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MTN South Africa and Lynk Global complete Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile call, expanding connectivity in remote and rural areas. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Internet

MTN South Africa, in partnership with LEO satellite provider Lynk Global, has successfully completed Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call

The technical trial took place recently in North West province, marking a significant step toward extending mobile connectivity to underserved regions. The call, conducted in Vryburg, allowed MTN and Lynk Global to assess voice call quality and SMS capabilities using a LEO satellite link.

Exploring new connectivity solutions

According to Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, the trial represents a crucial proof of concept, demonstrating MTN’s ability to enhance its terrestrial network with LEO satellites. “The technical trial was part of our work to find potential solutions to the challenges of providing coverage in underserviced, rural and remote areas,” commented Molapisi. 

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which operate between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth, offer advantages such as faster data transmission and lower latency, making them well-suited for real-time applications. Notably, this technology works with standard mobile devices, eliminating the need for specialised hardware.

Molapisi emphasised the transformative potential of satellite partnerships for MTN’s connectivity goals. “The implications of potentially leveraging satellite partnerships will not only help MTN achieve its goal of 99% broadband population coverage, but most importantly benefit all South Africans.”

Advancing satellite technology for mobile networks

The reduced signal travel time of LEO satellites is particularly beneficial for services such as video conferencing and online gaming. Additionally, advancements in space technology have significantly lowered launch costs, from approximately US$85,000 per kg in the 1980s to about US$1,000 today.

Lynk Global’s chief commercial officer, Dan Dooley, highlighted the success of the trial in proving the viability of their satellite technology. “This marks the first satellite-to-unmodified-mobile phone call made on the African continent.”

Beyond improving mobile coverage, direct satellite-to-phone communication also has potential applications in mass notifications, enabling critical alerts such as weather warnings, health advisories, and emergency updates.

The trial was conducted in Vryburg, an agricultural town of about 21,000 residents, following regulatory approval from ICASA, which authorised the temporary use of radio frequencies within MTN’s licensed IMT spectrum.

By embracing innovative satellite solutions, the telecom industry is moving closer to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for all, creating a future where modern digital access is truly universal.

By MTN South Sudan and NCA, launching eSIM technology for improved connectivity and customer experience in South Sudan’s telecom industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Mobile

MTN South Sudan, in partnership with the National Communications Authority (NCA), has officially rolled out electronic SIM (eSIM) technology in the country.

MTN claims to be the first operator to bring eSIM technology to South Sudan.

The NCA, as the regulatory body, has expressed its commitment to supporting MTN and other mobile providers in introducing eSIM-compatible smartphones.

"Today marks another milestone in South Sudan’s telecommunications journey. As MTN, we are proud to be the first operator in the country to launch eSIM technology. This is not just about innovation; it’s about simplifying connectivity and delivering convenience to our customers,"commented Ali Monzer, CEO of MTN South Sudan.

Napoleon Adok Gai, director general of the NCA, emphasised that eSIM technology enhances customer experience and security. He also highlighted the importance of customer support and education in this development.

Orange partners with Telesat to enhance satellite connectivity via a Lightspeed Landing Station in France, improving global network resilience. (Image source: Adobe Stock)1

Satellite

Global telecom leader Orange has entered into a strategic partnership with Telesat, a major satellite operator, to enhance satellite connectivity options

Through this agreement, Telesat will establish a Lightspeed Landing Station at Orange’s teleport in Bercenay-en-Othe, France. This station will connect to Orange’s Paris-based point of presence (PoP) via its Wholesale International Private Line (IPL). Additionally, Orange has committed to a capacity agreement for Telesat Lightspeed’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) service, which will be incorporated into Orange’s global service portfolio for businesses and telecom providers.

Pioneering satellite partnership

Emmanuel Rochas, CEO of Orange Wholesale International, stated, "I’m greatly honored that Telesat has chosen Orange’s Bercenay-en-Othe Teleport as the first European gateway for their Telesat Lightspeed network. More than that, I’m excited by the new partnership that we’re entering into, which says much about the expertise of Orange Wholesale as a space network operator and our capacity to offer world-class ground infrastructure for the most advanced satellite constellations. We look forward to expanding our connectivity solutions with Telesat Lightspeed, enhancing the resilience of our network for mobile backhauling, crisis response, and remote connectivity."

Telesat’s Chief Commercial Officer, Glenn Katz, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, added, "This strategic partnership highlights our commitment to delivering resilient connectivity solutions through our advanced, fully integrated space and terrestrial infrastructure. We are honored that Telesat Lightspeed will help improve connectivity for Orange’s customers in remote areas in Europe, Africa, and other locations throughout the world. Our Telesat Lightspeed solution has been designed to meet telco standards, and we are pleased to have Orange, one of the largest global telcos, as a Telesat Lightspeed strategic partner."

Telesat Lightspeed’s Carrier Ethernet services will provide reliable, high-performance connectivity with service level agreements. Telecom operators will have the ability to configure and manage their services in real-time, dynamically allocating capacity without direct satellite operator intervention. The network is designed with a Zero-Trust Security Architecture, aligning with the latest industry security standards.

Orange operates ground stations in 26 countries and territories, with its Bercenay-en-Othe teleport playing a key role in delivering advanced connectivity solutions. This partnership strengthens Orange’s service offerings in underserved regions by integrating a secure, low-latency, and seamless satellite connectivity option into its existing multi-orbit satellite network.

By combining Telesat’s cutting-edge satellite innovations with Orange’s 45 years of expertise in gateway and connectivity services, this collaboration enhances global digital infrastructure resilience while furthering digital inclusion in remote areas. 

Also read: Orange & Eutelsat’s bold plan: Internet everywhere?

Brady Corporation unveils the i7500, a 76mm core label printer with auto-calibration, reducing waste and setup time to 40 seconds. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Commerce

No calibration, no formatting, no ribbon fumbling, no trial & error, no waste - the new i7500 redefines the 76mm core premium printing experience in electronics, electrical, manufacturing and laboratory industries.

Fed up with old-school high-volume label printing? The new BradyPrinter i7500 reimagines 76mm core high precision label printing.

The identification specialist Brady Corporation’s new BradyPrinter i7500 for 76mm core label rolls automatically adjusts all of its settings when new consumables are loaded. Ready to print in just 40 seconds, the printer also removes all calibration waste by printing the first label right.

Set up, don’t touch?

The approach in most industries to high volume, high precision thermal heat transfer 76mm core (3’’ core) label printing to date has almost always been “set it up and don’t touch”. Crucial for traceability and compliance, yet excruciating to set up and calibrate, the 76mm core label printing experience has been a notorious pain point for many manufacturing, electronics, electrical and laboratory industries.

Watch the i7500 in video >>

Ready in 40 seconds

Not anymore. In a new proprietary printer model, global identification specialist Brady Corporation removed all label printing hassle to redefine the 76mm core label experience. “The new BradyPrinter i7500 does not require users to adjust sensors, heat settings, define label dimensions or waste labels in calibration”, says Ömer Adisen, product manager benchtop printers & software at Brady Corporation. “We call it LabelSense. The technology reduces the frustrating trial and error of manual printer calibration to print readiness in just 40 seconds. That includes loading Brady consumables, designed so they can only be loaded the right way.”

Efficient, flexible printing

The new BradyPrinter i7500 with LabelSense technology makes high precision 76mm core label printing a lot more intuitive, and efficient. There is no need to maintain multiple printers just to avoid the classic consumable and calibration hassle. “All optimal settings are already preloaded and the printer automatically recognises every Brady consumable. The i7500 offers considerable print flexibility by enabling users to switch from printed circuit board labels to rating plates, raised profile labels and cable sleeves, or between relevant specialised laboratory labels, in just 40 seconds. Even when loading the tiniest 3.18mm QR-coded labels, the i7500 prints the first label right, reducing waste and supporting sustainable label printing practices.”

Brady 2

Open core

In addition to auto-calibration, the BradyPrinter i7500 can print 76mm core labels from any manufacturer in manual mode. “When considering a switch to the new label printing experience provided by the BradyPrinter i7500, there is no need to devalue current label stock. The BradyPrinter i7500 can print any 76mm core labels, from any manufacturer, with great speed and precision.”

Software compatible

When combined with Brady Workstation label design, the software instantly recognises the dimensions of loaded Brady consumables for fast and intuitive label creation. Next to label design protection, Brady Workstation also includes an easy scan to print app and a data automation app to print labels at the right time with the right ERP-system data. The BradyPrinter i7500 supports print languages like ZPL, and can print labels via other label design software.

Brady 3

Premium printing redefined

“The new BradyPrinter i7500 defines a new premium high precision printing experience for 76mm core labels”, Ömer says. “Fully automated calibration enables printing on different consumables within 40 seconds. Supported by a clear user interface on a large on-board screen, the i7500 prints a wide range of labels without any hassle. We can provide a hands-on demo at your premises to show your teams just how intuitive label printing can be.”

Discover the BradyPrinter i7500 >>

Are you wondering how to choose the right label for your application? Download the free guide now >>

BRADY Africa

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www.brady.eu

Huawei supports African TowerCos with sustainable energy solutions and diversification strategies for telecom infrastructure. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Power

Huawei, a global leader in ICT infrastructure and smart devices, has announced its commitment to assisting Tower Companies (TowerCos) in Africa in diversifying their energy sources and adopting sustainable energy practices for powering telecom infrastructure

This initiative aims to help TowerCos reduce their carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, and explore new business opportunities.

During his speech, "Lighting Up the Road to Multiple Business Future for TowerCos," delivered at the TowerXchange Meetup Africa 2024 in Nairobi, Li Shaolong, president of site power facility domain at Huawei Digital Power, noted that Africa is accelerating the development of ICT infrastructure. TowerCos, as key players in this process, are facing new challenges and opportunities.

“As mobile connectivity demand rises, TowerCos are under increasing pressure to ensure energy reliability and sustainability, especially in areas with limited grid access. Tower sites, often in remote locations, depend heavily on diesel generators, which are costly, environmentally harmful, and vulnerable to fuel supply issues. Huawei’s energy solutions address these challenges by incorporating renewable energy technologies like solar power and advanced energy storage systems,” Li explained.

He emphasised Huawei's long-term commitment to helping Africa's TowerCos transition to greener energy solutions, leveraging the integration of digital and power electronics technologies. Huawei Site Power Facility aims to provide TowerCos with comprehensive energy infrastructure and intelligent operations and maintenance (O&M) solutions.

A path to diversification

In addition to energy sustainability, Huawei is supporting TowerCos in their efforts to diversify by helping them explore new business models and revenue streams.

“This will drive TowerCos to become energy producers through innovative solutions and business models, leading to diversified business development, revenue growth, and sustained success in energy operations,” Li said.

He highlighted that with Huawei's eMIMO smart power solution, TowerCos can centrally manage multiple energy inputs—such as grid power, photovoltaics (PV), and energy storage—and multiple outputs ranging from 12V to 220V devices through a single platform.

“In this way, revenue-generating services like environmental protection and emergency response can be developed alongside communications services,” he said.

Li further stated that Huawei Site Power Facility Domain's main goals are to support network evolution, increase tenancy ratios, help TowerCos reduce energy costs while achieving green development, improve power availability, and reduce site O&M costs.

“Huawei will continue collaborating with TowerCos to innovate and advance energy infrastructure towards a 'green, simple, and intelligent' future, accelerating the growth of African carrier networks and contributing to a digital Africa,” Li added.

Kaspersky and Smart Africa collaborate to enhance cybersecurity skills, policies, and infrastructure, strengthening Africa’s digital security landscape. (Image source: Kaspersky)

Security

In a strategic move to bolster Africa’s digital security, Kaspersky has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Smart Africa

This agreement marks a significant step toward expanding cybersecurity capabilities across the continent through collaborative initiatives.

A core aspect of this partnership is cybersecurity skills development, with training programs led by the Kaspersky Academy. Founded in 2010, the Academy aims to provide top-tier cybersecurity education to foster a safer digital world. Additionally, the initiative seeks to bridge gender gaps by supporting programs that empower women and girls in cybersecurity, STEM, and ICT. This aligns with Kaspersky’s ongoing efforts to encourage more female participation in the IT sector.

Beyond skills development, the collaboration prioritises policy standardisation, bringing together stakeholders to create harmonised regional and national cybersecurity frameworks. This includes law enforcement agencies, industry leaders, cybersecurity authorities, and emergency response teams, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to digital security.

The partnership also aims to reinforce Africa’s technological defenses by establishing critical cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes security operations centers (SOCs), emergency response teams, and expert technical support to mitigate cyber threats.

Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, emphasised, “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our quest to secure Africa’s digital future. By joining forces with Kaspersky, we are not only building essential cybersecurity skills and bridging the gender gap but also setting the stage for robust regional cooperation and state-of-the-art cyber infrastructure.”

Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky, added, “Our strategic partnership with Smart Africa is designed to help create a more secure cyberspace across the continent and beyond. We see this initiative as a commitment to empowering both individual users and organisations to ensure that everyone can navigate the digital world safely and with confidence.”

This partnership reinforces Kaspersky’s dedication to strengthening global cyber resilience through strategic collaborations. It also complements the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA)—a Smart Africa initiative designed to unite cybersecurity agencies across Africa to combat cyber threats.

With Smart Africa’s mission to build a secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered continent, this collaboration is set to tackle evolving cyber challenges and position Africa as a leader in digital security innovation.

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