Telecom Vendors

Ericsson and Unitel S.A. have announced the successful completion of a 5G data call in Angola, utilizing an allocated mid-band spectrum of 3.5GHz.

Huawei, the world pioneer in information and communication technology solutions, is participating in the 25th edition of Cairo ICT 2021 under the theme "New Value Together", which comes in line with its strategy that seeks to provide solutions and new technologies to serve various sectors. Thus, contributing to achieving digital transformation and sustainable development in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, announced the Clean Hydrogen Partnership will provide EUR 2.5 million to help fund a project to develop low-carbon fuel cells to power data centres. It is hoped this could reduce carbon emissions from operations by up to 100%. The EcoEdge PrimePower (E2P2) project is a novel proof-of-concept initiative aiming to develop and demonstrate low environmental impact fuel cells that provide economic and resilient prime power solutions for the data centre environment.

“Benya Group” has decided to merge all of its companies under one trademark in order to create a new distinctive branding identity and boost the market value of the group. Through this strategy, Eng. Ahmed Mekky, chairman and CEO of the group announced the changing of trademarks of the two subsidiaries Fiber Misr Systems and Fiber Misr Engineering to "Benya Systems" and "Benya Engineering” respectively.

Nokia has called for accelerated digitalization and green energy uptake, as well as setting its sights on 100% renewable electricity in its own operations by 2025. The announcement comes with world leaders having convened in Glasgow, Scotland for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Nokia President and CEO Pekka Lundmark joined political, business, and civil society leaders at the conference, calling for an acceleration in the uptake of green technology to reach net zero.

Ericsson said its sales dipped in the third quarter as the Swedish telecoms giant faced reprisals in China after rival Huawei was barred from selling its equipment in Sweden.

Benya Cables, a subsidiary of Benya Group, signed a facility agreement worth EGP 481 million with Banque Misr on the sidelines of the Cairo ICT exhibition.

By Dr Alper Turken, senior vice president service provider, Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East & Africa

Although the COVID-19 pandemic brought some disruption to wireless operator rollouts, the race to 5G has not slowed down. According to a Q1 global market study by S&P Global Market Intelligence, 158 local operators now run active 5G networks in 67 markets across the US, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Compared to Q1 of 2020, the number of active 5G networks has increased by nearly 70% as of March 2021 during a year when many operators had to delay their infrastructure improvements.

Nokia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to drive digital transformation and the knowledge economy for socio-economic development across the continent. The two parties will leverage the power of telecommunications, including 5G networks, to connect the unconnected and identify innovative use cases, as well as business models. In addition, the MoU will lay ground for both organizations to better help governments shape telecom policy, develop talent and promote inclusion and diversity. This includes women, as well as the underprivileged in both rural and urban areas.