Telecom
Brazil Re-Farms Spectrum for Next-Generation Mobile Broadband Services
The GSMA has congratulated Anatel, the Brazilian telecommunications regulator, for taking a leadership position on spectrum re-farming. Anatel’s decision to re-allocate spectrum in the technology neutral 2.6 GHz band to support the nationwide deployment of next-generation Mobile Broadband services will provide mobile operators in Brazil with a clear future investment path for the country’s mobile network infrastructure.
Anatel’s decision is also consistent with the ITU’s Option 1[i] for international 2.6GHz spectrum harmonisation, currently being followed by the majority of mobile operators worldwide. This ensures that Brazil will follow a standardised approach to global Mobile Broadband deployment, safeguarding technology compatibility and network handover capabilities. Spectrum harmonisation in this band means that Brazilian operators will benefit from the vast economies of scale that the GSM ecosystem offers, driving down equipment and device costs, which can be passed on to customers.
“We are delighted that Anatel L has made the decision to re-farm the 2.6GHz spectrum band to support the provision of next generation Mobile Broadband services across Brazil,” said Tom Phillips, chief government and regulatory affairs officer, GSMA. “Other countries such as Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and South Africa would benefit from similar rulings whereby existing spectrum is intelligently re-allocated for Mobile Broadband deployment as part of global spectrum harmonisation, driving widespread socio-economic benefits for governments and consumers and generating additional revenue for operators.”
Brazil’s 2.6GHz spectrum band had previously been allocated to MMDS operators to support pay-per-view TV services. This ruling will not impact these operators, who will keep 70MHz[ii] of spectrum (50 MHz of TDD and 2 X 10 MHz of FDD). Anatel’s decision does mean that the country’s mobile operators will benefit from the majority of this spectrum, stating that 120MHz should be auctioned off by mid-2013[iii]. Mobile operators in Brazil also have the option of deploying LTE immediately, should they acquire an MMDS operator currently holding spectrum licenses.
Ensuring the necessary spectrum is available will pave the way for Brazilian operators to follow the clear upgrade path from existing HSPA technology, which continues to enjoy impressive growth across Brazil, to LTE. Both HSPA and LTE are members of the GSM family of technologies and provide impressive Mobile Broadband service delivery and performance. By combining the two technologies and leveraging the vast global GSM ecosystem, Brazil will have at its disposal a cost-effective broadband network capable of supporting the expected increase in traffic that will result from hosting major global events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.
Telecom
First Set of Winners Emerge in Glo Festival of Joy Promo in Warri
Digital solutions company, Globacom, on Thursday, in Warri, Delta State, held the first draw of its ongoing consumer promo, Festival of Joy. The draw was conducted at Gloworld, Delta Mall, and was attended by Glo subscribers, the media and representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Anwyuli Efejukwu.
Globacom said the lucky winners including, “the winner of a brand new Toyota Prado and winners of tricycles, sewing machines, generators and grinding machines will receive their prizes on November 21, 2024 at the same Gloworld”.
To participate in the promo, Glo advised new and existing subscribers to dial *611# and recharge (voice and data) during the promo period. It added that new subscribers can join by purchasing a new SIM, registering it, and dialing *611#.
“New and existing customers are required to recharge up to N100,000 cumulatively during the promo period to qualify for the draw for the Prado Jeep, N50, 000 cumulative recharge for Kia Picanto, N10, 000 in a month for tricycle and N5, 000 total recharge in a month to win a generator.
For the sewing machine, a total recharge of N2, 500 in a month is required, while for the grinding machine, a recharge of N500 in a day will be eligible for the draw”. The company said.
Telecom
MTN Foundation Enhances Education with Renovation of 29 Laboratories in Nigeria
MTN Foundation recently unveiled 29 fully renovated science and ICT laboratories in public secondary schools located in the Northeast and Southeast areas of Nigeria, including Kano, Gombe, Enugu, and Anambra.
This is part of MTNF’s Science and Technology Laboratory Project (STLP). The nationwide initiative has enhanced science education by equipping public school laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities and vital resources.
The STLP initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment and educational advancement in Nigeria, providing students with practical learning experiences in core science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Agriculture.
The third phase of this project alone has seen the complete transformation of laboratories in six schools, with structural renovations, alternative power installations, digital learning tools, and specialised training for teachers and lab attendants.
The Foundation’s investment in education has paved the way for transformative programs like the MTN Scholarship Scheme, which supports Nigerian students in their academic pursuits, and digital skills training programs aimed at fostering technological competence and readiness.
Now, with its Science and Technology Laboratory Project, MTNF is extending these commitments to the very heart of the Nigerian classroom, transforming learning environments into spaces where students can explore, innovate, and excel.
MTNF Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya expressed the Foundation’s resolve, stating, “We are proud to support young Nigerians with the resources and environments they need to excel in science and technology.
“Our commitment is rooted in ensuring access to quality education for every Nigerian student.”
This dedication has fuelled MTNF’s efforts to establish impactful projects nationwide, positioning the Foundation as a pivotal player in advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development and shaping a brighter future for its youth.
As the Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, its impact extends beyond laboratory renovations. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has invested N29.4 billion in diverse programs that improve the lives of millions across Nigeria, with a focus on youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and community development.
Guided by its new theme “Inspiring Impact Where it Matters,” the Foundation is committed to addressing critical national priorities, ensuring that underserved communities will continue to benefit from its initiatives.
Telecom
MTN Group Service Revenue Hurt by Nigerian Regulatory Issues
MTN Group has reported a lower service revenue for the nine months ended September 30 as regulatory registrations in Nigeria hurt subscriber numbers in the region.
MTN, with 288 million subscribers in 17 markets across Africa, said its group service revenue fell to $6.99 billion from $8.55 billion in the same quarter last year.
The group reported a 48.7% plunge in revenue from MTN Nigeria due to the devaluation of the currency, but noted that “the naira was less volatile on a sequential basis in Q3 than in preceding quarters”.
Its biggest contributor, MTN South Africa (MTN SA) grew marginally by 3.3% and Uganda followed suit with 5% growth helped by a firmer Ugandan shilling compared to last year.
The company said its subscriber base grew by 1.6% to 288 million, affected by “subscriber registration regulations in Nigeria and a decline in users in Sudan, where millions of people have been displaced by the conflict.”
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