Can AI in RAN address MNO challenges across Africa?
08 May 2025
Mikko Lavanti, Nokia Mobile Networks SVP of Middle East and Africa
In 2024, the African telecoms industry faced many challenges, including high deployment costs, high operating costs, rising energy tariffs and unreliable energy supply from the grid. All these factors had a knock-on impact on performance and profitability.
Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is introducing new ways of overcoming these challenges, particularly in its optimisation of Radio Access Networks (RAN).
Read the full article The future of communications: embracing the power of photonics
06 May 2025
Chris Wright, CTO, Red Hat; and a member of the Board of Directors at the IOWN Global Forum
As we stand on the brink of a new technological era, the way we build and manage communication networks must evolve. The increasing demand for high-speed, low-latency, and energy-efficient networks is accelerating the transition from electronic to photonic infrastructure. To enable truly smart cities, power AI innovation, and drive sustainable industries, we need communication networks that operate at the speed of light.
High-speed, sustainable networks
The future of communications networks lies in shifting from electrons to photons. This transition is essential for meeting the demands of AI infrastructure, real-time data processing, and global connectivity. All-photonics networks (APNs) hold the key to unlocking these capabilities while significantly reducing power consumption. A fully optical network not only increases speed and bandwidth but also enables more sustainable digital ecosystems.
As we accelerate this transition, it’s crucial to keep sustainability at the forefront. The environmental benefits of APNs are profound — offering reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs for organisations. Recognising this, Red Hat, in collaboration with IOWN Global Forum members, has established an Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Task Force.
Action needed on security measures for physical critical communications infrastructure
05 May 2025
In the telecommunications world, there is increasing visibility of and debates around cybersecurity – protecting the networks from digital attacks. Yet there should also be emphasis on the security of the physical infrastructure.
TCCA’s Legal and Regulatory Working Group (LRWG) aims to focus the attention of critical communications providers to the importance of the issue, with the goal of catalysing the creation of a global standard for the physical security of infrastructure supporting critical communications.
Why is this important now? Because most of the current critical communication networks using narrowband technologies such as TETRA, Tetrapol and P25, are owned and operated by the state, and their physical security is assured by the state to the extent deemed necessary. However, the emerging use of commercial mobile operator (MNO) networks to support broadband critical communications, particularly as Radio Access Networks, is changing the operating model.
Revolutionizing connectivity with the power of automation
05 May 2025
Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Central East Africa at Ericsson
What is Ericsson spearheading at MWC this year?
This year’s MWC marks a major shift from previous years. Ericsson is focused on transforming the industry by moving from traditional, purpose-built technology to open ecosystems and partnerships. We have over 70 partners, including Google, Apple, and leading CSPs like Singtel, showcasing how to monetize new technologies.
One of our biggest innovations is Aduna, which functions like an ‘App Store’ for network infrastructure. Just as the iPhone revolutionized mobile applications in 2007, Aduna is doing the same for network programmability. It provides an open platform where developers can create and deploy services tailored to specific network needs.
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