Fixed-wireless access 5G to bridge Africa’s digital divide

Al Americani, CEO of Vodacom DR Congo, spoke to ITWeb Africa about its testing of network upgrades, its infrastructure challenges and the key role that mobile money plays in its offering to the country.

Airtel Africa's regional networks are seeing growing data and smartphone usage, with 4G devices accounting for more than 80% of all data access in the last three months alone.

The expansion project includes the deployment of 349 new sites by the end of the year, with an additional 300 sites in the pipeline.

Companies commit to 3-year plan, including dedicated West and Central Africa Support Centre.

Over 100 trainees from the current PDTP cohort will undergo training in wireless technology at Huawei's Nairobi training centre.

Railway comms have been able to become IP-enabled, and now that process is stepping up another generation with the arrival of LTE, says Huawei Enterprise.

The increased LTE coverage in the mining town of Rustenburg was achieved through re-farming of existing spectrum.

Telco also announces 20% increase in network users.

VimpelCom company seeking to rebound from declining ARPUs and minutes used by subscribers.

Telco says revision means more value for high data usage customers.

While 5G and IoT is said to be poised to revolutionise networks, the practical realities of deployment and delivery mean a great deal more needs to be done.