Issue no 825 - 29th April 2016
Top Story
Pangea launches Voice-To-Internet App in Nigeria for those who want Internet outside data coverage areas
Every now and then something comes along that sounds so unlikely your first instinct is to check whether it’s April Fool’s day. American start-up Pangea has put together a service that allows Android smartphone users to call up the Internet using voice outside of data coverage areas. Russell Southwood spoke to its Director of Business Development Marco Scotti and one of its engineers Sebastian Presecan. Pangea has launched an Android app in Nigeria recently in what Scotti describes as a “test phase” which is allowing a small number of people to use and test the app. It will go to…
Telecoms
Data Roaming Charges to Fall within 4 East African countries
It will be easier and cheaper to use your data bundles on different telecommunication platforms within four East African countries from July 1, following the adoption of a price cap…
Telecoms
Cell C switches on LTE-Advanced in SA
Johannesburg - South Africa’s third largest mobile network Cell C says it has activated its LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) technology in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. LTE-A represents the next evolution in…
Telecoms
Unlicensed spectrum gives MTN 200Mbps on LTE-U in trial
Think SA’s mobile internet is fast now? Well, it’s about to get faster – MTN’s latest wireless internet tech has achieved speeds of 200Mbps, a very impressive 50Mbps faster than…
Telecoms
Etisalat Nigeria sets up ‘Fight Malaria’ Clubs in Schools
As part of activities to mark World Malaria Day (WMD) 2016, held on April 25, Etisalat revealed plans to commemorate this day by setting up ‘Fight Malaria Clubs’ across Secondary…
Telecoms
2015 recorded 12 million new GSM subscribers in Nigeria
The number of subscribers on GSM networks rose by 12 million to 148.68 million in 2015, a report on the sector released by the National Bureau of Statistics has revealed.…
Internet
SES to Provide High-Speed Broadband Connectivity to Facebook in Africa
SES, one of the world’s leading satellite operators, today announced a satellite broadband deal with Facebook to provide high-speed broadband connectivity services to Sub-Saharan Africa. This agreement will support Facebook’s…
Internet
Algeria: International Workshop On Role of Internet in Fighting Radicalisation Opens in Algiers
Algiers — The works of an international workshop on the role of internet and social networks in the preservation and fight against radicalisation and cyber terrorism started Wednesday in Algiers.…
Computing
Huawei Swings Focus to Cloud Technology
Huawei recently said that it intended to drive the conversation at its second ‘Huawei Cloud Congress West Africa’ by engaging with industry leaders and Information Technology vendors on cloud technology…
Computing
Rwanda: Ms. Geek - Celebrating Three Years of Success
When Ms. Geek was launched three years ago, few believed how far it would go in inspiring girls to join technology field, and also pursue careers in science, technology, engineering…
Money Transfer
Zimbabwe: Econet, Introduces Airtime Credit On Ecocash
Econet Wireless is introducing an airtime credit service via the EcoCash platform which will allow more than 5-million customers to borrow airtime. The innovation, means that an Econet customer can…
Money Transfer
MTN Ghana soon to pay interest on Mobile Money Wallet
MTN Ghana soon to pay interest on Mobile Money Wallet savings. Read the full story here:
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
Orange reports revenue growth for third consecutive quarter
Multinational telecoms giant Orange Group has published its financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2016, claiming to have continued its strong commercial performance trend of the previous…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
NCC alerts frequency spectrum bidders over ‘South African fraud bank’
The Nigerian government has issued a fraud alert over requested by suspects fraudster asking interested parties in the upcoming frequency spectrum auctions to pay into a South African bank. The…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
Liberia: Libtelco Reportedly Buying Cellular Misfits Novafone for Millions
Monrovia — One of the worst-kept secrets in Liberian business circles appear to be gaining traction amid reports that the Government of Liberia is on the verge of entering into…
Digital Content
Finalists announced in the MTN Entrepreneurship Challenge powered by Jumia
Following a rigorous selection process, involving more than 700 applicants from 26 countries across Africa, the top three finalists in the MTN Entrepreneurship Challenge powered by Jumia, have been revealed.…
Digital Content
KairosWebTV wants to disrupt Nigeria’s payTV market, CEO says
Mr. Celestine Achi, founder/CEO of KairosWebTV, an online TV platform says its entry into the Nigeria broadcasting space is to challenge payTV providers in the market. The webTV platform will…
Digital Content
Kenya: Umati Capital to Use App in Disbursing U.S.$500,000 to Farmers in Kenya
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has made a $500,000 grant to be disbursed over a 3 year period to Umati Capital to support smallholder farmers under…
Digital Content
DiData, Cisco forge anti-poaching pact
DiData and Cisco will incorporate CCTV, drones with infrared cameras, thermal imaging, vehicle-tracking sensors, as well as seismic sensors to protect rhinos. DiData and Cisco will incorporate CCTV, drones with…
Digital Content
Nigeria: Guardian Launches Online TV Platform
The Guardian, Nigeria's most trusted newspaper, launched its online TV platform, Guardian TV, on Tuesday, April 26. Guardian TV will provide exclusive video interviews, as well as up-to-the-minute videos from…
Digital Content
How African governments block social media
A small but increasing group of African governments is blocking social media during elections. Clare Spencer asks why and how this is done and how people get around it. Why…
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People
Ericsson managed services chief moves to Africa Ericsson has appointed Jean-Claude Geha as head of the sub-Saharan Africa region effective from 1 July. Geha replaces Fredrik Jejdling who will take…
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Opportunities
Nigeria invites applications for regional 3.5GHz licences The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has invited applications from parties interested in acquiring regional spectrum in the 3.5GHz band. The regulator is offering…
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Events
27th – 30th April, 2016Strathmore UniversityTwitter, iHub partner to present Smart City Challenge in NairobiTwitter and the iHub partnered to host the #SmartCityNairobi challenge for the developer c 18-19 May…