Telecom
Future Of Mobile Innovation In Sub-Saharan Africa Hinges On Consistent Privacy Regulation
By John Giusti (GSMA
Mobile is critical for creating a truly “Digital Africa”, a connected region where digital technologies are delivering positive impacts to societies and economies. Sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest growing mobile market in the world.
Fuelled by growing access to mobile data services, the mobile ecosystem is flourishing, providing a platform for innovation that is generating employment opportunities and spurring the creation of new services.
This wave of growth is underpinned by increased availability of mobile data.
By 2020, sixty per cent of mobile connections are forecast to run over mobile broadband networks, almost double the number from 2016. In the same period, mobile data traffic is expected to grow by sixty-six per cent.
Global data flows are also creating new degrees of connectedness among economies, and digitalisation can positively impact GDP, and this surge in data is critical to economic opportunity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In this new data driven world, the mobile industry is focused on building the trust and confidence of users and, in so doing, enable data innovation that benefits citizens.
This will hinge on the implementation of certain and consistent rules for data privacy that apply to all service providers.
Today, there are significant discrepancies within the region regarding principles incorporated into data privacy laws and how they are implemented nationally. In some countries, mobile licence conditions stipulate that certain user information or accounting information may not be transferred outside the country.
In those same countries, other service providers are not subject to the same restrictions. If mobile operators are prevented from transferring data outside the country, it will inhibit their ability to bring the benefits of centralised cloud systems to the region.
This will make operating within the global economy more difficult, and will deny consumers the innovative services and other benefits that come from fair competition and economies of scale.
In respect to data usage, mobile operators are also often subject to privacy-related restrictions in their licences or national law regarding what they can and cannot do with user data. In some circumstances, this may be reasonable and proportionate, however, we would urge governments to limit such restrictions to only those that are strictly necessary and, in any case, apply equally to all providers of communications or equivalent services.
Whilst inconsistent application of rules will affect mobile operators’ ability to compete, critically it prevents consumers’ privacy expectations from being met in a consistent way. To maximise growth, consumers must have confidence that data is being protected.
However, as the lines blur between what type of service each service provider delivers, consumers are not always aware of the different privacy rules that apply or which provisions only impact one segment of the market.
This can lead to a degradation of trust, meaning consumers are less willing to share information, less confident that their data will be used in accordance with stated mobile privacy policies and ultimately less likely to use data-based services.
Creating a regulatory environment across Sub-Saharan Africa that not only protects the privacy of consumers through consistent application of privacy rules but encourages the mobile industry’s ability to deliver innovative services is vital to unlocking social and economic benefits across the region.
The mobile industry urges governments throughout Sub-Saharan Africa to avoid legislating for specific types of data and instead focus on individual privacy concerns – ensuring that obligations are not tied to the type of service provider.
This will guarantee that all providers of data services are subject to the same privacy regulations, creating an environment where consumers feel their data is safe and protected.
This will allow all service providers to compete in the provision of data-based services and contribute to the growth of the data economy throughout the region.
Only by creating a level-playing field in applicable regulation – regulation that not only protects consumers in a consistent way, but also promotes innovation – can digital technologies realise their full social and economic potential in Sub-Saharan Africa.
WIOCC, Africa’s Carriers’ Carrier, has partnered with Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), a leading digital infrastructure and shared services provider, in a strategic infrastructure collaboration aimed at enhancing high-speed internet connectivity across the country. This partnership supports digital inclusion and drives Nigeria’s digital transformation.
By combining WIOCC’s extensive wholesale fibre network and expertise with GBB’s national fibre footprint, the collaboration will improve scalability, efficiency and service delivery for businesses and government institutions. It also aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband access to underserved regions and foster partnerships with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to advance Nigeria’s digital economy.
A signing ceremony was held at Galaxy Backbone’s Corporate headquarters in Abuja, with Darren Bedford, Group Chief Development Officer at WIOCC and Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju.
They highlighted the strategic alignment of both organizations in driving digital transformation to accelerate Nigeria’s digital future, setting a benchmark for innovation and connectivity that addresses the evolving needs of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem..
Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju stated, “Our mission is to provide robust digital infrastructure that underpins Nigeria’s digital economy. This partnership with WIOCC is a testament to our commitment to enabling digital inclusion and providing a platform for collaboration that transforms how businesses, governments and communities operate in today’s world.”
Darren Bedford added, “This collaboration with Galaxy Backbone reflects our shared vision for driving digital transformation. Together, we are creating a platform for innovation and economic growth that will benefit the country with world-class connectivity.”
Schneider Electric, has reiterated its commitment to accelerate growth in the data centre market across East and West Africa regions that have become vital due to rapid digitalisation and increasing Internet penetration.
Commitment on the company’s drive, End User Sales Director, Anglophone Africa, Schneider Electric, Rohan de Beer, said, the African data centre market is witnessing unprecedented growth, creating a fertile ground for resellers and distributors to enhance their capabilities and foster stronger relationships with local end users.
De Beer explained that previously, Schneider Electric relied solely on external channels for market development, which sometimes led to missed opportunities and increased competition.
He noted that the new dual approach adopted by the firm seeks to address these gaps by enabling closer engagement with end users to influence technology decisions and secure a larger share of the market.
He added, “Crucially, these engagements will still be fulfilled through Schneider Electric’s extensive channel network.This strategy allows us to influence project lifecycles at an earlier stage while maintaining our channel-driven fulfilment model,” explained De Beer. “Our goal isn’t to increase direct business but to expand our market presence and share while empowering partners.”
“In addition to self-paced learning resources, we are hosting instructor-led training sessions across the Anglophone cluster. The first half of the year saw successful training completions in East, West, and Southern Africa, focusing on technical solutions for partners and distributors,” De Beer added.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, reportedly plans to invest over $10 billion in a privately owned subsea cable network spanning more than 40,000 kilometers.
This ambitious project aims to enhance Meta’s control over its vast internet traffic, reduce dependence on telecommunications companies, and mitigate geopolitical risks.
The proposed route is expected to connect the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa, and then from India to the U.S. West Coast through Australia, forming a “W” shape around the globe.
The initiative reflects Meta’s strategic move to secure its infrastructure amid growing geopolitical tensions and concerns about the vulnerability of undersea cable.
According to sources close to the company, the initiative, still in its early phases, would be Meta’s first fully owned and operated subsea cable.
This bold move underscores Meta’s focus on strengthening infrastructure to support its platforms, which generate 10% of fixed and 22% of mobile internet traffic globally, as first reported by TechCrunch.
Sunil Tagare, industry expert, who reported the plans in October, noted that the project’s initial budget of $2 billion will likely increase significantly.
“This is a monumental project in both investment and scale. The shortage of cable-laying ships and resources could lead Meta to build the cable in phases,” Tagare explained.
Although Meta has yet to publicly confirm the plans, an official announcement regarding the route, capacity, and objectives is anticipated in early 2025.
Logistical Hurdles: Meta faces difficulties securing the resources needed for a project of this scale. Cable-laying ships are in limited supply, with tech giants like Google already monopolising contracts with firms such as SubCom.
Tight Market Conditions: Ranulf Scarborough, a submarine cable industry analyst, highlighted the constraints. “The tight market for specialised resources means Meta may need to adopt a phased construction approach, potentially extending the timeline.”
Meta’s infrastructure initiatives are led by Santosh Janardhan, its head of global infrastructure. Reports suggest the project is being developed from its South African operations, indicating the growing significance of emerging markets in Meta’s strategy.
Traditionally dominated by telecom carriers, subsea cable construction has seen a shift as content-driven companies like Meta seek greater control over the infrastructure delivering their services.
If successful, this cable will strengthen Meta’s ability to handle data traffic independently, reduce reliance on shared networks, and unlock opportunities in underserved regions.
IGP Confirms Prosecution of 113 Foreign Nationals for Alleged Cyber Crimes
ICPC Says 70 Percent of Nigerians Refused to Pay Bribes in 2023
SEC Flags Marino FX as Illegal Crypto Exchange
CBN Set to Retire 1,000 Staff, Earmarks N50Bn for Settlement
FG Begins N50 Electronic Levy Deductions from Moniepoint, Other Digital Banks
Echefu Launches LUFT TV, another Pay TV after Failed TSTV Project
UBA, Mastercard Launch Special Debit Card for 75th Anniversary
CBN to Sanction Banks Linked to Cash Hawkers
QNET’s Amezcua Workshop in Lagos: A Glimpse into Wellness & Innovation
UBA Group Sets Foot in France with Full Banking Services
E-Business1 day agoTD Africa Joins Forces with Check Point to Enhance Cybersecurity in Nigeria
Telecom1 day agoUBA Partners NIBSS on NQR Payment Solution
E-Financial1 day agoCBN Launches New Website Today
E-Financial1 day agoCBN to Penalize Banks for Failing to Address ATM Cash Shortages
Telecom1 day agoIkenna Ikechukwu Emerges Champion at MTN’s mPulse Spelling Bee
E-Business1 day agoNaija Shopping Festival: Konga Offers Unbeatable Christmas Deals
Telecom1 day agoMeta Plans $10Bn Subsea Cable Project to Boost Connectivity
E-Financial1 day agoCBN Governor Urges Nigerians to Stay and Rebuild Amid Economic Reforms