Issue no 494 5th March 2010
Top Story
Burundi carriers form Africa’s first national infrastructure consortium to develop fibre backbone
One of Africa’s smallest countries is pioneering the use of a carriers’ consortium to develop its national fibre backbone and international links with help from the World Bank. Burundi Backbone Systems will oversee the development of a 1,200 kms backbone and several new international fibre links connecting the country to its neighbours in the next 18 months. The consortium brings together as shareholders the four main fixed and mobile operators (incumbent Onatel; Leo, formerly U-Com, part of Telecel Globe; Africell, owned by V-Tel and Palestinian Paltel; and Econet) and an ISP (CBI Net). The two main mobile players are Onamob,…
Telecoms
Vodafone Inks Marketing Deal in Libya
Vodafone says that it has signed a non-equity cooperation deal with Libyan state owned mobile network, Almadar Aljadid (Al-Madar) to offer Vodafone branded services in the North African country. Under…
Telecoms
Algeria Denies Wanting to Push Orascom Telecom Out of the Country
The Algerian government has denied that it is trying to force Egypt's Orascom Telecom Holding to leave the country and says the ongoing dispute with the company is solely over…
Telecoms
Cameroon: Telephone Identification Still On
Mobile telephone providers say majority of their subscribers are not identified. The deadline for the identification of telephone numbers has come and gone. But mobile telephone users are still seen…
Telecoms
GAIN receives fresh rollout deadline in Malawi
Malawi’s third licensed mobile operator, Global Advanced Integrated Networks (GAIN), which intends to provide services under the G-Mobile banner, has been awarded an extension to its network rollout deadline by…
Telecoms
Telecoms News - In Brief
- The vice chairman, Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Joseph Akaagerger, has called on the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA) to revisit its award criteria for 2010. According to…
Internet
Kigali’s metro wireless network to launch commercial operations by the end of March
Kigali Wireless Broadband (WiBro), a wireless Internet technology developed by a South Korean Telecom (KT) for the Rwandan government is showing progress, RDB's Deputy CEO in charge of IT, Patrick…
Internet
South Africa: Low ADSL prices here to stay
The past few months have been a rollercoaster ride for ADSL consumers and service providers alike, with new and more affordable offerings appearing on a weekly and even daily basis.…
Internet
Kopernik: the third-world online technology superstore
Kopernik connects NGOs with providers of technologies developed specifically for developing nations - like these adjustable eyeglasses - and then allows donors to contribute directly to projects. One of the…
Internet
Internet News - In Brief
- Kenya’s Wananchi (with its Zuku brand) has 14,000 Pay-TV subscribers and will be launching a DTH satellite service and a Triple Play offer (June 2010) in Nairobi. Coincidentally, Senegal’s…
Computing
New life for e-government in South Africa
E-government will be renewed and handled with more vigour, because of its future importance to service delivery, says deputy public service and administration minister Roy Padayachie. He spoke to ITWeb…
Computing
Bog Urged to Accelerate Computerisation of Rural Banks in Ghana
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) and the ARB Apex Bank have been urged to, as a matter of urgency, accelerate the computerisation of Rural and Community Banks (RCB's) in the…
Computing
Integr8 IT Targets Zimbabwe
South Africa-based Information Technology giant Integr8 IT has entered into negotiations with a local company to invest in the country's information technology sector this year. Integr8 IT co-owner and founder…
Computing
Computer News - In Brief
- InfoDev and the World Bank’s Finance, Economic and Urban Development (FEU) department are working together to advance the Information and Communication Technology for development (ICT4D) agenda in the area…
Telecoms, Rates, Offers and Coverage
Telecoms, Rates, Offers and Coverage (briefs)
- Newest entrant into Africa's most robust telecoms market, the Nigerian telecommunications sector, Etisalat said it plans growing it present over 2.6 million subscribers' base to 4 million this year…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
MTN and Telkom Eye Zimbabwe’s national incumbent
South Africa's MTN and Telkom have made advances for State-owned mobile and fixed telecommunications companies NetOne and TelOne, respectively, Government sources confirmed this week. MTN and Telkom's separate interests in…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
Kenya: Telkom Kenya in Forex Swap Talks
Telkom Kenya is expected to make a major move in the market that could see it make a multi-billion forex swap or wrap up a refinancing arrangement. Players in the…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
Libyan Telco in Final Lap of Race for 75 Percent Stake in Zamtel
LAP Green Network, which owns 62 per cent of Uganda Telecom Ltd, is planning to make the final plunge to obtain a stake in Zamtel, the Zambian government-owned telecom operator.…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
Acting President's busy schedule stalls NITEL takeover
The National Council on Privatisation's delay in issuing a confirmation letter to the preferred bidder in the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), almost three weeks after the financial bids were opened…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
On The Money - In Brief
- The pre-hearing date for the Competition Tribunal case against Telkom has still not been set and is likely to face another delay. The reason for this delay, according to…
Digital Content
Malawi firms to start advertising vacancies online
In Malawi, companies have for so long relied on radio and newspapers, and lately television to advertise employment opportunities to job seekers. But in this era when the internet is…
Digital Content
New Portal for Couples about to Wed in Nigeria
As technology is permeating every sector of life, creating unimaginable transformations, the marriage institution should not be left out. And that could be why a frontline internet services provider, iWay…
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People
Phuthuma Nhleko, the CEO of South Africa based MTN Group has announced that he will be stepping down from the joint roles of CEO and President at the start of…
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Events:
DIGITAL AFRICA SUMMIT 9-11 March 2010, Munyonyo Resort, Lake Victoria, Kampala,Uganda This year's 8th Annual Digital Africa Summit is set to be Africa’s premier ICT business summit, creating more opportunities…
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Jobs and Opportunities
* Extended Term Consulting (ETC) Assignment: Task Manager, Mobile Applications Laboratories www.infodev.org From 2010-2012, infoDev will implement an ambitious program entitled “Creating Sustainable Businesses in the Knowledge Economy”. This program,…
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Contracts
Azur and Redknee - Gabon Redknee, a provider of billing and charging software and solutions, has received a new contract for an extended implementation of its converged billing and airtime-selling…
