Conquering Africa

IHS has been one of the leading independent tower companies in Africa, and the September 2014 move of over 9,000 sites from MTN Nigeria to a company jointly held by IHS and MTN took the company to a whole new level of operation. Mohamad Darwish, IHS Group Executive Committee Member and founding partner, has a hands-on roll in Nigeria as IHS’ deputy CEO there, and talks to Comm. about the opportunities and challenges resulting from the company’s successes across the continentMohamad Darwish

Darwish says IHS didn’t only come about with co-location solutions, but has long technical experience and expertise in telecom

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Back in the game

Alcatel-Lucent hosted its annual Tech Symposium in New Jersey in November, and the atmosphere was decidedly confident, be it on a low key basis. The company, which was facing deep financial distress just a couple of years ago appears to have turned the corner as it looks to change the gears of its ‘Shift Plan’ strategy and focus on innovating, transforming, and growing the companyPic 1 - 15187005674_ba018b0f89_h

Michel Combes was proud to report that as part of 2014’s Alcatel-Lucent Tech Symposium, the company had held its first investor day since 2006

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Mr. Deeds

On November 9, 2014, Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa (VMMEA) introduced the Virgin brand into Saudi Arabia, following up on the October 1 introduction of its co-brand FRiENDi mobile into the same market. While the decision to launch and incorporate two mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) brands in the same market simultaneously has already set VMMEA apart from its competitors, the company’s ability to simply commercialise its operations in the kingdom is probably its largest differentiator to date DSC_3500 (2)

Mikkel Vinter said VMMEA is pursuing a 10x5x10 strategy, looking to be in 10 markets in five years, counting 10 million customers

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The big promise of Big Data

The telecommunications industry faces declining revenues in developed markets and stagnating growth in emerging ones. Telcos thus need to tap into new sources of revenue growth, while reducing their cost structure. Big Data has been proposed as one of the industry’s solutions for both revenue growth and cost savings.EWD_9153 (681x1024)

Santiago Castillo, Principal at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants

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The decisive dozen – suppliers

Comm.’s annual list of leading technology company leaders has been highly anticipated given the exceptional work many of them have put in to drive their businesses forward, remain relevant in a rapidly evolving ecosystem, and maintain high levels of innovation and differentiation

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News

Batelco provides nationwide 5G coverage in Bahrain

Batelco has successfully activated 5G coverage across Bahrain, which is available in all four governorates, covering 95% of the nation’s population. The telco’s launch of the network makes Batelco the first operator to provide national 5G coverage in Bahrain.

Omantel extends managed services deal with Ericsson

Omantel has renewed and expanded its managed services agreement with Ericsson for a further five years, with the renewed agreement being more outcome-based and customer-centric.

MTN Group CEO opts to depart after expiry of fixed contract

South Africa-headquartered MTN Group CEO Rob Shuter will step down from his role at the end of his fixed four-year contract in March 2021, having given no explanation why he would not seek to stay on beyond that date.

Nokia CEO, Rajeev Suri to step down as vendor considers its options

Nokia CEO and president, Rajeev Suri, is set to step down from his position later this year, to be replaced by Pekka Lundmark, currently CEO and president of energy company Fortum. The move comes as Nokia struggles to keep pace with the global shift to 5G.

Batelco introduces 5G roaming with du in the UAE

Following Zain Group’s regional milestone announcement in November 2019 that its operations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia had successfully launched the first 5G roaming service across the MENA region, Bahrain telco Batelco has announced partnering with the UAE’s du to deliver 5G international roaming services in the UAE.

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