Broadband

Oct232019 by Nasha HarperNo Comments

Safaricom launches ‘no expiry’ data bundles, calls and SMSs

Safaricom has today announced a new type of data bundle that do not expire which is a feature users have been waiting for so long. This comes after Kenyan telcos Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya were sued over expiry of data and loss of unused Internet bundles. Most recently, the Ghanaian Ministry of Communication in a letter dated October 9, directed all Telecommunication operators in the country to stop the expiry of voice and data bundles purchased by consumers. “All unused data and voice bundles purchased by subscribers that has not been used must not expire and must be rolled over with the next recharge,” read the letter by Ghanaian Ministry of Communications. You can buy these ‘no expiry’ bundles from mySafaricom app or by dialling the usual *544#. You need to update the mySaf

Sep262019 by editorNo Comments

Ethio Telecom to launch 4G network as the telecoms sectore preps for liberalisation

Broadband, Business, Internet, Mobile

Ethiopia’s state-run Ethio Telecom plans to install a 4G network in the capital and other regions and to upgrade other network services, it said on Friday, as the government prepares to open up the sector to private foreign investment. In July, Ethiopia announced it would award two telecoms licenses to multinational mobile companies, signaling a move toward opening up one of the world’s last major closed telecom markets. Referring to the liberalisation drive, Ethio Telecom on Friday announced a three-year strategic plan to “reshape the company and lead with business orientation and a competitive mindset.” Based on data traffic growth and demand, Ethio Telecom will roll out 4G network capacity in Addis Ababa and other regions, and improve network coverage and capacity, the company

Jun242019 by editorNo Comments

Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya to split their telecom and mobile money business units if new bill passes

Broadband, Internet, Mobile

Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya will be required to split their telecommunications business from their mobile money transfer and lending units if a Bill set to be presented for debate in Parliament is passed into law. The Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill 2019, which is sponsored by Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, is seeking to compel mobile phone companies to form separate arms to manage any other business they engage in outside telecommunications services. In a move that could complicate the business environment for the telcos, the Bill says they will have to apply for licences "from the respective regulators of any industry or sector ventured into". They will also be required to "legally split or separate the telecommunciations business from such other business. ...

May302019 by Alex ReeceNo Comments

Cisco Supports Digitization in Africa through Its NetAcad Program

Broadband, Startups, Technology

Speaking at the Cisco Connect conference, the company promises to support the digitization in African communities, businesses, and governments through its initiatives for development, innovation, and job creation on the continent. David Bunei, the Country General Manager for Cisco East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, said: “We are living in a world that is changing faster than ever imagined. We are inspired by the prospect of an economy with abundant jobs, a place where entrepreneurs can thrive. Our goal is to enable small and medium businesses to accelerate their growth by helping them access our world-class technology.” One of the initiatives is the Networking Academy (NetAcad) program that aims at providing students hands-on digital skills to better prepare them for their

May62019 by editorNo Comments

Kenya debuts new mobile numbering prefix 01xxx with Machine-to-Machine capabilities

Broadband, Internet, Mobile

The Communications Authority of Kenya released a new mobile numbering prefix 01xxx in addition to the currently existing 07xxx. According to CA Director General Francis Wangusi, the new prefix – which is expected to take effect immediately – was necessitated by increased demand for SIM cards, mobile data and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. According to the National Numbering Plan developed in 2002 by the authority, each prefix provides for a capacity of 100 million numbers, at the moment the prefix 07xx is exhausted. Mr. Wangusi, in a statement to newsrooms, said leading telecommunication giants Safaricom and Airtel had already been issued with 2 million (0110, 0111) and 3 million (0100, 0101, 0102) numbers respectively under the new prefix. “In view of the emergence of