Telecom
Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Calls for Spectrum Access to Connect Africans
Utilizing alternative spectrum technologies is key to connecting millions of people in Africa to the internet, as the amount of bandwidth available will increase whilst costs are reduced, according to the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA).
Speaking on the second day of the Industry Forum for Converged Digital Media, the high-level industry event for stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in spectrum technologies, Mark Rotter, DSA treasurer emphasized the need for dynamic spectrum access and the benefits it could bring to communities around the world who are lacking internet access.
“The time is now for industry stakeholders to come together to address and fully understand how to manage and utilize spectrum access, as the demand for wireless connectivity continues to grow,” said Rotter.
“Progress is being made in Africa but there is still so much left to do and achieve. The DSA believes that the implementation of alternative technologies that allow service providers to reach the unconnected and underserved is critical in closing the digital divide that exists not just in Africa, but all over the world.”
He added: “There has been a common recognition from policy makers that dynamic spectrum is critical to connecting those without internet access, which is great, but it is crucial that the opportunities for dynamic spectrum access technologies and techniques are there. The DSA is constantly evolving to support more and more alternative technologies, such as TV White Space (TVWS) and Citizens Broadcast Radio Service (CBRS), to ensure that operators are being provided with the flexibility they require to reach the unconnected and underserved.”
TVWS technology uses unused or underused broadcast spectrum on a secondary basis in order to bring broadband connectivity to areas where other technologies are not cost effective. In December last year, the DSA held workshops in Ghana and Nigeria that addressed the policy and regulatory challenges that need to be overcome in Africa, and other rural areas around the world.
“Utilizing TVWS and CBRS technology, as well as expanding into multiple bands, will increase the amount of bandwidth available and reduce its cost. Wider broadband access will enrich people’s lives and make huge positive impacts both economically and socially and this is the key aim that the DSA is working towards,” concluded Rotter.
The DSA is at the forefront of advocating for laws and regulations that will lead to more efficient and effective spectrum utilization and will be hosting its annual Global Summit in Washington D.C, June 26-27.
As the premier event on spectrum policy and spectrum management, the DSA Global Summit brings together government and industry leaders, regulators and academia to discuss and debate spectrum sharing methods and models.
At the recently concluded NextNow Business Forum in Victoria Island, MTN Nigeria electrified the business community with a live demonstration of its forthcoming Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS), a solution engineered to redefine how Nigerian enterprises connect with their customers.
Unlike traditional communication systems, MTN’s CPaaS is built for the realities of a mobile-first market. The platform unifies SMS, voice, WhatsApp, email, and more into a single, intuitive interface. This approach is especially significant in Nigeria, with over 107 million internet users, 45.4% of the total population, according to Data Report. This figure underscores the necessity for businesses to meet customers where they are.
During the demo, attendees witnessed how CPaaS enables two-way, real-time conversations between brands and customers. The platform’s support for rich media, instant analytics, and seamless integration with business workflows drew particular attention. These features are designed to empower businesses with data-driven insights and the agility to personalise every interaction, whether it’s a service notification, marketing campaign, or customer support exchange.
Akinbulejo Onabolu, Head of Enterprise Segment at MTN Nigeria, articulated the vision: “CPaaS gives enterprises the flexibility to interact with their customers on their preferred platforms; whether it’s chat, voice, or messaging, in a way that feels personal and immediate. We’re looking forward to the value this will unlock for businesses across industries once it launches.”
The fireside chat added depth to the conversation, with Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head of SME Segment at MTN Nigeria, and Stephen Agbi of Bayobab, highlighting how digital engagement bridges the gap between businesses and audiences.
They emphasised that today’s consumers demand immediacy, relevance, and ease, qualities that CPaaS is built to deliver.
The stakes for digital transformation in Nigeria are high. In a report by Punch, the country’s enterprise tech market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2027, reflecting a surge in demand for scalable, cloud-based solutions that drive efficiency and customer loyalty.
The CPAAS Acceleration Alliance have estimated that globally, the CPaaS market is expected to grow from $14.7 billion in 2025 to $72.4 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 18.4%, a testament to the platform’s transformative potential.
The event’s closing keynote from META’s Korhan Yunak reinforced the strategic value of digital channels like WhatsApp, which are now indispensable for business communication and engagement at scale.
As MTN Nigeria prepares for the Q3 2025 launch, the anticipation is unmistakable. With its promise of flexibility, intelligence, and seamless integration, MTN’s CPaaS platform is set to become the backbone of next-generation business-customer engagement in Nigeria, enabling enterprises to not just communicate but to connect, adapt, and grow in a digital-first era.
MTN Uganda is seeking input from stakeholders on a plan to structurally separate its mobile money service, MoMo, from its core telecoms business.
According to the company, the proposed change will be discussed at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting on July 2.
If approved, the telco’s fintech business will be run by a new company controlled by MTN Group Fintech Holdings B.V. and a trust benefiting minority shareholders following a merger.
Additionally, the restructuring also aligns with MTN Group’s ambition 2025 strategy which aims to unlock value, attract new investors, and strengthen regulatory compliance by creating standalone fintech entities in Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The company’s fintech division has over 13 million customers, with an 18.4% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2025, driven by 19.0% growth in mobile money services, 19.8% growth in transaction volumes, and a 31.4% increase in transaction value.
Reports say the decision is part of the telco’s compliance with the National Payment Systems Act 2020, which mandates mobile money businesses to operate as standalone entities, and to align with MTN Group’s regional fintech strategy.
MTN Uganda, which is led by CEO Sylvia Mulinge, highlighted that the implementation of the proposed transaction will be subjected to a number of conditions and regulatory procedures.
“The implementation of the proposed transaction shall be subject to a number of conditions, including the company and MTN MoMo receiving all required regulatory approvals and no-objections and complying with any regulatory conditions,” said MTN Uganda in notice.
Netflix has announced plans to invest more than €1 billion in Spanish film and television productions over the next four years, reinforcing its commitment to Spain as a key creative hub in Europe.
The announcement was made by co-chief executive Ted Sarandos at an event held at Netflix’s production studios near Madrid, celebrating the company’s 10-year presence in the country.
Sarandos emphasized that the investment would contribute significantly to Spain’s economy, create jobs, and enable the streaming platform to produce more local content. He was joined by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in unveiling the initiative.
Netflix first established its international production studios in Madrid in 2019, following the success of the Spanish-language hit series Money Heist.
Since then, its 22,000-square-meter facility has become one of Netflix’s major production centers within the European Union.
The company currently supports over 20,000 jobs in Spain, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in global entertainment.
The investment reflects Netflix’s ongoing strategy to expand its presence in European markets through original content and local talent.
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