Tech

MediaTek teams up with Airtel to boost G-5 mobile connectivity in Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

October 18, 2023

Global semiconductor giant, MediaTek, has signed a strategic partnership with Airtel Nigeria aimed at enhancing G-5 mobile connectivity across the West African country.

MediaTek, a fabless semiconductor giant responsible for powering connected devices, says the collaboration will “drive technological advancements and enhance mobile connectivity nationwide and will see the integration of hundreds of millions of individuals into the digital economy, consequently advancing mobile connectivity throughout Nigeria.”

Rami Osman, Director of Corporate Sales and Marketing for MediaTek Middle East and Africa, who made the announcement in a virtual media briefing, said the partnership highlighted MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity.

“This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before,” Osman said.

“The primary objective of this partnership is to drive technological advancement and elevate mobile connectivity nationwide, bringing hundreds of millions of individuals into the digital economy,” he said.

“The pivotal focus of this alliance is MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a pioneering technology designed to optimise internet connectivity.

“The T750 empowers users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, enabling seamless remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming. With out-of-the-box 5G speeds that can reach an impressive 4.7Gbps, the T750 competes with or even surpasses the performance of traditional fixed-line services.

“Our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria focuses on enhancing high-speed internet access through advanced chipsets, offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones, and exploring innovative AI-IoT solutions”, he added.

Also speaking at the virtual meeting, Ismail Adeshina, Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasised the significance of the collaboration with MediaTek in delivering affordable connectivity to Nigerians.

“Airtel’s commitment to innovation is evidenced by its early adoption of 5G technology, an initiative aimed at improving connectivity, addressing coverage and cost challenges, and making 5G devices more accessible throughout Nigeria,” he said.

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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.