% in MTN Uganda. Additionally, we have exited Guinea-Bissau as part of our portfolio optimization strategy, and efforts are underway to complete our exit from Guinea-Conakry.”

In South Africa, the company successfully concluded the extension of its 2016 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) scheme, which is operated through MTN Zakhele Futhi (MTNZF) Limited. Mupita explained, “The proposal to extend the scheme was approved by both MTN Group and MTNZF shareholders at general meetings held post the period end in October 2024. All related conditions precedent have been fulfilled.”

He emphasized that the extension aligns with MTN’s commitment to transformation and the creation of shared value for South Africans. “It is integral to the ethos of MTN, and we believe that B-BBEE participation is crucial to the future success of the Group,” Mupita added.

Looking at other markets, Mupita expressed optimism about the continued growth contributions from MTN Ghana and MTN Uganda, which are significant contributors to the Group’s overall revenue and profits. He acknowledged the challenges faced in other markets, where operations have been impacted by economic and regulatory headwinds, as well as increased competitive pressures. However, he assured that efforts are ongoing to turn around performance in these regions.

Source: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi ( Innovation-village.com)

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has disclosed that it has secured assurances from the Ministry of Roads and Highways aimed at ensuring uninterrupted telecommunications services during the upcoming general elections.

From the assurance, the Chamber confirmed that there will be no major excavation works in key areas that could potentially disrupt the transmission of electoral data over the Internet.

In an interview with Citi News, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, explained that this move is part of a broader strategy to safeguard the integrity of the country’s telecom infrastructure during this critical period.

“The Minister for Roads and Highway has also agreed that because we need the networks to be resilient, we can’t afford fibre cuts during the elections. A week before and after the elections there will be no excavation for these road works in major places that might affect the EC and other people’s accessibility,”

Dr. Ashigbey stressed that collaboration is key to addressing the recurring issue of fibre cuts, which have historically posed challenges to network reliability across the nation.

To this end, he said: “We have had meetings with the IGP as well and we’ll do some training with the prosecutors and investigators. We have also engaged the Chief Justice and she has given two courts, one in Accra and another in Kumasi.

“We’ve also engaged the attorney general to get us a fiat like the way SSNIT lawyers prosecute their own cases but that will take a while as the deputy attorney general has mentioned that they will dedicate some particular attorneys that we will train in this particular endeavour.”

These proactive measures reflect the Chamber’s commitment to maintaining seamless communication for both electoral processes and broader national interests, ensuring that the election results are transmitted efficiently and securely.

Source: Emmanuel Oppong ( Citi Newsroom)

MTN South Africa, in partnership with Huawei, has completed Africa’s first 5.5G network trial at MTN’s headquarters in Johannesburg, marking a milestone in the continent’s telecommunications landscape.

This advanced 5.5G network, introduced as part of MTN’s efforts to drive a tech-centric future for Africa, is expected to significantly boost South Africa’s digital economy by expanding connectivity and enhancing lives.

The newly trialed 5.5G network delivers a 10-gigabit experience and comes equipped with groundbreaking capabilities, including enhanced Internet of Things (IoT) integration, autonomous driving network technology, and green ICT. The technology allows for network performance upgrades that promise ten times the speed and number of connections compared to existing 5G, while also reducing latency and power consumption by a factor of ten.

For the trial, MTN South Africa used Huawei’s advanced SingleRAN ultra-wideband active-antenna units along with hybrid beamforming and Inter-FR carrier aggregation technologies. With spectrum resources allocated for the test, the trial achieved impressive speeds of up to 8.6 Gbps per user. This high-speed connection unlocks a range of applications for both consumers and businesses, paving the way for next-generation services like 24K Extended Reality (XR), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and holographic conferencing.

Rami Farah, MTN South Africa’s Chief Technology Officer, described the 5.5G validation as “not just a technical breakthrough but also a testament to MTN’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.” He added that the company looks forward to deploying innovative solutions that enhance connectivity for South Africans.

Li Chen, Huawei’s Vice President for the Sub-Saharan Region, said, “The joint release of 5.5G by MTN South Africa and Huawei deepens our strategic partnership and demonstrates Huawei’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to Africa.” Jason Shao, Managing Director of Huawei MTN SA, noted that the success of the trial is a major step in advancing South Africa’s digital transformation.

With the 5.5G network, MTN aims to transform how South Africans interact with technology, promising improved business operations, consumer experiences, and a boost to the country’s digital landscape.

Source: Graphic online (Business Ghana)

AT, Ghana’s leading innovative telecommunications company, with a vision of providing a better life for its subscribers, has launched a promotion dubbed “Y’agye Sika.” The promotion is set to run from mid-November through the end of the festive season.

The initiative aims to show gratitude for customer loyalty and encourage further engagement with the service.

The promo is straightforward and transparent; all subscribers need to do is maintain an active AT wallet and perform person-to-person (P2P) transactions of 50 cedis or more using AT Money via the short code *110# or the AT app, available on the Play Store or App Store.

The Director of Mobile Financial Services of AT, Dr. David Sefa further said, “this promo reflects our commitment to making mobile financial services (ATMoney) accessible, rewarding, and engaging for our Subscibers, and that we are thrilled to offer our users a chance to win exciting rewards while experiencing the convenience and security of our platform.”

“Our goal is not just about providing services but creating opportunities for people to save, transact, and grow their financial potential. This promo is one way we inspire users to adopt and maximize digital financial solutions.” He added.

 A total of 225 subscribers will be rewarded over the course of the promotion. Each week during the promo period, subscribers with the highest transaction volume and value will be selected as winners. He advised subscribers to remain vigilant against fraud during the promotion.

Subscribers were reminded that AT Money does not request payment or PIN codes before awarding prizes, and any such requests should be treated as fraudulent.

All official communication related to the promotion will come from AT authorised social media handles.

Source: My JoyOnline.com