Wireless Federation

Hutchison to buy Orange Austria for US$ 1.7 billion (Hong Kong, Austria)

On 02.03.12, In Mobile, By Editor

Orange Hutchison Whampoa has finalized plans to purchase Orange Austria in a bid to enhance its presence in the country. According to reports, the deal valued at US$ 1.7 billion, is an attempt by the operator to increase its market share in the European telecom sector.

As per a statement made by the company, Hutchison Whampoa will divest its assets to Telekom Austria for US$ 514 million. Further, the assets currently owned by Orange Austria include some frequencies, base station sites, intellectual property rights and Orange Austria’s local discount operator Yesss! Telekommunikation GmbH. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2012, and will be financed out of Telekom Austria’s existing cash flow.

According to sources, the deal is beneficial for France Telecom as it enables the operator to concentrate its activities on emerging markets such as Middle East and Africa.

MTN extends managed services contract with Ericsson (Africa, Sweden)

On 01.30.12, In Mobile, By Editor

South-Africa based mobile telecommunications company MTN has extended its managed services contract with Sweden’s Ericsson for its Ghana operations. According to company reports, the contract was originally signed between the two companies in 2009 for the roll-out of MTN’s 3G network in Ghana. As per the agreement, MTN will retain full ownership of the network and responsibility for its strategic direction, while Ericsson will manage the network operations, optimization and field maintenance for MTN’s 3G sites.

Jon Hoffmann, Chief Technical officer, MTN Ghana said that their first two years together achieved the results they were hoping for: they could focus on subscriber growth, and Ericsson delivered network reliability and efficiencies.

Valter D Avino, Head of Managed Services, Ericsson, has said that MTN and Ericsson collaborate in many areas across this and other regions for several years now and in Ghana they are especially pleased to have been part of the journey towards 10 million subscribers. With Ericsson continuing to run the operations of the network, MTN will be able to dedicate even more time and focus on delivering innovative products and services relevant to the needs of their customers.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: 3G • Africa • Ericsson • Ghana • Managed services contract • MTN • Sweden

Orange to offer free Wikipedia access in Africa and the Middle East (Europe, Africa, Middle East)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

Telecommunications operator Orange has entered into an agreement with the Wikimedia Foundation to provide over 70 million Orange customers in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA) with mobile access to Wikipedia, without incurring data usage charges.

The move comes in an attempt to make knowledge more easily available to Orange mobile customers, in both remote and urban areas, throughout Africa and the Middle East. According to a company report, this new partnership will be gradually launched throughout 2012 across 20 African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange operates, with the first markets launching early in the year. The initiative is part of the Wikimedia Foundation’s mobile strategy that aims to reach the billions of people around the world who access the internet solely through mobile devices.

The report reveals that any customer with an Orange SIM and mobile internet enabled phone will be able to access the Wikipedia site either through their browser or an Orange widget. They can access the Wikipedia encyclopaedia services for as many times as they like at no extra charge as long as they stay within Wikipedia’s pages.

Sue Gardner, Executive Director, Wikimedia Foundation said that Wikipedia is an important service, a public good, and so they want people to be able to access it for free, regardless of what device they’re using. Further, this partnership with Orange will enable millions of people to read Wikipedia, who previously couldn’t.

Marc Rennard, Group Executive Vice President of Orange, Africa, the Middle-East and Asia, commented, in countries where access to information is not always readily available, they are making it simple and easy for our customers to use the world’s most comprehensive online encyclopaedia. It is the first partnership of this kind in the world where they are enabling customers to access Wikipedia without incurring any data charges; and shows Orange’s ability, once again, to innovate in Africa and the Middle East, and bring more value to their customers.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Africa • Europe • France Telecom • Marc Rennard • Middle East • Mobile Data • Orange • USA • Wikipedia

MTN Swaziland cuts down mobile money charges by 80 percent (Africa)

On 11.08.11, In Mobile, By Editor

MTN Swaziland Ltd, a subsidiary of the MTN Group, Africa’s leading cellular telecommunications company, has cut its mobile money tariffs by 80 percent. As per reports, users of the mobile money services will now be required to pay US$ 0.37 for a transaction amount between $ 2.5 and $ 15.5 as compared to the earlier charge of $ 1.2. Similarly, transactions which earlier cost $ 12.5 will now cost only $ 2.5.

According to sources, Sam Shogve, Head (Mobile Money) has said that the tariff cut have been done in response to the users complaints stating that the tariffs were too steep. He further said that MTN also wanted to remain competitive in the market as the service would give a chance to the unbanked to make transactions as well. Mr. Shogwe added that they currently have 250 agents across the country but want to also ensure that these are fully functional and are able to assist customers when doing their transactions.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Africa • mobile money tariff • MTN Swaziland • Sam Shogve • Swaziland

France Telecom to acquire Congo-China Telecom (France, Africa)

On 10.20.11, In Mobile Operators, By Editor

France Telecom SA, a dominant telecommunication company in France, is reportedly looking to purchase Congo-China Telecom, the fourth largest telecom operator in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As per reports, France Telecom will acquire 51 percent of Congo-China. Congo had earlier approved a 49 percent stake sale to France Telecom for which the African country expected to receive $78 million, according to Faustin Mpako, Chief of Staff, Portfolio Ministry.

France Telecom has been entering new markets such as Iraq and Morocco so as to increase its revenue which has been stagnant owing to the increase in mobile penetration in most markets. However, industry analysts believe that Congo may prove to be challenging owing to its lack of infrastructure and low mobile penetration. Further, it also considered as one of Africa’s poorest nations with an average per capita income of only $300.

Filed under:Mobile Operators Tagged with: Africa • China • Congo-China Telecom • France • France Telecom • Iraq • Morocco

MTN group may bid for Vodacom Congo’s wireless unit (Africa)

On 10.19.11, In Mobile Operators, By Editor

The MTN Group, Africa’s leading telecommunications provider, might be bidding for Vodafone Group’s wireless unit Vodacom Congo, as suggested by reports. Sources claim that last week MTN made a presentation to Vodacom which is owned by Vodacom Group Ltd. (51%), further controlled by Vodafone.

Vodacom has been involved in a dispute with its local partner Congolese Wireless Network SPRL regarding funding and operational structure following a capital inflow of $484 million by Vodacom. As per reports, Pieter Uys, CEO Vodacom has said that Vodacom may sell its stake to end the dispute.

Industry analysts believe that this deal could be beneficial to MTN as it would help better its operations in such a big market and strengthen its grip on the African continent. Vodacom Congo reported a subscriber base of 4.2 million at the end of March 2011.

MTN has its operations across 22 markets in Africa and the Middle East with over 150 million subscribers. The company is the market leader in Ghana controlling over 50% of the market share.

Filed under:Mobile Operators Tagged with: Africa • Ghana • MTN • Vodacom Congo • Vodafone

KT Corp. may acquire 20% stake in Telkom (Africa, South Korea)

On 10.19.11, In Mobile Operators, By Editor

KT corp., a prominent South Korean telecommunications operator, is reportedly looking to acquire a 20% stake in South Africa’s Telkom for approximately $ 575 million. Industry analysts believe that this deal would be beneficial to both entities as Telkom is a good investment target for KT, while the South Korean operator’s expertise in the telecom industry will be of great value to Telkom.

As per reports, KT Corp has said that it has been negotiating the deal with Telkom for several months, but company officials are still not certain that a deal may emerge. Telkom’s share price has been on the downfall since its previous partner, Thintana Consortium pulled out and the government took control of the management through its golden share.

Filed under:Mobile Operators Tagged with: Africa • KT Corp • South Africa • South Korea • Telkom • Thintana Consortium

Bharti Airtel signs deal with Nokia to expand 3G services in Africa

On 10.13.11, In Mobile, Mobile Operators, By Editor

Bharti Airtel, a leading telecom operator has signed a contract reportedly worth $ 700 million with Nokia Siemens Networks to expand its 2G network and deploy and manage 3G services in Africa.

As per the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will manage all network operations as well as provide energy-efficient base stations for Airtel in seven African countries including Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Congo Brazzaville. In an attempt to increase its subscriber base, Airtel has been expanding its presence in Africa’s rural regions.

According to reports, Manoj Kohli Airtel’s CEO (International) and Joint Managing Director said that this partnership will further enable them to rapidly expand their network coverage and provide high-speed wireless internet connectivity to their customers. Further, Nokia Siemens Networks, Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Suri said that they look forward to working closely with Airtel to expand its network rapidly and deliver the right innovative products and services to help meet user demands.

Filed under:Mobile,Mobile Operators Tagged with: 3G • Africa • Bharti Airtel • Congo Brazzaville • Kenya • Madagascar • Malawi • Monaj Kohli • Nokia • Tanzania • Uganda • Zambia

Djibouti Telecom partners with Ericsson (Africa)

On 09.26.11, In Mobile Operators, By Editor

Djibouti Telecom (DT) has entered into a partnership with Sweden based Ericsson in order to introduce 3G network in the country. With this deal, DT plans to introduce mobile broadband services, advanced roaming capabilities and automatic device configuration (ADC), which is a complete solution for automatic mobile device management within Djibouti Telecom’s mobile network.

According to reports, Abdourahman Mohamed Hassan, CEO of DT said that they have grown rapidly as a company and in order to maintain the momentum and build on it they have chosen Ericsson as a partner to assist them in improving their services. He also added that they are proud to be the first to bring 3G connectivity and mobile broadband services to the country and with the help of Ericsson’s technology and capabilities they can ensure that this will significantly enhance the experience for their customers.

Carlo Alloni, President, Ericsson North East Africa, has reportedly said that Djibouti has quickly established itself as a hub that connects East Africa with major telecommunications hubs in Europe, the USA, Asia and the Middle East, and Ericsson is hoping to contribute to the telecommunications industry and improved services being offered in the country. The companies say their partnership will ensure that subscribers’ services are upgraded and that DT is able to offer customers a wider range of telecommunications services benefiting both business and society.

Filed under:Mobile Operators Tagged with: 3G • Africa • Djibouti • Djibouti Telecom • Ericsson • Sweden • USA

Bharti Airtel launches ‘PayOnline’ in Africa

On 09.19.11, In Mobile Banking, By Editor

Bharti Airtel’s African unit has launched an online payment system – PayOnline enabling users to use their mobile handsets to make purchases. As per reports, the company has said that while the system has initially been launched in Kenya, it will soon be available across Africa.

The online payment system will allow Airtel users to purchase goods from any site where MasterCard is accepted. The customers will receive a 16 digit number in order to complete the transaction, following which the consumer will receive a confirmation message.

As per reports, N. Arjun, chief projects and transformation officer, Airtel Africa, has said that the sustained socio-economic changes witnessed in Africa over the last decade have shown that the continent has the ability to leapfrog conventional systems and embrace innovations on platforms such as the mobile phone.

Filed under:Mobile Banking Tagged with: Africa • Bharti Airtel • Kenya • Online Payment • PayOnline