Internet

Panafsat and Thales Alenia Space collaborate to launch a satellite system, boosting digital transformation across Africa. (Image source: ThalesAlenia)

Moroccan operator Panafsat and Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a satellite communications system for Morocco

This very-high-throughput system (VHTS) will serve 26 African countries, including 23 French-speaking nations, covering 550 million people across 12 million square kilometers.

The MoU was signed during French president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco. The ceremony was attended by Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, and French minister of economy, finance and industry, Antoine Armand.

Thales Alenia Space will design and build a high-performance, flexible satellite under this agreement. The satellite aims to deliver high-speed internet to transform Africa’s digital landscape, offering connectivity essential for high-value services to governments, businesses, and individuals. It will also address the digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Ahmed Toumi, chairman and CEO of Panafsat, stated, “This project is the next key stage in the digital transformation process and the development of a digital economy in Morocco, and across Africa as a whole. It will change the lives of millions of people, eager to benefit from Internet access and all the essential services they need. We are delighted to be able to draw on the outstanding expertise and capabilities of a partner like Thales Alenia Space. We look forward to working together on this major project, which will bring significant benefits across the continent.”

Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, added, “It is a privilege for Thales Alenia Space to be chosen by Panafsat to deliver this new geostationary telecommunications satellite. The project will make a significant contribution to bridging the digital divide in rural areas, as well as boosting economic growth and strengthening digital sovereignty across the African continent. We are honored to embark on this long-term partnership with Africa’s foremost private operator, helping it to expand its capabilities and develop space services for the benefit of the entire continent.”

Nokia strengthens five-year partnership with Microsoft Azure, enhancing datacentre scalability and reliability across 30+ countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nokia has extended its multi-year agreement with Microsoft Azure by an additional five years, focusing on supplying datacentre routers and switches

This collaboration will leverage Nokia’s data centre networking portfolio to enhance the scalability and reliability of Azure datacentres globally. Through this partnership, Nokia will expand its presence to over 30 countries, solidifying its position as a key supplier for Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure.

The agreement also builds on the companies’ existing partnership around open-source SONiC. Nokia continues to innovate in SONiC capabilities, particularly in supporting high-capacity network roles within chassis-based datacentre environments.

As part of the initiative, Nokia will provide its 7250 IXR-10e platform for multi-terabit-scale interconnectivity within Microsoft’s datacentres. Nokia will also maintain its delivery of a custom-developed top-of-rack switch extensively used across the Azure network. These SONiC-based routers and switches will support greenfield deployments and Microsoft’s transition from 100GE to 400GE connectivity in existing facilities. This shift ensures Microsoft can address rising traffic demands with Nokia’s high-performance, reliable networking solutions. Deployments of the 7250 IXR-10e will commence in February.

Vach Kompella, senior vice-president and general manager of Nokia’s IP Networks business, commented, “We are pleased to move to the next phase of our relationship with Microsoft by expanding the agreement’s product scope, geographical reach, and time commitment to five years. As a result of this new deal, Nokia will further increase the scalability and reliability of Microsoft Azure datacentres around the world. This win affirms Nokia's commitment to being a strategic supplier for tier one hyperscaler companies and highlights that our multi-year strategic investments and approach have put us on the right trajectory.”

David Maltz, technical fellow and corporate vice-president, Microsoft Azure Networking, added, “As leaders in the advancement of cloud compute, we are continuously expanding our global footprint to support the massive growth in compute workloads. Over the past six years, we have worked with Nokia's engineers to develop their routers running SONiC to rapidly advance our expansion at the quality our customers demand.”

Rami Osman, director for business development, MediaTek Middle East and Africa. (Image source: MediaTek)

MediaTek, a leading fabless semiconductor company powering nearly two billion connected devices annually, has partnered with RIOT Network, a South African community mobile broadband provider, to successfully integrate MediaTek’s Filogic 830 chipset into RIOT’s second-generation CROWDNet Core Nodes

The deployment of these CROWDNet nodes has enabled RIOT Network to achieve its goal of providing uncapped internet for an affordable R99 per month while maintaining profitability. In collaboration with Sonke Telecommunications, the network has connected over 800 households and 5,000 users in Olievenhoutbosch to unlimited Wi-Fi services.

RIOT Network focuses on delivering high-speed, uncapped Wi-Fi to townships and underserved areas. Its innovative CROWDNet Nodes empower community members to act as operators of key network devices, earning a share of the revenue from neighbours who use the service.

By leveraging MediaTek Filogic 830, CROWDNet offers cost-effective, last-mile broadband solutions to communities where traditional fibre or tower deployments are not feasible. The MediaTek Filogic 830 is a high-performance SoC designed for routers, repeaters, access points, and mesh networking devices. This energy-efficient, Wi-Fi 6-ready platform enables manufacturers to incorporate robust applications into their devices.

“The MediaTek Filogic 830 chipset delivers a unique balance of high performance and cost-efficiency, allowing us to keep operational costs low while maximising network reliability and speed,” said Jarryd Bekker, CEO of RIOT Network. “This combination of affordability and sustainable business growth is pivotal to our vision of expanding digital access in underserved communities. Our work in Olievenhoutbosch near Centurion demonstrates the power of reliable, affordable internet, creating new opportunities for economic and social engagement.”

“With each new connection, RIOT Network is highlighting the role of innovative fixed-wireless solutions in extending broadband access and improving digital inclusivity,” added Rami Osman, director for business development, MediaTek Middle East and Africa. “We look forward to supporting RIOT in building a future where high-quality internet is accessible and impactful for all.”

Vodacom calls on communities to help protect base stations from rising battery theft and vandalism ahead of the festive season. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Vodacom has observed an alarming rise in battery theft and vandalism at its base stations, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Northern Gauteng

These regions alone accounted for 40% or more of such incidents in September. Such criminal activities disrupt connectivity for thousands of South Africans, affecting individuals, small businesses, and emergency services in remote areas.

Johan van Graan, chief risk officer at Vodacom Group, highlights the broader implications: "Battery theft and vandalism at our base stations continues to be a huge challenge for the telco sector. The consequences go beyond the costs of repairing and restoring infrastructure. They have a significant impact on communities that depend on connectivity as a vital lifeline."

The telco industry also faces a surge in cable theft, driven by soaring copper prices. This crisis has disrupted essential services, including hospitals, railways, and telecommunications. Vodacom has responded by hardening its sites, deploying Artificial Intelligence for early detection, and working closely with law enforcement and private security firms.

"While we have invested significantly in boosting our security measures at our base station sites, we acknowledge that the fight against vandalism and theft is ongoing with crime syndicates finding new ways to carry out their illegal operations. That is why we are appealing to all stakeholders, from law enforcement to communities, to play a part in curbing these offences," added Van Graan.  

He further explains the role of local partnerships: "Our community engagement initiatives, where we work with residents and community policing forums, have been instrumental in safeguarding sites. These partnerships, combined with the use of technology, have led to successful arrests and prosecutions, sending a strong message to criminals."

Vodacom’s efforts include raising public awareness about the consequences of site vandalism, emphasising how it affects connectivity, disrupts emergency services, and impedes rural network expansion. The company remains committed to collaborating with communities to address these challenges and protect critical infrastructure. These crimes not only disrupt everyday life but also divert resources that could improve South Africa’s digital future.