Internet

Revolutionising network installations, Siemon unveils bundled fibre trunks, combining performance, durability, and ease for faster project delivery. (Image source: Siemon)

Siemon, a leading provider of network infrastructure solutions, has introduced its innovative bundled fibre trunks

These trunks are specifically engineered to simplify fibre optic network installations, offering a cost-efficient and dependable solution that significantly reduces deployment time.

By combining high-performance fibre cables into a single, manageable bundle, these trunks enhance pathway utilisation and enable up to 50% faster installations. This advancement helps organisations cut down on project costs and accelerate time-to-market.

“Siemon bundled fibre trunks are a game-changer for network installations,” stated Tony Walker, Siemon fibre product marketing manager. “By simplifying the process and reducing installation time, we are empowering our customers to achieve their project goals more efficiently and effectively.”

Built with exceptional performance comparable to single-jacket fibre, the trunks also feature durable construction for reliable use. They are available in various configurations to suit diverse project needs.

The collaboration between UnoTelos and Niral Networks is built on a shared vision to overcome the persistent infrastructure limitations that have traditionally impeded technological growth in Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

UnoTelos, a pioneering telecommunications company in Nigeria, has revealed an exciting strategic partnership with Niral Networks, a leading provider of Private 5G and Edge AI computing solutions from India

This partnership represents a significant step towards addressing Africa’s connectivity challenges and accelerating digital transformation across the continent.

Can connectivity evolve?

The collaboration between UnoTelos and Niral Networks is built on a shared vision to overcome the persistent infrastructure limitations that have traditionally impeded technological growth in Africa. By combining UnoTelos’ in-depth knowledge of the African market with Niral Networks’ state-of-the-art NiralOS 5G Core and Edge AI technologies, the partnership seeks to deliver secure, low-latency, and scalable connectivity solutions.

“This partnership is more than a technological alliance—it's about empowerment,” stated Jude Egbokwu, founder & CEO of UnoTelos. “We are not just solving connectivity problems; we’re creating opportunities for businesses to innovate, grow, and compete on a global stage.”

Abhijit Chaudhary, founder & CEO of Niral Networks, added, “Our collaboration with UnoTelos represents a pivotal moment in the digital transformation journey across Africa. By integrating Niral Networks' advanced Private 5G and Edge AI technologies with UnoTelos' profound system integration capabilities and market insights, we are not just deploying telecom infrastructure—we are engineering ecosystems for innovation. This partnership is strategically designed to address the continent’s most critical connectivity challenges, enabling industries from mining to oil & gas to leapfrog technological barriers and compete on a global scale.”

The partnership between UnoTelos and Niral Networks will initially focus on pilot projects across key sectors such as mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, shipping, ports, aviation, airports, and logistics. NiralOS’s modular Private 5G and Edge design allows for the customisation of solutions to meet the unique needs of each industry, ensuring efficient and targeted deployments.

By adopting NiralOS Private 5G and Edge, UnoTelos is positioning itself as a leader in telecommunications, providing Nigerian enterprises with advanced connectivity solutions that were previously unavailable or unaffordable. Key benefits of this technology include secure private networks, low-latency communication, scalable edge computing, and tailored industry-specific solutions.

The partnership is expected to drive digital transformation across industries, with applications such as smart factory solutions, remote operations, and IoT systems that can enhance operational efficiency and global competitiveness. Looking forward, UnoTelos and Niral Networks plan to expand deployments, develop more advanced solutions, and support emerging sectors like telemedicine and autonomous systems.

Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, at the launch ceremony. (Image source: CIO Africa)

Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has expanded its network to Nekemte City, taking another significant step in its mission to deliver reliable 4G connectivity across Ethiopia

This launch in western Ethiopia follows closely after its recent network deployment in the Somali Region.

Nekemte’s digital leap

The Nekemte expansion introduces 32 advanced towers and a strong fiber backbone, improving connectivity for local residents and businesses. Alongside the network rollout, Safaricom has launched M-PESA digital financial services in the region, aiming to drive economic opportunities. Additionally, five new distributor shops have already generated 250 jobs, bolstering the local economy.

“The expansion of our network to the vibrant city of Nekemte marks a crucial step in rolling out our services to Western Ethiopia. Following our extensive growth in East Ethiopia, Nekemte represents a new chapter in our mission of connecting all of Ethiopia. With our fast 4G connectivity and M-PESA digital financial services, we aim to empower residents and foster new opportunities in this region,” said Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, during the launch ceremony.

As part of its community development efforts, Safaricom Ethiopia is donating 20 laptops and four Wi-Fi routers with six months of free unlimited internet to two high schools in Nekemte, a contribution valued at USD 8,041 (one million birr).

The Mayor of Nekemte, His Excellency Misganu Tulu, acknowledged the initiative’s positive impact, “Our community has faced telecom connectivity challenges over the past few years, which has hindered business and daily life. Safaricom Ethiopia’s presence will significantly improve access to reliable telecom services, creating a foundation for economic growth and new opportunities in Nekemte.”

Prior to Nekemte, Safaricom expanded its network to the Somali Region, bringing dependable coverage to towns like Gode, Kebridehar, and Degehabur. These advancements demonstrate the company’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and supporting communities throughout Ethiopia.

Transforming West Africa's connectivity landscape with AMS-IX Lagos, driving growth, efficiency, and digital inclusion across the region. (Image source: AMS-IX Lagos)

Equinix, Inc., a global leader in digital infrastructure, has reported a 200% increase in traffic within just over a year of its partnership with AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange) in Lagos

Traffic volumes surged from 30Gbps to nearly 100Gbps, marking a significant milestone in the region's digital transformation.

The partnership has also reshaped traffic distribution on the exchange. While Nigeria previously dominated with 85% of the total traffic, regional contributions have now grown to 45%, showcasing the progress in fostering a robust and interconnected digital ecosystem across West Africa.

AMS-IX Lagos has prioritised attracting a variety of global and regional peers while introducing more content providers to the region. This effort has enhanced regional interconnectivity, spurred traffic growth, and simplified data flow by enabling ISPs, telecom carriers, and content providers to collaborate on a centralised platform.

The exchange’s expanding network includes prominent names like Zenlayer, Cedarview, China Telecom, AirtelTigo, Afribone, and Virtual Technologies and Solutions. Additionally, leading mobile operators and ISPs across West Africa have joined forces with global peers. Talitha Mensu-Bonsu, Packet Core and Backbone Network Engineer at AirtelTigo, shared: “Joining the exchange has unlocked tremendous value for our business by providing seamless access to content our customers demand.”

Jiri Prochazka, head of network infrastructure at CDN77, added, “Joining AMS-IX Lagos has enabled CDN77 to achieve a balanced and efficient network spread across West Africa.”

Oluwasayo Oshadami, director of solutions architecture for Equinix Nigeria, highlighted, “AMS-IX Lagos Internet exchange has transformed connectivity into a competitive advantage for operators in West Africa by reducing latency, cutting costs, and fostering a thriving digital ecosystem.”

Wouter Ensing, global business development manager at AMS-IX, remarked: “It is truly remarkable to witness the ecosystem's continuous growth monthly and the increasing value it brings to the region.”

As AMS-IX Lagos continues to expand its interconnection infrastructure, it aims to become the regional hub of choice for CDNs, NSPs, ISPs, and MNOs, further advancing digital transformation across West Africa.