Tech

Google and Facebook could be caught in the US-China trade war

There are reports that the Trump administration is considering tariffs on networking equipment from China. That could spell trouble for companies that buy Chinese components for their global cloud computing operations, such as Google (GOOG), Facebook (FB) and Amazon (AMZN), analysts say

Published

6 years ago

July 13, 2018

Africa News Watch

And chip makers such as Intel (INTC) could face tariffs on computer chips. US companies often send mostly finished chips to China for assembly, testing and packaging. Those companies could pay a penalty when those chips are shipped back into the country.

So far, US tech giants have largely stayed out of the trade fight. The threat of tariffs on tech products from China could force Silicon Valley leaders to be more vocal about their concerns.

“[As you see] what types of products they’re hitting, I think it becomes a lot more tangible, and a lot more real” for tech companies, said Daniel Ives, chief strategy officer and head of technology research at GBH Insights.

Modems and routers are on a list of Chinese goods worth $200 billion that could face 10% tariffs in the United States after August 30. A tariff on those products could also hurt the tech industry, which uses huge IT networks to deliver products and services around the globe.

China accounted for almost half of the roughly $23 billion of IT network gear the United States imported in the 12 months through April, according to Panjiva, a global trade research company owned by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Related Topics:Amazon Facebook Google Intel US US-China trade war

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Tech

South Sudanese telcos increase tariffs as exchange rates soar

Published

23 hours ago

October 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Telecommunication companies in South Sudan have been forced to increase their tariffs as a result of a hike in the official exchange rate.

Local media reports that the likes of MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan, and Digitel Holdings have jointly announced a tariff adjustment in response to an increase the official exchange rate following an agreement between the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) to align telecommunications service prices with the official exchange rate.

The adjustment will occur in three phases from October to December 2024 with the first change taking effect on the night of October 18, followed by subsequent changes on November 18 and December 18, 2024.

In a joint communique, the telcos confirmed that notifications about the initial adjustment were distributed via various channels and the decision was made after considering the potential impact on customers and the telecom sector.

“Since the first phase began, operators have increased the cost of internet and mobile airtime subscriptions by 600 South Sudanese pounds,” a media platform reported.

“Thus, subscribers now pay SSP1,565 for 100 MB with Zain, SSP1,790 with MTN, and SSP1,835 with Digitel, rather than the previous SSP900.

Meanwhile, another report has also indicated that the parliament will address rising telecommunications tariffs once the committee investigating alleged malpractices within telecommunications companies has submitted its findings.

According to one lawmaker, these practices have significantly raised the cost of communication services in the country, affecting the general public.

Tech

Rwanda’s e-mobiility startup IZI expands electric bus fleet after getting grant from Green Fund

Published

3 days ago

October 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Rwanda’s e-mobility startup, IZI, has announced the delivery of five electric buses to Kigali, the country’s capital city, after obtaining a substantial grant from the Rwandan Green Fund.

IZI, a frontrunner in electric vehicle solutions which says it is on a mission to electrify Rwanda’s public transport sector, has, in just four months of operation, grown its initial fleet of five electric buses to an enviable height.

CEO of the startup, Alex Wilson, believes the grant is a testament to the success story of IZI.

“These results validate our E-Mobility-as-a-Service model. We’re not just reducing emissions; we’re proving that sustainable public transport is economically viable in Africa.

“Building on this success, IZI has secured an RWF 300,000,000 grant from the Rwanda Green Fund to deploy five additional electric buses in Kigali.

“These vehicles will represent the most advanced public transport in Rwanda to date, boasting features such as an independent intelligent driver’s cabin, air suspension balanced driver’s seat, full LCD dashboard, one-step entry, and a flat-floor design for improved passenger comfort,” he said.

He added that the success of IZI’s pilot has led to strong demand from other Rwandan public bus operators.

“IZI has now signed contracts with 4 leading transport companies for the deployment of over 100 buses, marking a significant expansion of its operations.

“Looking ahead, IZI plans to establish a state-of-the-art battery maintenance and repair facility in Kigali, supporting the entire EV ecosystem in Rwanda and positioning the country as a centre of innovation in the EV industry,” he added.