Internet

The new 5G towers can connect up to 10,000 users and offer speeds at least ten times faster. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Vox, a leading internet service provider, has recently launched its 5G service in South Africa to deliver high-speed connectivity and outstanding performance

Unlike 4G, which supports 200 to 400 users per tower, the new 5G towers can connect up to 10,000 users and offer speeds at least ten times faster.

With a wide network of 5G towers nationwide, Vox is providing South Africans with advanced, cost-effective connectivity aimed at enhancing and transforming consumer and business services.

“Our offering is designed to be competitive on both pricing and service delivery, ensuring customers can experience the exceptional speeds and capabilities of 5G within a well-developed, reliable network,” remarked Chris Boshoff, senior product manager at Vox. The service significantly enhances Vox's range of solutions, offering essential 5G services tailored to customer needs.

Offering speeds ten times faster than LTE, 5G boosts performance across various sectors including gaming, home entertainment, business, and manufacturing. The low latency of this solution is crucial, as it improves data transfer times between devices, accelerates network data traversal, supports real-time transactions, and enables advanced technology solutions across multiple sectors.

“The value of low latency cannot be understated,” commented Boshoff. “It is an essential ingredient in delivering real-time data analytics and decision-making and it is central to the capabilities of next-generation voice, video, and gaming solutions.”

In manufacturing, 5G enhances the functionality of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT). For businesses, it facilitates remote or hybrid working models by providing employees with exceptional connectivity outside the office. Organisations can also use 5G to boost their AI, automation, IoT, and data analytics strategies, ensuring data transfer speeds that enable real-time insights and system management. Additionally, remote working, video conferencing, and eSports benefit from increased speed and reliability.

“I think it’s important to acknowledge the significant impact 5G is going to have on the eSports industry,” stated Boshoff. “It’s a growing segment in South Africa that’s accessible to all levels of the community and drives both inclusion and growth. South Africa is a pool of fresh, untapped talent that’s poised to drive advancements and engagement in eSports.”

The introduction of 5G connectivity through the Vox network paves the way for business growth, transformed consumer service delivery, access to innovative services, and an attractive investment environment.

“Connectivity is one of the core drivers of growth and the economy,” concluded Boshoff. “Our introduction of 5G forms part of our commitment to supporting a thriving economy and connected community.”

The Vox 5G solution is available in all major cities and other densely populated areas, with over 45% population coverage as of the end of April 2024.

MTN Group hosted Nigeria's NIPSS delegation in Johannesburg, fostering collaboration on digital technology, youth empowerment, and job creation. (Image source: MTN Group)

MTN Group recently hosted a high-level delegation from Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at its Johannesburg headquarters

The visit, organised in collaboration with the SA-Nigeria Business Chamber, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the Nigerian embassy, was part of NIPSS's study tour focusing on digital technology, youth empowerment, and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.

"On behalf of the Nigerian government and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to MTN for hosting our delegation. Collaboration and strategic partnerships are crucial in harnessing the full potential of digital technology for socio-economic development. By integrating efforts, we can create robust frameworks that empower our youth, drive job creation, and foster sustainable growth," commented Alexander T Ajayi, chargé d’affaires, Nigeria High Commission.

Digital transformation commitment

During the visit, the delegation engaged with MTN Group and MTN Nigeria executives and toured MTN’s Technology Innovation Lab, gaining insights into cutting-edge advancements.

"We are honoured to host this esteemed delegation. The visit underscores our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth. By working together, we can unlock the digital economy’s full potential and create a connected future for all Nigerians," Enzo Scarcella, executive for consumer business, MTN Group.

The theme of the week-long study tour in South Africa, centered on "Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities," encourages constructive discussions and aims to pinpoint fresh avenues for collaboration. This initiative seeks to propel the mutual objectives of building resilient digital societies for the future.

A’isha Umar Mumuni, chief digital officer at MTN Nigeria, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and economic growth through investments in connectivity, digital platforms, and expanded financial services in rural areas, reinforcing MTN's dedication to Nigeria’s digital future.

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank partner to provide SMEs with 4G and 5G Internet devices, boosting efficiency and market access. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) have entered into a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance digital connectivity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia

This collaboration will provide ZICB’s SME customers with 4G and 5G Internet devices, boosting their operational efficiency and market reach.

Enhancing SME internet connectivity

According to the MoU, ZICB’s SME clients will receive complimentary advanced 4G and 5G Internet service devices (routers) from Airtel. These clients must subscribe to monthly bundles for these devices and enroll in the Bank’s online banking service.

As Zambia's internet penetration is projected to rise from 31.2% in early 2024 to 43.44% by the end of the year, this initiative comes at a crucial time. Efforts by the government and private sector to build 520 communication towers aim to achieve 96% phone and internet coverage by late 2025 or early 2026. Additionally, the government announced plans in February 2024 to construct 60 4G mobile towers and digital centers offering free internet services in rural areas, further supporting connectivity.

ZICB acting chief executive officer Louis Kabula stated, “Through various collaborations and partnerships, ZICB has developed a comprehensive digital banking platform that promotes capital management efficiency and business convenience for our clients. By working together, we will create an environment where SMEs can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the national economy. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the team at Airtel Business for their unwavering support and commitment to this partnership.”

Lindiwe Banda, business director at Airtel remarked that the partnership will facilitate easy access to Internet banking services for SMEs banking with ZICB, whether from their business premises or homes. Banda further explained that SMEs will receive Airtel devices at no cost, only needing to activate monthly bundles through a contract. “What is important to note is that the Airtel devices will come at no cost to the SME as they will only need to sign a contract of activating monthly bundles thus empowering the businesses and making it easy for them to do any online invoicing and keep record of their transactions,” she stated.

The objective is to provide SMEs with reliable and high-speed internet access through Airtel devices, enhancing their efficiency, expanding their market access, and improving their competitiveness.

The Hubs will provide small businesses with e-commerce training materials and resources, as well as in-person coaching and training sessions, so they can overcome challenges to selling online. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Strathmore University Business School and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have partnered to establish a Small Business Development Centre Digital Trade Hub in Kenya

This initiative aims to equip small businesses with essential e-commerce skills, tools, and knowledge to expand their market reach and opportunities. The partnership is geared towards fostering economic growth, job creation, and regional market expansion.

The Hubs will offer small businesses e-commerce training materials, resources, and personalised coaching sessions to help them overcome online selling challenges. Strathmore University Business School, through the Kenya Small Business Development Centres (SBDC), is providing advisory services, training, and facilitating access to markets and finance in six counties: Mombasa, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kisumu, Makueni, and Isiolo, supported by USAID funding.

An established partnership

In addition to these services, ITC is delivering a tailored e-commerce learning programme, technical assistance, and digital tools to empower small businesses in navigating online sales hurdles. This collaboration is part of ITC’s Digital Moonshot and the European Union-funded East African Community Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II).

The memorandum of understanding signed on March 13, 2024, between Strathmore University Business School and ITC aims to establish Digital Trade Hubs across the six Kenyan counties. This effort will engage other key e-commerce stakeholders to create an enabling environment for sustainable business growth, particularly for small enterprises.