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Nokia and du launch the first 5G Cloud RAN in MEA, enhancing scalability, flexibility, and enabling advanced use cases across various industries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nokia and du, a prominent telecom and digital services provider, have announced the deployment of the first commercial 5G Cloud RAN solution in the Middle East and Africa region

This initiative underscores du's hybrid RAN strategy, which combines purpose-built and cloud-native infrastructures to achieve enhanced scalability and flexibility. The deployment supports the UAE's digital transformation and advanced applications in AI, machine learning, and industry-specific sectors like manufacturing, energy, and logistics.

Cloud RAN innovation

The 5G Cloud RAN site, established in Abu Dhabi, utilises Nokia's innovative anyRAN approach. The solution includes Nokia’s virtualised Distributed Units (vDU) and Centralized Units (vCU) on Dell PowerEdge XR8620 servers, integrated with Red Hat OpenShift, a leading hybrid cloud platform. This setup facilitates cloud-native RAN functions, enabling service providers like du to scale their networks efficiently and launch new services seamlessly. Nokia’s AirScale Massive MIMO Radios operating on the 3.6 GHz (n78) spectrum and 5G Standalone architecture were also deployed.

This commercial Cloud RAN deployment supports hybrid environments, allowing operators to transition to fully cloud-native networks. Nokia’s consistent RAN software ensures uniform features and performance across both Cloud and purpose-built RAN systems, enhancing network monetisation opportunities for service providers.

Saleem Alblooshi, chief technical officer of du, stated, “Our collaboration with Nokia represents a major leap forward in du’s mission to deliver exceptional network performance and innovative services. Leveraging 5G Cloud RAN will not only enhance our network's efficiency and flexibility but also enable us to explore new opportunities and services that can deliver genuine value to our customers and society at large.”

Mark Atkinson, head of RAN at Nokia, added, “This strategic partnership with du is much more than an infrastructure deployment. Both companies are committed to driving innovation by developing pioneering use cases that leverage the transformative power of AI and private wireless networks. Under our anyRAN approach, we bring together Nokia’s expertise, trusted performance, and innovation in radio networks with best-in-class partner solutions to offer true flexibility and scalability to operators and enterprises. This collaboration will enable the development of innovative services that empower businesses and individuals alike.”

MTN Group partners with ODC to innovate Open RAN solutions for Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The ORAN Development Company (ODC), based in Northern Virginia with development teams in the UK and India, has announced a strategic collaboration with MTN Group, Africa’s leading telecommunications provider

MTN delivers connectivity solutions across the continent, from bustling urban centers to remote villages. This partnership aims to create and test innovative Open RAN (ORAN) solutions specifically designed to meet the unique demands of African networks. The collaboration aligns with MTN Group’s mission to deliver affordable, high-quality telecommunications services throughout Africa, leveraging advanced Open RAN architectures for enhanced network flexibility.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, MTN Group operates across 16 African countries, connecting over 280 million users. Committed to driving Africa’s digital transformation, MTN has consistently embraced cutting-edge technologies to address connectivity challenges and meet the needs of its diverse customer base.

Transforming Africa's networks 

As part of this partnership, ODC and MTN Group will initiate joint lab projects to develop and test ORAN solutions that enhance network agility, scalability, and efficiency. These efforts include lab and field trials to ensure optimal performance and seamless integration into MTN’s current network infrastructure.

Additionally, MTN Group will provide insights to help ODC refine its ORAN software and platform development, incorporating artificial intelligence to reduce operational expenditure (OPEX). The collaboration will also explore advanced research in 6G and non-terrestrial communications, integrating these innovations into ODC’s ORAN solutions.

“Open RAN represents a transformative approach to how we design and operate our infrastructure—enhancing flexibility, driving cost efficiencies, and paving the way for next-generation technologies,” said Amith Maharaj, MTN Group network design and planning executive. “At MTN, we are continuously seeking innovative solutions to address Africa’s unique connectivity challenges while building resilient and future-ready networks. Through our collaboration with ODC, we are unlocking new possibilities to expand our reach, improve service quality, and empower the communities and businesses we serve.”

Matthew Johnson, global head of ODC, expressed,“Our collaboration with MTN Group focuses ODC directly on MTN’s unique network needs, enhancing efficiencies while supporting the evolution of next-generation capabilities, silicon, and AI.”

This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing network innovation in Africa. ODC is proud to support MTN Group in developing robust, adaptable solutions for the continent’s future connectivity needs.

Cisco and NTT DATA revolutionise enterprise connectivity with eSIM technology, enabling secure, scalable, and simplified global networking solutions. (Image source: Cisco)

Cisco, a global technology leader, and NTT DATA, a prominent IT infrastructure and services provider, have announced an enhanced partnership aimed at revolutionising wireless connectivity for global enterprises

As demand for scalable, cost-effective solutions rises, the collaboration introduces a unified offering supported by the expertise of both companies. Traditionally, connectivity has centered on office environments using landlines. With the emergence of Embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, enterprises can now access secure and flexible network connectivity beyond conventional boundaries.

This partnership leverages Cisco's eSIM technology integrated with its infrastructure solutions and NTT DATA’s Transatel network. This integration enables customers to activate, provision, and configure Cisco systems right out of the box, facilitating rapid deployment of secure mobile branches on demand. The streamlined setup process also ensures efficient management of network devices.

Cisco's eSIM technology is central to this evolution, empowering enterprises to scale and optimise their networks effortlessly. Organisations will benefit from enhanced connectivity across 180 countries via NTT DATA’s Transatel network, complemented by flexible pricing plans.

Andrew Brown, practice lead IoT research at Omdia, highlighted, “There are multiple use cases across industries... where secure mobile branch services are essential. This integration simplifies and streamlines customer setups, providing a critical complement to fixed-line solutions.”

Masum Mir, senior vice-president/general manager of Cisco Provider Mobility, stated, “This collaboration is a game-changer for the enterprise market... delivering valuable use cases like on-demand SD-WAN and edge computing for IoT applications.”

Shahid Ahmed, executive vice-president of Edge Services at NTT DATA, added, “Together with Cisco, NTT DATA is setting a new standard for enterprise connectivity... enabling businesses to focus on their digital transformation journeys.”

The joint solution is expected to benefit industries such as financial services, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing by offering enhanced connectivity, improved security, and simplified network management.

Airtel partners with Mobihealth to expand telemedicine services, enhancing healthcare access in underserved Nigerian regions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Airtel Nigeria has partnered with Mobihealth International to deliver telemedicine services nationwide, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved areas

The agreement was signed at Airtel’s Lagos office, enabling Nigerians to access affordable, round-the-clock teleconsultations with licensed medical professionals via mobile devices. Mobihealth’s platform also includes prescription services, medication delivery, and access to international specialists.

Leveraging Airtel’s extensive network, Mobihealth will expand its reach to rural and remote areas, addressing challenges like doctor shortages, high healthcare costs, and limited medical facilities. This initiative is expected to enhance healthcare access across Nigeria and potentially serve as a model for scaling digital healthcare across Africa.

Femi Oshinlaja, chief commercial officer of Airtel Nigeria, remarked, “We believe that telemedicine will play a crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare future. Our partnership with Mobihealth showcases our dedication to providing innovative solutions that significantly improve the lives of Nigerians.”

Dr Funmi Adewara, CEO of Mobihealth, added, “This partnership with Airtel is a major milestone in our mission to democratize healthcare in Africa. Together, we will offer a lifeline to millions who face barriers to accessing timely, affordable, and quality medical care. Our telehealth platform will provide convenient access to qualified doctors, diagnostics, and treatments, ensuring that no one is left behind.”