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5G Will Open up New Business Models Across Industries – Traboulsi

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Ericsson just announced launching 5G commercial software for radio and core networks to enable operators to launch 5G from the fourth quarter of 2018. In-light with this announcement, we spoke to Chafic Traboulsi, Head of Networks, Ericsson Middle East and Africa, to tell us more about this new launch.

Launching of 5G commercial software

We are finalizing 5G-readiness for operators by enhancing our 5G Platform with new solutions:
We introduce 5G commercial software for radio and core networks to enable operators to launch 5G in new spectrum from Q4 2018.

To capture growth opportunities presented by new 5G use cases, we expand our 5G Core System offering with new capabilities to support 5G NR and also evolve our Distributed Cloud. offering for cloud application deployment across multiple sites – central, distributed, and edge.

We also introduce a new category of radio products called Street Macro – a new site type that addresses the need of operators to grow in cities with limited available radio locations. It is a layer in network between macro and micro.

We are also unveiling new radio products supporting Massive MIMO technology – enabling a smooth evolution from 4G to 5G and addressing the need for increased capacity, while simplifying use for wider adoption.

We also add products encompassing multi-band operation, increased capacity and ease-of-site acquisition.

In parallel, we are also announcing that all radio products within Ericsson Radio System delivered since 2015 will support 5G New Radio (NR) capability through remote software installation. This means installed Ericsson Radio System (ERS) products that are active in more than 190 networks around the world are ready for 5G NR

Why would operators need 5G

All the previous technology generations were basically developed to address only Consumer predominantly (for Voice and Text in 2G to browsing in 3G and Higher speed data and Video in 4G).

5G will serve consumers and multiple industries and open up new business models across industries.

In an Ericsson Consumer Lab Study, over 70 percent of consumers said that faster speed, better reliability and lower latency were their top expectations of 5G.  What we can take from this is that 5G isn’t just about new use cases, it’s also about improving the services users already subscribe to.

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) is the first use case for 5G. With the continued growth in mobile traffic, there is a need for a more efficient technology, higher data rates, and spectrum utilization. In terms of consumer digitalization and richer user experience, new applications based on virtual and augmented reality will require higher bandwidths and lower latency.

Industry digitalization and 5G open up opportunities for operators to address up to USD 619 billion market globally in 2026 (in 10 industries by adding digitalizing of retail and agriculture to previously communicated USD 582 billion).

This represents a potential to add up to 36 percent growth in revenues in 2026, with manufacturing and energy/utilities sectors representing the biggest opportunity for revenues created or enhanced by 5G.

Use Case Evolution to 5G includes the executive summary of use case evolution to 5G with supporting technologies, followed by separate sections for Enhanced Mobile Broadband, Automotive, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities and Healthcare.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) can provide connectivity for households and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) using wireless technologies.

Main addressable segments are the unserved areas (i.e., connect the unconnected; representing new revenues for operators) or wireless fiber (i.e., a more cost-efficient way to provide high-capacity connectivity). Operator services may also include telephony and value-added services (e.g., media, security).

Availability of 5G

We and partners have been working with 5G technology for several years in the labs, and last two years we took these technologies into advanced outdoor field trials. We have also signed first 5G deals with Verizon, Swisscom and Vodafone (UK).

The 5G standardization has been accelerated with first 5G NR standard for NSA (non-stand alone 5G) finalized in Dec 2017 and 3GPP Rel-15 is planned to be finalized by mid 2018.

And, we see some operators interest tied to number of major upcoming sporting events that will showcase 5G this year.

From this year onwards we will see full system trials in commercial applications with initial commercial 5G networks and devices based on the 3GPP standards are expected in 2019, with major network deployments from 2020. The first very few 5G devices will likely be introduced towards the end of 2018.

And we estimate the number of subscriptions reaching one billion by the end of 2023.

What will happen in next 5 years

Industries will be transforming by new capabilities brought on by 5G. Examples of these capabilities include:
The ability to download a full-length HD movie in seconds
The quick reaction time (low latency) to enable remote robotics
The ability to spin up virtual networks on-demand with network slicing
Battery lifetimes beyond 10 years for remote cellular devices
This will bring new requirements on the 5G networks. And we estimate the number of subscriptions reaching around one billion by the end of 2023 (Source; Ericsson Mobility report).


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MTN Nigeria to Issue N50Bn Commercial Paper

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MTN Nigeria has proposed issuing up to N50bn series 11 and 12 commercial paper notes to raise funding for its operations, according to the company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

MTN Nigeria to Issue N50Bn Commercial Paper

The notes issuance is under the company’s N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.

According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, the issuance is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its financing options with the funds being deployed towards short-term working capital requirements.

MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250b commercial paper issuance programme.

Ukpanah, the telecom giant it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.

The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.

The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy of continuing to diversify its funding sources and reduce its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied to short-term working capital requirements.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”

Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.


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How AI Agents can Step in as Consumer Trust Slips

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Salesforce’s latest State of the AI Connected Customer research reveals consumer trust in companies is at a record low and that AI is raising the stakes for brands.

Today, 60% of consumers believe that advances in AI make trust even more important, and with AI agents on the rise, the findings point to real opportunities for companies to win back consumers with trustworthy AI agents this holiday season. This opportunity is greatest with Gen Zers, with almost a third of Gen Z consumers saying they’d be comfortable having an agent shop for them.

Faced with a challenging holiday shopping season and sinking consumer trust, brands can’t afford to get AI wrong—especially as more than $200 billion in global online sales will be influenced by AI this holiday season.

AI agents, or intelligent software that understands and responds to customer inquiries without human intervention, can help companies drive higher margins and keep consumers buying by delivering incredible customer service. From alleviating clunky purchase experiences to difficult return processes, there’s an agent for that. But to build trusted customer relationships, brands need trusted AI agents that are grounded in transparency and the right data.

Consumers trust less, expect more

Consumer trust is at its lowest point in eight years, and advances in AI make earning that trust more critical than ever.

  • Nearly three-quarters (72%) of consumers trust companies less than they did a year ago

  • 65% feel companies are reckless with customer data

It’s not just about trust; consumers also expect best-in-class experiences.

  • 69% of consumers expect consistent interactions across departments

  • Nearly 60% of consumers prefer using fewer touchpoints to get information or complete a task

While better deals are a top driver for consumers to switch to a new brand, customer service experience, convenience, and consistent product or service quality drive more long-term brand loyalty.

  • 43% of consumers say poor customer service experience will stop them from making a repeat purchase from a company or brand

  • More than a third of consumers say that inconvenience, such as a difficult return process or clunky purchase experience, will cause brands to lose them

Younger consumers are most open to AI agents

The research shows Gen Zers and millennials are more willing than older generations to use AI agents to improve their customer experience by creating more personalised, or useful content.

Younger generations, in particular, hold companies to a higher standard when it comes to adapting to and anticipating their needs—43% of Gen Zers and millennials say AI raises the bar for customer experiences compared to just 32% of baby boomers.

Gen Z and millennial consumers are more likely than older generations to consider the benefits provided by agents.

Transparency is key to building consumer confidence in the AI agent era

Despite the promise of young shoppers, many consumers haven’t made up their minds on AI yet. Nearly half of consumers are neutral about AI’s impact on their lives, whether personal or professional.

In fact, many consumers feel a mix of suspicion (44%) and curiosity (41%) about the future of AI —revealing a ripe opportunity for companies to help consumers see and understand the benefits of AI agents.

  • Over a third of consumers would work with an AI agent instead of a person to avoid repeating themselves

  • 30% of consumers—even more among Gen Z and millennials (37%)—would work with an AI agent instead of a person for faster service

  • A quarter of consumers — even more among Gen Z and millennials (roughly one-third)—would share their personal information with an AI agent so it can better anticipate their needs

To build confidence in the agent experience, businesses need to bridge the trust gap through more transparency.

  • Nearly 75% of consumers want to know if they’re communicating with an AI agent

  • 45% are more likely to use an AI agent if there’s a clear escalation path

  • 44% are more likely to use an AI agent if its logic is clearly explained

“Retailers face a much more competitive shopping season this year, as they look to deliver higher margins in the midst of increasing customer demands. AI agents can help brands deliver consistent, personalised experiences for shoppers across every channel – deepening customer loyalty and ultimately driving more sales,” says Linda Saunders, Salesforce Director Solutions Engineering Africa.


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MTN Nigeria Receives Award for Contributions to Media Development

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MTN Nigeria has received a “Media Capacity Development Support Award” for its immense contributions towards the growth and development of media practitioners across Nigeria.

The award was presented by the Media Career Development Network, at its inaugural conference held at the University of Lagos on October 31, 2024.

Held at the Biodun Shobanjo Auditorium Centre for Excellence, the Media Career Development Conference saw the coming together of seasoned media practitioners who shared insights on opportunities for growth and career advancement in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin noted that the conference aligns with the organization’s commitment to promoting media excellence and advancing the careers of media professionals in Nigeria.

Speaking on the award, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo appreciated the Media Career Development Network for the initiative, while also affirming MTN’s commitment to supporting the media.

“On behalf of MTN, I’d like to extend gratitude to the network for the recognition.

“At MTN, we believe in investing in institutions that bring value to the society and this includes the media.

“Journalists and other media professionals play a crucial role in telling authentic stories and shaping the image of our nation globally.

“So we’re committed to helping them gain the requisite skills and exposure needed to thrive in their profession”, he stated.

MTN Nigeria has consistently shown dedication to training world-class media professionals in Nigeria, particularly through its Media Innovation Programme (MIP).

Since 2022, the ICT firm has partnered with Pan-Atlantic University to enable media practitioners across various platforms gain insight into the rapidly evolving media environment.

Convener and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin acknowledged the impact of the telecommunications giant’s efforts in upskilling Nigerian media professionals.

“The 6-month Media Innovation Programme created by MTN in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University has afforded media practitioners in-depth training on the media space and even the opportunity to gain more insights in South Africa.

“We hope that MTN Nigeria will continue to champion this programme for the development of professionals”, he said.

The Media Capacity Development Support Award joins a long list of awards MTN Nigeria has received for its contributions towards institutions beyond the telecommunications sector and the general society.


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