Tech

Parallel Wireless partners with Hotspot Networks to bring connectivity to 500 Nigerian rural sites

Published

11 months ago

January 10, 2024

One of the biggest players in Open RAN Technology, Parallel Wireless, has partnered with Hotspot Network Ltd, a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provider, to extend coverage to over 500 unconnected rural sites throughout Nigeria.

This collaboration, according to Morenikeji Aniye, Founder and CEO at Hotspot Networks, is aimed at “connecting residents of rural regions to essential services such as health, education, and financial services, that will ultimately improve their quality of life.”

“Hotspot Network Ltd offers its services to leading mobile networks in Nigeria, providing a comprehensive portfolio of products and services through collaboration with a network of global partners, making them a single point of contact for all rural connectivity and telecommunication needs,” she said.

She noted that the technology gap between urban and rural areas is expanding throughout the globe, but regretted that in rural Africa, residents risk being left behind as government and private sector services move to digital formats.

“In response to this challenge, Hotspot Networks is working directly with local and national governments to build 2G and 4G wireless communications infrastructure beyond the radio network.”

“These initiatives extend beyond mere communication to support phone banking, education, and health services, thereby ensuring that communication capabilities remain accessible to residents.”

“The terrestrial hurdles faced today are the same as those faced in years past, but the urgency has grown.”

“Technological advancements in our ability to connect these previously unconnected areas instantaneously bring them into modern times and all the necessities that come with it.”

“Once Hotspot Networks’ hardware is installed, Parallel Wireless can manage network activity via their Open RAN software, allowing for reliable service for those that now rely on it.

“With a focus on balancing speed with reliability, we made it our mission to deploy both 2G and 4G networks where relevant to connect as many residents as possible,” said Yisrael Nov, EVP Global Sales at Parallel Wireless.”

“This partnership has grown Parallel Wireless’s footprint throughout the region, now exceeding over 1,500 sites, and demonstrates the benefits of Open RAN through real-world deployments.”

“Ultimately Open Ran can help connect the disconnected, bringing them in touch with previously out-of-reach banking, health, and educational services,” Aniye added.

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.