At29 digital new

R AF FRI A TH ICA AF FRIC RI CA E T RIC CA T NE HE A TH HE W F NE T E N NE RO W EW W F NT FR RON IE ON TI TI ER

AFRICA

THE NEW FRONTIER ISSUE 29 ZAR 29.95 US$ 3.50 UK£ 2.25 EU€ 2.95 Rest of Africa US$ 2.95

www.africatelecomsonline.com

Thought Leadership - Range Networks’ David Burgess

Q&A with Jerome van der Putt - SatADSL

Best-Connected Carrier-Neutral Data Centres in the Country

N

ot all data centres are created equal. A lot of experience and expertise is required to build a data centre that will deliver consistent uptime, the highest quality connectivity and end-toend security.

This is accomplished with physical guards on 24x7 patrol, double layered perimeter security and biometric access validation and control.

That’s why Neotel has used the expertise gained from 42 data centres on 4 continents to deliver true, worldclass data centre services to the South African market.

In addition to the control metrics, CCTV cameras are used to provide a birds-eye view of the entire facility – from the outside perimeter down to each row of the computer rooms. All cabinets inside the Neotel computer rooms are lockable and no hosting rack space is shared to ensure no unauthorised access to our customers’ equipment.

Neotel’s NeoHost hosting service combines the three key ingredients for a successful data centre Reliability, Security and Connectivity.

Reliability

Over and above the physical security available at Neotel’s Data Centre, we also have an impressive array of network security services, covering a fully managed Unified Threat Management service, mail scanning and web content filtering.

Neotel’s world-class infrastructure is modelled on Data Centres from around the globe. Our Tier 3 Data Centres offer the best in design practices, built to have no single point of failure, while catering for significant growth and scalability to future-proof your infrastructure.

Connectivity

Consolidate servers from various different locations to unlock significant savings on equipment and licence costs.

Get access to compute and storage capacity on demand as part of your journey to cloud.

We are carrier diverse, which gives you the option to choose alternative network services for true redundancy.

Security Security controls form the basis of any truly successful hosting company and that’s why Neotel has placed a particular focus on the security measures for its Data Centre. For physical security, we employ multiple tiers of security control and monitoring.

Our Data Centres are located on the Neotel fibre backbone – no last mile failures – with multiple access paths into the building. We can connect you from the Data Centre to multiple branches at the highest speed and lowest latency.

And if you are using our MPLS VPN services, your IT infrastructure in our Data Centre can be online at no additional cost. This combination of Reliability, Connectivity and Security ensures superior, carrier class reliability for our customers and places Neotel at the forefront of South African hosting and security providers.

Colocation Neotel’s colocation services are available in 42 data centres around the world, including Johannesburg and Cape Town. Built on Tier III data centres, these facilities employ the highest rating specifications in power, cooling, fire suppression and security to give our customers a rock-solid foundation to build their IT platforms on.

Managed Hosting The Managed Hosting layer leverages off the best-ofbreed equipment and experienced support engineers that Neotel has at our disposal to offer managed storage, backup, firewall and load balancer services to our customers. With no capital expense to worry about, Neotel’s hosting customers only pay for the capacity used, with the added flexibility to grow your data storage space as your business grows.

Virtual Host and Cloud Built on only the best hardware and software, Neotel’s Virtual Host product allows our customers to choose the exact server specifications that they need – when they need it. Servers are provisioned in minutes and cost a fraction of physical servers. Neotel’s expert support team then takes care of the uptime and performance physical hardware and hypervisors to provide you with a seamless private, hybrid or public cloud architecture.

1. Do You… •

Have large numbers of remote sites?

•

Need to manage security across all sites?

•

Have various applications in your business?

Neotel Has… •

The ability to connect to MPLS, NeoOne, NeoLink, other providers - with Quality of Service

•

FREE MPLS aggregation ports at the data centres

•

Central control on configurations and security

•

No single site failure will take down other sites

•

Central management of browsing and mail scanning

2. Do You… •

Offer content to the Internet?

•

Host web-based services for customers on the Internet?

•

Transact with end customers on the Internet?

•

Have large volumes of remote users?

Neotel has…

•

Unlimited speed of Burstable per Gigabyte internet

•

Easy to add new front end servers with Virtual Host

•

Protection of your servers from attack with UTM

•

IPSEC VPN for remote users to UTM

3. Do You •

Require highly available and reliable services?

•

Have security sensitive information?

•

Have high availability or disaster recovery sites as required by regulations?

Neotel has…

•

High reliability of the data centre means always-up customers services

•

Strict physical security of the Data Centre limits stealing of physical assets

•

Fully managed Unified Threat Management with Intrusion Detection and penetration testing

•

Anti-virus and anti-spam via MailGuard for email protection and browsing protection via Webguard

For More Information Please contact your Account Manager or the Call Centre on 0860 Neotel (636835)

42

Thought Leadership

Billions of people throughout India, Africa and other regions of the world don’t have access to cellular services, and traditional network solutions don’t meet the needs of these markets because they’re expensive, power hungry and difficult to deploy. So how to address these challenges?

2 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

CONTENTS

50 IFA

As it does every year, Berlin was home to the 2013 IFA exhibition at its giant Messe exhibition grounds. Africa Telecoms attended the event and provide you with a sneak preview of what the future holds for the coming year for tech products, and what we can expect to see on our shores in the months and years to come.

Regulars [04] guest editorial

Mohammed Khan, Publisher, Africa Telecoms.

[06] news

The latest local and global telecoms news.

for the mag [58] q&a

With Jerome van der Putt, Chief Commercial Officer, SatADSL.

[60] calendar

Upcoming events, shows and conferences you can’t afford to miss.

[28] gadgets

[62] jobs

[38] statistics

[64] last word

Want the next big thing in portable devices?

Our gadget review is here to help you.

Africa Telecoms presents statistics and data relating to the African telecoms market.

A list of the latest telecoms vacancies from across Africa.

Google – an Orwellian nightmare in the making?

[ Publisher ] Mohammed Khan

mkhan@3ipublishing.co.za

[ Sales Director ] Sarah Theron

stheron@3ipublishing.co.za

[ Art Director ] Hayley Davis

hdavis@3ipublishing.co.za

[ Designer ] Samantha Jones

sjones@3ipublishing.co.za

[ Sub-Editor ] Yazeed Fakier [ Printing ] Tandym Press [ Contributors ] Steven Ambrose, Elias Aravantinos, Eugene Gouws, Andreas Hipp, Miles Keylock, Dale Kyle, Anne Nurock, Shayan Sanyal, Bradley Shaw, Mark van Vuuren Africa Telecoms and Africa Telecoms Online are published by:

3i Publishing Unit 6, Planet Art, 32 Jamieson Street, Cape Town 8001 T: +27 21 426 5590 | E: info@3ipublishing.co.za www.3ipublishing.co.za | www.africatelecomsonline.com

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 3

CHANGING THE GLOBAL PARADIGM

Mohammed Khan, Publisher, Africa Telecoms

In Thomas Kuhn’s seminal 1962 work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, the author hypothesised that scientific innovation was one of upheaval and disruption rather than the accepted view of a methodical “development by accumulation” and gradual evolution.

Kuhn used the reference of the Copernican revolution to illustrate how our world view changed almost overnight from a Ptolemaic world view to a Copernican one. The incommensurability of the old and new paradigms means that all systems and structures of the old world view are brought tumbling down.

As 2013 draws to a close, and 2014 approaches quickly, the tech and telecoms worlds may be on the verge of a paradigmic incommensurable change.

Heralding this change in the global paradigm, Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, announced the launch of internet. org – a global partnership with the goal of making internet access

4 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

available to the next 5 billion people. "Everything Facebook has done has been about giving all people around the world the power to connect," Zuckerberg said.

"There are huge barriers in developing countries to connecting and joining the knowledge economy. internet.org brings together a global partnership that will work to overcome these challenges, including making internet access available to those who cannot currently afford it."

Today, only 2.7 billion people – just over one third of the world's population – have access to the internet. Internet adoption is growing by less than 9% each year, which is slow, considering how early we are in its development.

The goal of internet.org is to make internet access available to the two-thirds of the world who are not yet connected, and to bring the same opportunities to everyone that the connected third of the

GUEST EDITORIAL world has today.

The founding members of internet.org that include Facebook, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm and Samsung will develop joint projects, share knowledge and mobilise industry and governments to bring the world online. These founding companies have a long history of working closely with mobile operators and expect them to play leading roles within the initiative, which over time will also include NGOs, academics and experts as well. internet.org is influenced by the successful Open Compute Project, an industry-wide initiative that has lowered the costs of cloud computing by making hardware designs more efficient and innovative.

In order to achieve its goal of connecting the twothirds of the world who are not yet online, internet. org will focus on three key challenges in developing countries: Making access affordable: Partners will collaborate to develop and adopt technologies that make mobile connectivity more affordable and decrease the cost of delivering data to people worldwide. Potential projects include collaborations to develop lower-cost, higherquality smartphones and partnerships to more broadly deploy internet access in underserved communities.

Mobile operators will play a central role in this effort by driving initiatives that benefit the entire ecosystem.

Using data more efficiently: Partners will invest in tools that dramatically reduce the amount of data required to use most apps and internet experiences.

Potential projects include developing data compression tools, enhancing network capabilities to more efficiently handle data, building systems to cache data efficiently and creating frameworks for apps to reduce data usage.

Helping businesses drive access: Partners will support development of sustainable new business models and services that make it easier for people to access the internet. This includes testing new models that align incentives for mobile operators, device manufacturers, developers and other businesses to provide more affordable access than has previously been possible.

Other efforts will focus on localising services – working with operating system providers and other partners to enable more languages on mobile devices.

By reducing the cost and amount of data required for most apps and enabling new business models, internet.org is focused on enabling the next 5 billion people to come online.

Facebook, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm, Samsung and other partners will build on existing partnerships while exploring new ways to collaborate to solve these problems.

"For more than 100 years, Ericsson has been enabling communications for all and today more than 6 billion people in the world have access to mobile communications,” says Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson.

"We are committed to shaping the Networked Society – where everyone and everything will be connected in real time; creating the freedom, empowerment and opportunity to transform society.

We believe affordable connectivity and internet access improves people's lives and helps build a more sustainable planet and therefore we are excited to participate in the internet.org initiative.”

“As a world leader in mobile solutions for emerging markets having powered more than 300 million smart devices within 2 years, MediaTek wholeheartedly supports the internet.org initiative,” according to MK Tsai, Chairman of MediaTek. “Global Internet and social media access represent the biggest shift since the industrial revolution, and we want to make it allinclusive.”

“Nokia is deeply passionate about connecting people – to one another and the world around them,” said Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop. “Over the years, Nokia has connected well over a billion people. Our industry is now at an exciting inflection point where Internet connectivity is becoming more affordable and efficient for consumers while still offering them great experiences.

Universal Internet access will be the next great industrial revolution.”

Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software, says that: “Today, more than 300 million people use Opera every month to access the Internet. Tomorrow, we have a chance to serve the next 5 billion people connecting on mobile devices in developing countries. It’s in Opera’s DNA to save people time, money and data, and through internet.org we think we can help advance these goals.”

Paul Jacobs, chairman of the board and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, comments that “mobile has helped to transform many people’s lives in the emerging regions, where often a computing device will be the first and only mobile experience they’ll ever have. Having shipped more than 11 billion chips, Qualcomm is a market leader that is committed to the goal of bridging the digital divide. We’re pleased to be a part of internet.org and to be working with key ecosystem players to drive this initiative forward.”

“This new initiative has big potential to help accelerate access to the Internet for everyone,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

“We’re focused on delivering high quality mobile devices to ensure that the next 5 billion people have great mobile Internet experiences.”

The internet.org website launched recently and provides an overview of the mission and goals, as well as a full list of the partners. In the coming weeks, it will feature interviews with technology leaders and experts, along with the latest news on internet.org activities.

Stay tuned as 2014 could be the year the world changed forever! AT

“Mobile has helped to transform many people’s lives in the emerging regions, where often a computing device will be the first and only mobile experience they’ll ever have.”

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 5

NEWS

WORLD PANEL TO LAUNCH HAND-HELD SOLAR CHARGERS IN AFRICA World Panel says it will launch a suite of powerful handheld solar chargers at AfricaCom in South Africa from 12-14 November.

The World Panel 500 and 1000 portable phone-chargers will be unveiled for the first time. A key feature of the new chargers is the patented “direct-from-the-sun� technology that charges a phone as fast as a wall outlet and allows for a low price point as well as durability. Utility-grade materials from the solar industry are used in the construction of the rugged devices so they can endure the harshest environmental conditions in the sub-Saharan 6 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

region. The chargers can power any USB device and can be linked together, using the patent-pending PowerLink to double or triple the output. Recent independent tests performed on the chargers show that the most popular phones in Africa charge in an hour, which provides five to six hours of talk time. Blackberry smartphones charge in two to three hours and provide three to four hours of talk and data time.

SMARTPHONE USERS TO DOMINATE ADOPTION DESPITE SMART GLASSES DEVELOPMENTS New findings from leading hi-tech analysts, Juniper Research, has shown that the mobile Augmented Reality (AR) market is set to increase dramatically from 60 million unique users this year to nearly 200 million in 2018. The market will expand from the early adopting gaming segment and navigation-based utility to becoming an integral part of the consumer’s ecosystem.

The report, Mobile Augmented Reality: Smartphones, Tablets and Smart Glasses 2013-2018, details that despite initial trepidation and single-use applications of the technology, Juniper forecasts AR to become a key future platform for communication and commerce.

AR has a potential to engage a new generation of consumers in a unique manner, combining the personal nature of mobile devices with the Internet’s wealth of accessible information.

App Diversity and Device Evolution Juniper’s report finds that as the market matures, the app ecosystem is set to expand rapidly over the forecast period.

Initial innovations will stem from games, such as Google Ingress, but the technology will expand to include lifestyle and fitness apps. It also contends the possibility of a paradigmshifting utilisation of AR within social media, potentially breaking the digital-physical wall with potential future uses allowing a digital representation of a person to appear in the

user’s surroundings.

Juniper Research forecasts that as the AR market matures, the utilisation of AR apps will evolve to suit the device, with the tablet becoming a natural environment for multimedia and second-screen apps and the smartphone becoming a platform for navigation AR apps to thrive on. It notes that the forthcoming smart glasses will once again evolve this dynamic as users will increasingly benefit from multiple AR-capable devices, each with unique app ecosystems.

Regional Concentration The report also notes that the mobile AR market will continue to be dominated by three key regions: North America, Western Europe, and the Far East & China. These regions benefit by being some of the most developed and mature smartphone and tablet markets in the world – the key platform for AR developers. These regions will also be the first to adopt smart glasses, the next big development for AR.

FNB SELLS OVER

200,000 SMART DEVICES

Tuesday 5 November 2013 | 12:35 CET | News South Africa’s FNB has sold over 200,000 smart devices in the past two years, with current sales exceeding 10,000 devices per month, Mybroadband reported. FNB said it’s seeing strong sales of Apple and Android devices and expects strong demand for their Windows Phone devices following the launch of FNB’s Windows Phone app. The top-selling smartphone and tablet is currently the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab3 10.1 respectively. The bank is in discussions to offer the new Google Nexus 5 to its clients and will also offer the PS4 and Xbox One when they become available in South Africa.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 7

NEWS

LEADING MOBILE NETWORK OPERATOR IN GHANA CHOOSES MOBILE-TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD FOR ITS SIM AND NUMBER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS MTN LAUNCHES LTE IN BLOEMFONTEIN Cape Town: Mobile operator MTN has announced that it had launched LTE in Bloemfontein as part of a national rollout

A COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR SIM AND NUMBER LIFE-CYCLE MANAGEMENT

A leading provider of advanced telecom solutions, MobileTechnologies Co., Ltd has been chosen by a prominent mobile operator in Ghana as the answer to a growing need for an efficient and automated SIM and number management system. The increase of mobile users, in Ghana as elsewhere, is making the handling of millions of SIM data records extremely complex. Most network operators use manual processes, exposing themselves to costly production and inventory mistakes, loss of data integrity across multiple infrastructure components, and the potential duplication of SIM card records.

The Intelligent SIM Management solution (iSM) is a highly sought-after SIM and number management system that deals with all aspects of the SIM and number life cycle for the mobile operators. iSM helps the sourcing of SIM cards by automating the collection of all data required prior to production, securing of transportation, warehousing, distribution, and finally the SIM provisioning and activation.

A key feature is on-demand provisioning for the operator to optimise the limited available mobile numbers.

“Creating a purchase order for half a million SIM cards usually takes days for an operator, whereas with iSM this time is reduced to minutes while avoiding human error in the process,” said Eli Hem Jensen, CEO, Mobile-Technologies Co., Ltd. Ghana is the first African country with a mobile penetration over 100%, and according to the National Communications Authority, it reached 25 million mobile subscribers this year. Access to mobile numbers is restricted and their recycling is business-critical.

8 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

Data consumption in South Africa has emerged as a key driver of revenue for operators and LTE is expected to significantly improve the user-experience of mobile internet.

“Data traffic continues to grow exponentially, led by video, and users want to be connected to content and friends, everywhere and always, expecting perfect quality, zero latency and limitless speed with zero costs,” said Eben Albertyn, chief technology officer at MTN SA. Currently, LTE has only been available in SA’s metropolitan areas, with the GSMA urging the government to accelerate the allocation of spectrum. According to Albertyn: “The deployment of LTE in this region is part of MTN SA’s strategy to invest in better and faster networks, making our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter by providing them with technology that gives seamless experience.”

TELKOM BUSINESS LAUNCHES SECURITY OFFERING Tuesday 5 November 2013 | 13:49 CET | News South Africa’s Telkom Business has introduced Consolidated Threat Management (CTM) to the market. CTM is a comprehensive security service offering for perimeter and branch-office networks. CTM serves to protect businesses of all sizes and sectors from simple day-to-day IT security threats as well as evolving blended attacks, including worms, trojans, viruses and malware. The service also includes a dedicated managed service that can be deployed at the customer’s premises or hosted at the Telkom Business data centre. CTM is the first of three releases and forms the cornerstone of what will ultimately become a bigger portfolio. The second and third releases are scheduled to go to market in the latter part of 2013 and early 2014, respectively.

QATAR TO HOST PRESTIGIOUS ITU TELECOM WORLD 2014 EVENT The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the specialised agency of the United Nations for information and communication technology (ICT), has announced that the State of Qatar has been selected as host country for ITU Telecom World 2014, following a competitive selection process among bidding ITU member states.

The 2014 annual edition of ITU Telecom World will take place in Doha in December 2014, at the state-of-the-art Qatar National Convention Centre. The event will bring together influential global leaders in ICT from the public and private sectors for strategic debate, knowledge-sharing, innovation showcasing and networking at the highest level.

The State of Qatar has appointed leading international communications company Ooredoo to help organise ITU Telecom World 2014, on behalf of the Government of Qatar. Ooredoo, formerly known as Qatar Telecom, is the foremost communications provider in Qatar and one of the world’s largest communications companies, serving more than 2.5 million consolidated customers in Qatar, and more than 93 million people around the world.

“We are delighted that Qatar, one of the world’s most advanced and committed adopters of cutting-edge technology, will host ITU Telecom World 2014,” said Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré, ITU Secretary-General. “Strategically located at the crossroads of three continents, Qatar provides the ideal location to continue the ITU Telecom World conversation on harnessing the power of next-generation technology for the benefit of the ICT industry and the people of the world.”

“As part of our 2030 vision, Qatar is pushing ahead with its national strategy to build a knowledge-based economy and drive global competitiveness. This makes our nation the ideal host for ITU Telecom World 2014, which has made its mission to promote social development through advanced technology,” said Ooredoo Chairman H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani.

“We are proud to be playing a key role in assisting the State of Qatar with this important international debate. Mobile technology helps to enrich people’s lives, and we are sure the discussions and decisions made possible by the ITU Telecom World 2014 Event in Doha will have an essential impact.”

This year’s edition of ITU Telecom World will be held in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, from 19-22 November 2013 on the theme, “Embracing Change in a Digital World”.

Key outcomes from critical debates to be held in Bangkok on understanding and benefiting from the current radical transformation of the ICT sector – and of the world’s way of working, playing and living – will inform and set the stage for the discussions to be held in Doha in 2014.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 9

NEWS

VODAFONE RISES ON REPORT OF AT&T TAKEOVER INTEREST According to Reuters, shares in Vodafone Group rose after a media report that U.S. mobile operator AT&T was exploring strategies for a potential takeover of the British telecoms firm AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson has said there is a “huge opportunity” to invest in mobile broadband in Europe and he would buy wireless assets if they were available at the right price.

AT&T is the second-largest mobile provider in the United States after Verizon Wireless. But it is not adding new customers in its home market as fast as Verizon, and it is also ceding market share to much smaller rival T-Mobile US. Vodafone sold its stake in Verizon Wireless to its joint venture partner, Verizon Communications Inc, for $130 billion in September, leaving it with a pan-European business spanning Britain to Romania, and operations in the Middle East and Africa.

Sector bankers have previously told Reuters that AT&T had been eyeing Europe since the beginning of the year and considered options including Vodafone and Britain’s largest mobile carrier EE, a joint venture of Orange and Deutsche Telekom.

A Bloomberg report, citing sources familiar with these developments, said AT&T was examining how it could divide up Vodafone after a deal, keeping some assets and disposing of others.

The companies have not entered formal negotiations, the report said.

Shares in Vodafone were up 2.9 percent to 231 pence at 1104 GMT, the biggest gainers on the FTSE 100 index of blue-chip stocks. Espirito Santo analyst Robert Grindle said it was logical for AT&T to consider its options regarding Vodafone, following its U.S. exit.

“What we don’t have full clarity on is how ambitious AT&T is,” he said. “(The report) is short on substance but long on plausibility.”

SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES FREE SERVICE CLINICS FOR KENYA Samsung Electronics East Africa has announced a series of Kenya-wide free service clinics that will allow Samsung products to be repaired and customers to enjoy free product training tips as well as technical advice The clinics will be held across major towns such as Kisumu, Kisii, Nakuru, Malindi, Mombasa and Nyeri and will cater to both warranty and outof-warranty handheld consumer electronics and IT products, including televisions, hi-fi systems, tablets, notebook computers and mobile devices categories.

Robert Ngeru, Samsung Electronics East Africa Chief Operating Officer, said: “We take service to the next level by providing our customers guidance beyond the simple descriptions found in the new product manual.

“Our experienced service technicians will show our customers exactly what we do and what they can do to maintain their Samsung products. They will not only give tips, but plenty of how-to advice too.”

10 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

AIRTEL SIGNS DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE WARID’S CONGO BRAZZAVILLE OPERATIONS Second in-country acquisition in Africa further consolidates footprint on the continent, will make airtel the market leader in Congo Brazzaville Bharti airtel (“airtel”) says it has entered into a definitive agreement with the Warid Group (“Warid”) to fully acquire Warid Congo SA, subject to regulatory and statutory approvals.

The agreement marks the second in-country acquisition by airtel in Africa. It had acquired Warid’s Uganda operations earlier this year. The latest acquisition will make airtel the largest mobile operator in Congo Brazzaville with around 2.6 million customers.

At present, airtel is the second-largest operator in the country with over 1.6 million customers, while Warid is the third largest with around one million customers.

The agreement aims to bring together the strengths of airtel and Warid in Congo Brazzaville and benefit customers in the form of affordable tariffs, superior 2G/ 3G network, affordable voice and data services and superior customer care. In addition, existing Warid customers in Congo Brazzaville will join airtel’s global network of over 280 million customers and enjoy the benefits of “One airtel” network with affordable roaming rates across Africa and South Asia, besides other exciting bouquets of innovative 2G and 3G services.

Speaking on the agreement, Manoj Kohli, MD and CEO (International), Bharti airtel, said: “This acquisition is in line with our stated strategy of strengthening our market position through in-country acquisitions, as and when suitable opportunities come along. We are at an advanced stage of successfully integrating Warid’s Uganda operations with that of airtel and look forward to a similarly swift transition in Congo Brazzaville as well.

“As already demonstrated in Uganda, the merger will bring more value for the customers in the form of affordable data and roaming tariffs, innovative products, airtel Money, world-class networks and customer care. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Government and look forward to its support to this deal. ” Speaking on the agreement, Sriram Yarlagadda, Board Member, Warid, Congo Brazzaville said: “This agreement creates a win–win situation for the customers and provide them with an opportunity to be part of one of the largest mobile services providers in the world. The customers can look forward to enjoying affordable voice tariffs and 3G data services on the most extensive network.

On this occasion, we would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Government for its support and look forward to its continued cooperation towards a successful transaction.”

With presence across 17 African countries, airtel is the largest telecom service provider across the Continent in terms of geographical reach and had over 66 million customers at the end of quarter ended September 30, 2013. Globally, airtel is ranked as the fourth-largest mobile operator in terms of subscribers.

ICASA APPOINTS A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Chairperson and Council of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa have announced the appointment of Pakamile Pongwana as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, starting from November 1, 2013. Pongwana succeeds Themba Dlamini, who completed his three-year term at the end of October 2013.

Pongwana had been with Vodacom for eight years, from 2005 to 2013.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 11

NEWS

12 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

INTELSAT MOVES BACK TO PROFIT IN Q3 2013 Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, has reported revenue of $651.8 million and net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. of $87.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 .

The company also reported EBITDA 1 of $ 493.6 million, and Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $ 508.4 million, or 78% of revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

Intelsat CEO Dave McGlade said: “Intelsat’s third-quarter performance was led by growth in its media and network services customer sets. We generated free cash flow from operations of $333 million, reflecting the benefits of lower interest rates as a result of our refinancing activities and the debt retirements achieved thus far in 2013, as we furthered our progress on reducing leverage and creating equity value.

“Despite the solid performance, we are managing through two trends affecting our revenue growth and our operating expense profile. These include revenue declines due to on going effects of the U.S. government-reduced spending and budget sequestration. It also includes the impact of fibre deployments and the oversupply environment in Africa, which affects our network services business.”

McGlade continued: “While these issues will continue to influence near-term results, our long-term outlook remains positive as we execute on our two-phase strategy to deliver returns to equity investors: use near-term improving cash flows to de-lever our balance sheet, while positioning the company

for organic growth upon the entry into service of our new Intelsat Epic NG satellites beginning in 2016, which support the growth plans for existing and future customers.

“During the quarter, we announced the first customer for Intelsat 33e, the second Intelsat Epic NG satellite, launching in 2016. This contributed to our strong backlog of $10.3 billion, which provides visibility into revenue and cash flow, and stability to our business.

“The business environment in Africa is increasingly competitive with respect to network services applications.

This region is characterised primarily by oversupply from traditional satellite operators and fibre alternatives, both of which serve to slow our aggregate network services revenue growth. Intelsat is closely monitoring our business in the region while continuing our focus on furthering our long-term strategic relationships with the continent’s most intensive users of satellite capacity. Intelsat’s media business, which provides satellite capacity and terrestrial services for the transmission of entertainment, news, sports and educational programming for approximately 300 broadcasters, content providers and direct-to-home (‘DTH’) platform operators worldwide, accounted for 34% of our revenue.”

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 13

NEWS

VODACOM AND NEOTEL OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE NEGOTIATIONS

Vodacom and the shareholders of Neotel have announced officially that they have entered into exclusive discussions regarding a potential acquisition of 100 percent of the shares of Neotel by Vodacom SA. The finalisation of the transaction is subject to the successful conclusion of commercial negotiations and receiving the requisite regulatory and corporate approvals.

This transaction, if concluded, would stimulate greater competition in the South African fixed telecommunications sector and will accelerate the provision of high-speed data links.

It would also result in the combined entity being able to offer an expanded product range and, as a consequence, enhanced customer choice.

Speaking about the transaction, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said: “There are a number of important steps that we still need to complete in order to conclude the transaction. If the deal is implemented, Vodacom intends to put significant investment into the combined entity to provide high-speed fixed connectivity to many more businesses and consumers.

“By further building on the capabilities within Neotel, we would also aim to develop entirely new services such as fibre

14 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

to the home and business. Neotel has access to over 15,000km of fibre-optic cable, including 8,000km of metro fibre in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

“Spectrum is also an important consideration as the combined entity could use this resource more efficiently, and in doing this we can keep pace with South Africa’s rapidly growing demand for mobile data. This transaction is all about providing greater choice and better infrastructure for South Africa’s businesses and consumers.”

Sunil Joshi, Neotel CEO, said: “We believe this presents an exciting and attractive opportunity for all parties, especially our customers to whom we will be able to offer more meaningful and innovative products and services.

“This transaction, if concluded, would further enable Neotel to extend its footprint in South Africa and add the mobile capability that our customers require for their business’ growth in a new world of converged communications.

“If completed and approved, this transaction will support Government’s ICT priorities to increase investment in the next generation of telecommunications services and facilitate growth in the broader economy.”

WAPA STRONGLY OPPOSED TO VODACOM ACQUISITION OF NEOTEL

The Wireless Access Providers’ Association (WAPA) has registered strong opposition to Vodacom’s planned acquisition of Neotel and said it was watching developments carefully before formulating a formal response WAPA believes that the acquisition would stifle competition, lead to job cuts, and do little to reduce the digital divide that it believes should be the country’s top priority with regard to broadband.

WAPA is seeing an increase in membership exceeding 25% per year, as smaller operators seize the gap created in the broadband market, particularly with respect to last-mile access. This is in line with international trends, where considerably more data is now carried on so-called WiFi-based technologies than on 3G and LTE. “The growth in smaller operators is good for the customer and good for the country,” says Christopher Geerdts, Chairperson of WAPA. “It increases competition, creates jobs and drives rural broadband penetration. Larger operators tend to cut jobs and cherry-pick customers in the most lucrative suburbs and business parks.”

WAPA believes that South Africa needs to build up a complementary strategy where large and small players coexist and play to their strengths. In addition, operators with a national backbone need to provide truly neutral and open wholesale services so as to open the market to competition.

WAPA and many of its members enjoy an excellent relationship with Neotel, which has proven that strong, wholesale providers with a commitment to rural rollout can complement smaller operators with existing presence and experience in those areas.

“WAPA’s concern is that Vodacom’s influence will dampen these gains achieved, severely limit open wholesale access and set back rather than increase competition and consumer choice,” concludes Geerdts.

VODACOM IN PARTNERSHIP TALKS WITH BEMOBILE, REPORT SAYS BTC Mobile (beMobile), Botswana’s smallest wireless operator by subscribers, is reportedly in negotiations with South Africabased Vodacom Group over a potential technical partnership deal, according to BiztechAfrica, which cites unnamed sources as saying the transaction could be announced within the next two months.

A deal with Vodacom could help the cellco to compete on more even terms with the mobile market’s two larger players, MTNbacked Mascom Wireless and French-owned Orange Botswana, both of which offer 3G services. BTC Mobile is a subsidiary of state-owned fixed-line incumbent Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC), which is scheduled to undergo privatisation.

At the time of going to press, Vodacom has officially denied reports of the partnership.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 15

NEWS

AFRICA’S INTERNATIONAL BANDWIDTH DEMAND TO LEAD THE WORLD 60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% AFRICA

ASIA

EUROPE

LATIN AMERICA

MIDDLE EAST

OCEANA

U.S. & CANADA

GLOBAL

COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH, 2012-2019 SOURCE: TELEGEOGRAPHY

New data from telecom market research firm TeleGeography forecast that Africa will lead the world in international bandwidth demand growth in the coming years. According to TeleGeography’s Global Bandwidth Forecast Service, Africa’s international bandwidth demand is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 51 percent between 2012 and 2019.

At this rate, African demand would outpace that of both Latin America and the Middle East, which are each projected to rise 37 percent annually.

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, especially, will contribute to the continent’s appetite for international bandwidth.

Among those with the fastest-growing demand are Angola, which is projected to grow 71 percent annually over the next seven years, Tanzania, which is projected to grow 68 percent, and Gabon, which is expected to rise 67 percent.

16 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

While Africa’s demand for international bandwidth is growing rapidly, it remains small by comparison with other world regions.

African demand is projected to reach 17.2 Tbps in 2019, which equates to only one-fourth the projected demand of Latin America, and less than that of Canada alone.

Nevertheless, international capacity connected to Africa will increase tremendously via upgrades to existing submarine cable systems and new cable builds, and bandwidth prices on these routes will fall accordingly. “The price of a 10 Gbps wavelength between Johannesburg and London in 2019 is projected to be less than a quarter of the 2012 price,” said TeleGeography Research Director Alan Mauldin.

“Moreover, as bandwidth buyers transition to larger circuits, they will be able to obtain greater volume discounts, compounding the effect of bandwidth price declines.”

110828

Live in a world of infinite possibilities

The Samsung is now in South Africa. A smartphone that will not only change the way you see the world, but how you live in it. Packed with a galaxy of amazing features such as Dual Camera that puts you in the picture even when you’re taking it, and Sound&Shot that truly helps a picture speak a thousand words, it’s the perfect partner.

Life companion.

Available in Black Mist and White Frost

Follow us

www.samsung.com

0860 726 7864

NEWS

MAINONE BUILDS LARGEST TIER 3 DATA CENTRE IN WEST AFRICA MainOne, the first privately-owned subsea cable in West Africa has blazed the trail with the construction of a new Tier III + Data centre. The plan for the MainOne Data Centre – the largest of its kind in West Africa at 1,500 square metres, with a 600-rack capacity – was unveiled at the ground-breaking ceremony at the Cable Landing Station in Lagos.

The event was witnessed by dignitaries including representatives from LASG, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Captains of Industry, the media and company stakeholders.

Speaking on the project, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Funke Opeke said: “We are delighted with this project because of the immense benefits it will provide our customers. Internet penetration has been a huge issue in Nigeria, especially to the hinterlands. The new Data Centre will leverage on MainOne’s network, which is peered with leading operators and Internet exchanges worldwide to provide global reach to our customers across all locations.”

The MainOne CEO also stated that the Data Centre, when completed, will have redundancy such that there is no single point of failure within the facility. She added that the MainOne Data Center at Lekki will pave the way for the establishment of additional Data Centres and Point of Presence (POPs) across Nigeria and other West African nations.

18 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

“The MainOne Data Centre will help transform Africa into a digital economy. The project will also aid reduction of information technology costs and risks, while enhancing business efficiency and profitability.”

Also commenting on the MainOne Data Centre, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, MainOne, Folu Aderibigbe, said that the project is further proof of MainOne’s commitment to enhance infrastructure within its primary markets. According to him “the MainOne Data Centre will help transform Africa into a digital economy. The project will also aid reduction of information technology costs and risks while enhancing business efficiency and profitability.”

Aderibigbe pointed out that one of the unique features of the MainOne is its direct access to MainOne Metro and international fibre and all the major interconnections with telecom networks in Nigeria and Ghana.

It will be recalled that MainOne recently received a $100 million refinancing facility from Standard Chartered Bank and a consortium of other Nigerian banks to help fund its infrastructure expansion, including fibre around the country, metro Lagos and nationwide POPs.

SONY ‘XPERIA L’ LAUNCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sony mobile adds a new Xperia smartphone to its spring line-up – bringing the best of Sony experiences to a broader device range

• Xperia™ L is the latest addition to the impressive range of Xperia™ premium smartphones offering unique Sony features at a new price point • Xperia™ L provides a stylish design with a best-in-class Sony camera experience for perfect pictures and videos every time The Xperia L offers the best of Sony with stunning premium designs and a range of technologies, including a high-quality screen for the ultimate viewing experience; the latest camera features for impressive pictures and videos; NFC connectivity for One-touch function; Battery STAMINA mode for extended battery life; and Sony’s signature media apps for enjoying photos, music, movies and games on the go.

“The Xperia L is ideally suited for those seeking stylish smartphones that don’t compromise on features,” said Mark Fenzel, Sony Mobile Sales Director for Middle East and Africa. “This new model benefits from Sony’s proven innovation and engineering expertise and enables a new band of consumers to capture every moment in perfect detail, and at an attractive price point.”

The stylish and functional Xperia L features an 8-megapixel camera with Sony’s unique “ExmorTM RS for mobile” sensor technology for vivid colours and stunning clarity. HDR (High Dynamic Range) ensures that both your photos and videos are captured clearly, even at night or against a strong backlight. And with the dedicated camera key that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second even from a locked screen, this fast-capture camera phone will ensure that you’ll never miss another moment. Get the most out of your viewing experience with the high quality 4.3”(109mm) FWVGA screen that is ideally suited to enjoy all of your content.

One-touch functions for easy content sharing Also featured on this model is Sony’s One-touch function, allowing you to easily and instantly enjoy music and photos across an array of devices, such as Sony’s SRS-BTV5 portable speaker and latest range of NFC-enabled BRAVIA TVs, with just a single touch. It’s sharing made easy with no wires, cables, or fiddling with settings necessary.

Sony entertainment on the go

KEY FEATURES FOR XPERIA L

The Xperia L features Sony’s media applications offering a consistent entertainment experience across the range. The “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” apps provide online and offline content through a single access point with new ways to enjoy and share that content. The “WALKMAN” application provides access to all your downloaded music, and Facebook social integration. The “Album” application enables easy access to Facebook friends’ photos, as well as browsing photos by location.

• Megapixel fast-capture camera takes sharp pictures in any light • Enjoy all your content on the generous 4.3” FWVGA display • One-touch functions with NFC to display content on your TV or to share music and photos between devices • Fast performance with dual-core processor • Battery STAMINA Mode for optimum battery life Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 19

NEWS eSite: Sweden

eSite: Madagascar

eSite: Kenya

eSite: Swaziland

ICT INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST FLEXENCLOSURE OPENS OFFICE IN MOZAMBIQUE – ITS THIRD IN AFRICA Flexenclosure has opened a new office in Maputo, Mozambique, to serve its growing number of customers in southern Africa The new office, which is located on Avenida Ahmed Sekou Touré in the central district of Mozambique’s capital Maputo, will cover several countries in southern and central Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and São Tomé e Príncipe.

“With our sustainable and energy efficient power solutions, and flexible and fast-to-deploy data centre solutions, we are solving exactly the kind of infrastructure challenges that mobile operators and tower companies face in emerging markets like Africa,” said David King, CEO, Flexenclosure.

“Our new office in Mozambique will allow us to better serve our growing customer base in southern Africa. We can work with them in real time and respond faster to support requests.”

Flexenclosure is expanding its sales organisation across the globe to firmly establish its presence in all markets where its eSite and eCentre solutions can bring benefits to its customers.

20 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

Flexenclosure opened five new offices in 2012: in Cyberjaya, Malaysia; Gurgaon, India; Lagos, Nigeria; Islamabad, Pakistan; and Dubai, UAE. “With a data boom underway in Africa combined with grid power that is unreliable or unavailable in many places, the existing telecom infrastructure faces enormous challenges,” said King.

“Flexenclosure’s prefabricated and modular data centre solution, eCentre, and its green power management system, eSite, have been developed and perfected to overcome precisely those challenges.

“We are experiencing a rapidly-growing interest for our solutions.”

Flexenclosure recently received large eCentre orders from MTN in Ivory Coast and from Vodacom in Mozambique, for new data centres to support their on-going network expansion.

Both are to be installed early next year and Flexenclosure has also recently deployed a roof top eCentre for Vodacom to house mission-critical data and telecom equipment.

TISSARI DA COSTA NEW REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA The Flexenclosure office in Maputo will be managed by Carita Tissari da Costa as the new Regional Sales Director for southern Africa and PALOP (a group of Portuguese-speaking African countries). Tissari da Costa has a decade of experience in the telecommunications industry, spanning project management, new product and service development, and property and data centres.

Previously, she ran the project management and business development department at mcel, and most recently was the Executive Head of Property and Business Development at Vodacom Mozambique. Tissari da Costa holds an honours dualdegree in European Business.

“Amidst strong economic and mobile telecom growth, many countries in the southern Africa region are faced with infrastructure challenges that impede the deployment of state-of-the-art data

centres and reduction of energy costs of telecom sites,” said Tissari da Costa.

“Flexenclosure has developed turnkey solutions that directly address these pain points, and the opening of the office in Maputo establishes our permanent local presence in the region.

“There are thousands of telecom sites without a reliable grid connection which translates into huge energy costs for operators and tower companies when sites are powered with diesel generators. Key concerns are grid availability, reliability and how to cost-efficiently power both existing sites, as well as new sites in more rural areas. With ever-growing telecom and banking markets, the next billion customers will be from rural areas, where energy cost-saving solutions from Flexenclosure will enable costeffective service provision to these users.”

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 21

NEWS

FOREST WHITAKER VISITS ZAIN SOUTH SUDAN OFFICES TO PROMOTE PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN COUNTRY Acclaimed actor and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador praises Zain for its efforts in capacity-building and reducing the digital divide Zain South Sudan, the country’s leading telecom operator, received an A-list Hollywood visit to the company’s head office in Juba in the form of internationally-renowned actor Forest Whitaker, who is also UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation.

The purpose of the visit, which took place on November 5, was to discuss the progress of Zain’s mobile network expansion and progress of The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative in the country, with Zain South Sudan CEO Wassim Mansour.

Telecommunications and connectivity for the South Sudan community to the rest of the world plays a critical role in the initiative’s aims of capacity building, dialogue and empowerment.

Zain South Sudan recently embarked on an exceptional threeyear partnership with The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, in cooperation with UNESCO and Ericsson to establish a Youth Peacemaker Network (YPN) in South Sudan, comprising youth from the 10 states in the country.

In developing youth’s capacities in peace-building, the partners are working on (1) the formation of a youth network, (2) capacity development workshops and long-term support, and (3) the establishment of a Youth Leadership Forum that will engage youth 22 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

in policy dialogue relevant to the their own development.

The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative was founded by Whitaker and is a non-profit organisation dedicated to peace-building and community empowerment in areas of conflict everywhere. The organisation focuses on empowering and inspiring youth, women and global citizens to promote peace across the planet. Commenting on Whitaker’s milestone visit, Mansour said: “Capacity-building is one of the main strategic thrusts of Zain South Sudan and through telecommunications the company is focusing on narrowing the digital divide and empowering South Sudanese youth with the necessary skills to develop a more productive future in their chosen fields.

“Our partnership with The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, UNESCO and Ericsson is exactly the type of cooperation required to improve living and social standards in South Sudan. It is important for organisations from different backgrounds to come together for a single cause, which in this case is to improve the prospects of young people in the country.”

For his part, Whitaker commented that “Zain South Sudan is an example of a company that looks beyond its business involvement in

a country and considers how best to support the social development of the community.

At The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative we support and sustain our peace initiatives with conflict-resolution training programmes and methodology, grassroots efforts, access to experts, social media, technology, content and 21st century communication tools, none of which would be possible without the assistance from organisations such as UNESCO, Zain and Ericsson.”

The network of youth peacemakers organised by The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative in cooperation with UNESCO, Zain and Ericsson aims to bring young people together, and motivate them to become agents of positive change.

The programme also aims to develop their capacity-building with respect to reconciliation and peace-building, as well as equip them with the social and technical competencies required to undertake their activities effectively.

These include basic computer training and development of negotiation skills.

The project aims to draw on national pride and consolidate intertribal relations by bringing together youth from diverse educational,

economic, religious, geographical and tribal backgrounds. The network will include of disabled youth and will ensure a gender balance.

Additionally, during the meeting, Mansour unveiled to Whitaker Zain South Sudan’s inspirational “I Am” marketing campaign that was recently launched across the country.

Whitaker said he was “truly overwhelmed by this inspiring and empowering campaign”.

“It really touched me and I’m sure it will capture the hearts and minds of the South Sudan community. The campaign aligns perfectly to the aims and cause of The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative.”

With a population of approximately 10 million inhabitants, 72% of whom are under the age of 30, South Sudan’s prolonged conflict has left the younger generation highly fragmented and traumatised.

Inter-communal conflicts remain prevalent and are often led by youth whose opportunities to be productive members of society have been thwarted by decades of conflict.

The effects have been detrimental to peace and stability and it is in these areas that the programme in meant to be most effective.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 23

Golla iPad Mini Snap Folder This lightweight cover is a great addition for your iPad Mini device boasting auto-sleep functionality and a built-in smart stand that supports two different positions for media viewing and typing. Most importantly, the custom-moulded shell adds protection from life’s bumps and scratches without hindering functionality.

KEY FEATURES: • Built-in smart stand function supports iPad • Auto sleep function • Soft lining to prevent scratching

OtterBox Reflex for Samsung Galaxy S3 The Reflex series of cases from OtterBox are the perfect slim, sturdy cover for the Samsung Galaxy S3 series. The unique two-piece design makes docking the device into connecting stations simple – just pull apart and plug in. Great for protection in the event you accidentally drop it.

KEY FEATURES: • The two-piece cover makes assembly simple and docking easy • Impact from manhandling is absorbed away from the device by air pockets at the corners of the case

28 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

GADGETS

Casio Exilim EX-ZR700 With a 25-450mm wide-angle 18x optical zoom lens, 16.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a high-resolution 3.0-inch 920K LCD, full HD video and excellent image stabilisation, this might be the coolest little point-and-shoot on the market right now. The Quick Response technology and lightning-fast auto focus allows you 1.8 seconds from power-up to shoot. With the HS night-shot function you can take photos with an ISO equivalent up to 25.600 – even without a flash. It’s difficult not to fall in love with this nifty little machine.

KEY FEATURES: • HDR ART function • Bright 7.6 cm TFT colour display • Fast triple-shot function and Multi-Frame SR zoom

Knomo Kyoto Black 11” This stylish over-the-shoulder bag is ideal for the digital native, holding your tablet, smartphone and accessories safe in one place. The soft, full-grain leather and lightweight fabric finish is superb. Another nice touch is a unique ID number on each bag that can be registered online so that, if the bag is lost, it can be located through this registry.

KEY FEATURES: • Holds iPad or similar-sized tablet devices in padded area • Zip-fastening leather pocket with fabric organiser compartments within • Adjustable shoulder strap

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 29

Motörheadphönes Motorizer So the loudest band ever to have played rock’n’roll – Motörhead – has brought out a pair of headbanging over-ears have they? Can they give Dre’s Beats a run for their money? They don’t need to.

These automatically-adjusting headbanded, velvet ear-cushioned noise-cancelling cans deliver a treble-tweaked, beefy bass-toned ear-bleeding rocker’s delight. They come at pocket-friendly price too.

KEY FEATURES: • 40 mm neodymium Driver • Velvet Earpad • 3,5mm and 6,3mm connectors and mic

Bowers & Wilkins Z2 Wireless AirPlay Speaker Looking to replace your clutter of audio cable connections with a wireless system without actually sacrificing sound quality? Bower & Wilkins Z2 is well worth the price of high-fidelity admission. Style and substance come together in this slimline, minimalist stand-alone speaker system that employs AirPlay functionality to ensure lossless wireless network audio compression. Too good to be true? Almost. If you’re curating everything you listen to through iTunes via B&W’s downloadable AirPlay app, then the sonic experience is pretty much hassle free. However, if you’re a YouTuber, jigging the sound out functionality off your Macbook or PC is nowhere near as lossless. Then again, why wouldn’t you use AirPlay when the Z2 boasts a Lightning connector dock that’s tailor-made for charging the iPhone 5 and latest gen Apple devices (including iPod nano and iPod touch)? Fair enough. So what about the sound specs? Well, despite the absence of stand-alone woofers and tweeters, the pair of 3.5inch “full-range” drivers pack enough of a punch to make unplugged classics like Johnny Cash’s American Recordings come alive in your lounge. However, if you really want to blitzkrieg your bass, then – despite some fancy Flowport™ dimpled architecture (it’s a design thing) – don’t expect Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” to get your dubstep party started.

KEY FEATURES: • AirPlay wireless audio • Lightning connector for Apple devices • 3.5” full-range drivers • 20 watt-per-channel stereo amplifier • RJ45 Ethernet and 3.5mm analogue inputs • 3-month free membership to B&W Society of Sound music download service

30 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

GADGETS

iHome iBT44 Though it looks like it was teleported from 1983, this 45cmwide, easily shoulderable four-speaker blaster doesn’t have a tape deck. Instead, it streams crisp, bass-thick tunes via Bluetooth.

EcoXgear Eco Terra This waterproof orange box can shrug off everything from Banana Boat spills to dunks in the surf. (It floats too!) Its two three-inch speakers pack a big sound, and with 20 hours of playtime (using four C batteries), it can last through the most epic beach party.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 31

Bem Wireless Boom Box Sure, it lacks the old-school styling, but this softly curved speaker sounds like a boombox should: powerful and vibrant. Listen to it on a porch – or anywhere: the compact 2.1 stereo-sound speaker streams from any Bluetooth-enabled smart device and lasts for 10 hours per charge.

ZAGGKeys Profolio So you have an iPad. Great. Now get rid of that archaic laptop because with the ZAGGKeys Profolio your iPad is transformed into a fully-functional netbook. Essentially, it’s a Bluetooth keyboard. Not more can be said about that, other than that letters appear on your screen while you’re bashing away at the local coffee shop. The Profolio comes packed with features that make you realise it’s much more than just a Bluetooth keyboard. Backlit keys, durable build, magnetic cover and an incredibly impressive battery life are the clinchers for this little unit.

KEY FEATURES: • Backlit keys • Magnet closure activates your tablet’s sleep/wake function • Built-in stand holds your iPad® at an ideal angle

32 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

GADGETS

KEY FEATURES: • 12-hour battery life • Two 1-5/8” full-range drivers • 2 x 5 watts RMS • Bluetooth • USB phone-charge capability

JBL Charge A curvaceous antidote to our straight-edged, linear lives, the JBL® Charge sits effortlessly on a mantelpiece, desk and table, or even tucked into a backpack drinks holder. Coming in at around the same size as a 500ml Monster energy drink can, and weighing in at 700g, this robust little speaker packs more of a sound-quality punch than many speakers twice the size and double the price. The built-in bass port ensures that every beat and bass note remains crystal clear and undistorted, even at higher volumes – whether you’re belting out some of good ol’ Bootsy Collins bass-slapping funk or Daft Punk’s bass-heavy electronica. Not that you’d actually want to pump up the volume though. The impressive 12-hour battery life gets quickly shagged out with the amp turned up to 11.

So, is the Charge worth R1 500? Well, the unit wirelessly streams audio from any Bluetooth®-equipped desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet with hassle-free set-up. Its ability to recharge your audio device via its USB charger also makes it the perfect festival friend.

Sharp GX-M10 Not for the subtle (or scrawny), this 7,6kg system sports 100-watt dual subs and speakers with enough thump to shake hot dogs off your grill. It’s ready to party too: guitar and mic inputs beg for impromptu karaoke sessions.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 33

Sony and Samsung South Africans usually feel left out of all the northern hemisphere buzz, but this time round the two biggest attractions quickly extended their world tours to our end of the Earth.

Samsung and Sony would both have been forgiven if they’d wanted to bed down their act in the major markets first.

Instead, Sony unveiled its new flagship phone, the Xperia Z1, in Johannesburg the very day after the Berlin launch.

It’s a 5” waterproof Android handset with a 20.7 Megapixel camera, 27mm wide-angle lens and f2.0 aperture. Those might sound like mere numbers, but they mean you can capture the evidence from a party in even the poorest of lighting. A huge 3000 mAh battery says it will go through the day and night. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 2.2 GHz quad-core processor underlines just how much action goes on under the covers.

Samsung chose Cape Town to host the local leg of the Galaxy Note World Tour, headlining the late-September show with the Note 3 that had been revealed in Berlin a few weeks earlier. This is the third generation of the Samsung “phablet” – phones with screens bigger than the 5” of the biggest standard smartphones but smaller than 7” tablets.

The Note 3 strikes a new chord, firstly by pushing the screen size even further up – from the 5.3” of the original Note to the 5.5” of the Note 2 to 5.7” in the new version. It’s almost as if Samsung is slowly acclimatising us to rising volume levels. Before we know it, our demands will reach a crescendo at 6”, and we won’t even think it looks ridiculous against our ears.

These are the other numbers that matter: Full HD Super AMOLED display, weighs 168g, runs on a Snapdragon 2.3GHz quadcore processor, has a 3 200mAh battery, and 13MP camera. It may not have as many pixels as the Xperia Z1, but sheer size and brightness makes it the stand-out performer. Of course, the dance floor doesn’t empty just because the headline acts move on.

At IFA – and talking of pushing the size envelope – Asus showed it was ready to join the party with the Asus Fonepad Note 6, competing directly with the Samsung Note 3. In case 6” isn’t enough though, it also whipped out the Asus Fonepad 8, big brother to the Fonepad that’s been targeted at South African students over the past few months.

The old-timers were back as well, ranging from the weird, like the HP Envy Recline All-in-one PC, a PC that folds over the table into your lap (don’t ask); to the sublime, like Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 14 and 15 flexible notebooks, which flip from notebook into presentation mode. Sony and Samsung also had the cool kids in Berlin going “aaah” for their new smartwatches, but last time we listened, no one we knew was saying: “My watch is due for an upgrade.”

34 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

GADGETS

ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones Any audiophile amped to do justice to his producing, tracking and mixing skills will give the ATHM50s the nod of approval. With its unpretentious styling, solid plastic base, sturdy feel, comfortable headband and long extension cord, you won’t confuse it for a hipster’s headphone fashion accessory.

What’s the difference between studio headphones and commercial headphones? Example: Lemmy’s latest Motörhead-branded phones, “Anti-Beats”, are designed to bring out the mid-range sounds in rock and Dr. Dre’s high-end Beats place much more emphasis on the bass. The ATH-50s aim to tell the truth with a neutral balance of bass, mids and top frequencies. Translated? No unnecessary smoke and mirrors – that’s the job of the mix, not the phones. With standard 45mm drivers and a 38ohm-rated impedance, the ATH-M50s make for a perfect studio lie detector and a comfortable and sturdy pair of headphones for everyday use. The adjustable, padded headband and cushioned earcups let you listen for hours without any fatigue, and excellent noise isolation.If you’re not a sound engineer and you’ve never owned a pair of studio monitor headphones, these would be the perfect, affordable first purchase to hear what the mix actually sounds like, the way the producer intended it to be.

KEY FEATURES: • Adjustable padded headband • Proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems • Collapsible design ideal for easy portability and convenient storage

Supertooth Disco 2 Bluetooth Stereo Speaker Available in bright pink, green and blue, to muted red, silver or black bodies, this nifty little wireless device won’t be an eyesore on your desk, dashboard or dining-room table. Unsurprising really, given the fact that the “fashion forward”-tapered tower curves look rather like a ’60s lampshade. Pity, though, that a meagre pair of 8 watts pumped out through front-firing speakers and a passive rear-end bass radiator means it also sounds a bit like a lampshade. Translated? Unless you’re a glitch freak, expect a distortion-laced listening experience. That “Bluetooth Stereo Speaker” billing isn’t entirely true either. If you’re after authentic stereo channel separation, then you’ll need to upgrade to the Disco Twin double-speaker system. Crikey, are there any redeeming features? Well, the device pairing is dead simple. With Bluetooth mobility, and a 4-hour lifetime between charges, the Supertooth Disco 2 is good enough for a braai or poolside party soundtrack.

KEY FEATURES: • Bluetooth streaming • 2 x 8 watts RMS speakers • 4-10 hours’ playing time • Up to 10 metres operating range Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 35

ADVERTORIAL

Chris Wood, CEO of award-winning Africa’s carriers’ carrier WIOCC, explains the issues capacity purchasers need to consider when sourcing reliable and cost-effective connectivity to meet customers’ demands in Africa.

Greater accessibility to high-speed international connectivity and falling costs mean that African domestic and business end-users are becoming increasingly reliant on their internet-based services and applications. The ability to find information, manage personal and business interactions and be entertained, via music/video streaming, online gaming, etc., is becoming taken for granted in many regions of the continent. As a result, customers expect and demand that their service provider delivers uninterrupted access to such internet-enabled capabilities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Service interruptions caused by cable cuts and equipment failures are inevitable, but their impact can be managed and minimised through careful network planning. Carriers must maximise uptime for their customers, but without spending so much on network diversity that they price themselves out of the market - it’s a tough but critical challenge. Failing to get it right risks the perception of excessive downtime, potentially resulting in an exodus of customers to ‘more reliable’ competitors… and once they have left, such customers are difficult and expensive to reclaim.

To meet the challenge of maintaining service continuity, one of the first considerations should be the reliability of the cable itself, both in terms of where it is laid and how well protected it is against accidental cuts. The 10,000km EASSy cable, which runs the length of Africa’s eastern seaboard and in which WIOCC is the largest capacity owner, has a very good performance history. This is due, in part, to an end-toend network design unique to Africa, being based on a ‘collapsed ring’ structure that provides a significant degree of protection against cable cuts and equipment failures along the more vulnerable sections of the network.

Diversity is another key factor to consider – spreading traffic across multiple routes to increase reliability.

While system resilience and reliability are important in comparing individual cable systems, carriers, telcos

and ISPs are now putting more emphasis on increasing route diversity in their international networks. To reduce the impact of individual cable cuts and other service-affecting disruptions on the primary traffic route(s), they are securing additional capacity on alternative cables and networks.

In the most competitive markets, the discussion is no longer simply about whether or not to invest in diversity. Instead, it is about having sufficient capacity and enough diversity across the right networks those that will best serve them and their customers in terms of service continuity, network resilience and network management.

Along with the purchasing of ever-greater amounts of capacity on multiple systems and networks, comes a set of commercial issues and operational challenges, such as pricing, contracts, inter-network connectivity, trouble-shooting and traffic management – all of which require careful attention to achieve the optimum outcome.

Many customers are choosing WIOCC because we offer them a way to minimise the overheads typically associated with multiple pricing negotiations, complex contract discussions, relationship management with multiple entities and all the related network and service management issues. We provide our customers with a one-stop-shop, managed, end-to-end service - a complete connectivity package that not only delivers capacity on multiple submarine cable systems and terrestrial networks, but also includes managing the traffic and all the interfaces - along the full length of its journey and throughout the entire lifecycle.

For cost-efficiency and maximum levels of satisfaction, carriers should seek to purchase their international capacity from the wholesale carrier best able to meet their requirements and deliver true commercial and technical flexibility. The fact is, those that choose to ignore the requirements of an increasingly sophisticated and demanding customer base will almost certainly end up losing out.

Musca att

Jeddah Port o Sudan

OMAN

SUDAN

GHANA

Accra A Lome e Cotonou Cot nou u Lagos gos o

Ab bidjan an

Djibouti tii Addis Ababa

NIGERIA

ETHIOPIA

SOUTH SUDAN CAMEROON CAMERO ON

Limbe Limbe Douala

Juba Mande era e r

Moyale oyale ale

CON GO

IV VORY COAST

Khartoum

Moga ogad dishu d

UGANDA

Kam mpala m

Librev ville vi Poin inte te te-Noire

Eldo dore oret

KENYA

Naai N airob robi o i ob

Kigalili

DRC

Garissa ssa

Mombasa omb

Arusha

Bujumbura Bujumb ura

Muan nda Cacua uaco ua Luanda Luan d da

SOMALIA

Seychell Seyc helles h es

Dar es Salaam l

TANZANIA Mbeya

Moronii

Kar Ka aronga ron

ANGOLA

Mzuzu uzu zu Ndola

Lichinga

Pem mba

Antsiranana

MOZAMBIQUE Massangula

Nosy-Be

Mandimba

Lilon we Lilongwe Lilong

Kabwe

Lusaka Kasan Kasane Ka

Sambava Nampula la

Mahajanga

Harare rare Tete T

Blanty tyr yre

Ch himoio h i

Fiana narantsoa oa

Beira

Francistown

Windhoek ho

BOTSWANA

Sw wako w a opmu und un

Gaboro ro on ne n

Kang

Vilankulo

Beitbridg idg dge

Toamasina

Antaananarivo

Caiaa

Bulawayo Mutare

Ghanzi

Sainte-Marie

Tsiroanomandidy

Quelimane

ZIMBABWE ZI Gweru

Livingsto Livin

Maun

NAMIBIA

Vohémar

Cuamba

MA DAG ASC AR

ZAMBIA

Mananjary Manakara

Ma aputo a uto o

Inhambane

Xai-Xai

Toliary T o ry

Taolagnaro

Joh Johannesburg Roolberg Kimberley

SOUTH AFRICA

Juno

Yzer erfo erf on ntein in n

Mass Maseru Mase

Durban

Mtunzini

East London George

Port Eliz Elizabeth

Melkbosstrand

How do you provide reliable, international connectivity into, within and out of Africa?

Winner 2012

Winner 2012

Winner 2010

Best Pan-African Initiative Award

Industry Leadership Award

Best Cable Project

WIOCC core network Other WIOCC network (Inc. TEAMS, SMW3, SEACOM and SAFE) Terrestrial network

Choose a solutions provider with ownership in multiple submarine systems and the most extensive terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure in Africa - extending to 50,000km - offering diversity options for protection of your customer traffic.

Choose a business partner that works with you to tailor solutions to your business needs, provides a complete connectivity package and manages the entire service end-to-end.

Choose a service-focused supplier with a professional Customer Champions team: a single point of contact – available any time, any day - to manage your services throughout their entire lifecycle.

Choose WIOCC – Africa’s award-winning carriers’ carrier.

Contact us at info@wiocc.net

IFPI DIGITAL MUSIC REPORT 2013 ENGINE OF A DIGITAL WORLD

DIGITAL MUSIC DRIVES INNOVATION The recording industry has licensed a range of services that are now operating around the world, offering consumers increasingly sophisticated ways to experience music.

Increased competition has driven a new wave of innovations in the sector. Key recent examples include the launch of cloudbased services with scan and match features; more and improved mobile applications; improved smart radio tools; and added social features, such as Facebook and Twitter integration. Digital music consumption has now become mainstream; as shown by consumer research by Ipsos MediaCT across nine markets. Twothirds of internet users aged 16-64 surveyed (62%) engaged in some legitimate digital music activity in the past six months.

Subscription services are now an integral part of the recorded music market, with 20 million paying subscribers globally in 2012 – an increase of 44 per cent on 2011. Subscription services are expected to have crossed the 10 per cent mark as a share of total digital music revenues in 2012 for the first time. This share is considerably higher in Europe, around 20 per cent, helped by explosive growth in Scandinavia. Figures from Ipsos MediaCT reveal that subscription models are now the dominant type of digital music service in some countries.

38 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

STATISTICS

TOP SELLING GLOBAL SINGLES Canadian artist Carly Rae Jepsen topped the 2012 global singles chart with Call Me Maybe which sold 12.5 million units. Jepsen had first shot to fame in 2007, when she came third on Canadian Idol. An album followed, but it was Call Me Maybe, released in 2012 that propelled her onto the global stage, topping the charts in more than a dozen countries. The track received massive publicity when fellow Canadian Justin Bieber promoted it to his 30 million Twitter followers and uploaded a parody of the video on YouTube which garnered more than 50 million views worldwide on the video streaming channel. Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know was the second best-selling single of 2012, with 11.8 million sales. Belgian-born and based in Australia, Gotye released his first album in 2003. Somebody That I Used To Know, which featured New Zealand singer-songwriter Kimbra, topped the iTunes charts in 46 countries. Its international popularity was boosted by its quirky video and when artists such as Katy Perry and Lily Allen promoted it to their followers on Twitter.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES COME OF AGE Subscription services are the fastest growth area in digital music, with subscriber numbers up 44 per cent in 2012 and revenues up 59 percent in the first half of 2012. They are driven by successful bundling deals with ISPs and mobile operators, an improved user experience, integration with social networks and a greater variety of price points. Spotify is a growing international brand with more than five million paying subscribers, up from three million in 2011. Spotify is the second largest source of digital music revenue in Europe andin some countries – Finland, Norway and Sweden – the largest. The migration of users from the ree to the paid-for service has been central to the success of subscription. Spotify says 20 per cent plus of active users convertto the paid premium service. This ratio increases substantially in its native Sweden, where well over a third of the population uses the service.

GROWTH FOR MUSIC VIDEO Music video has grown sharply in popularity over the last few years, with services such as VEVO and YouTube attracting huge global audiences. YouTube remains the most popular video streaming service in the world, with more than 800 million active users per month. Nine in ten of the most watched videos in the service’s history are music-related content. In November 2012, DIGITAL MUSIC FUELS INNOVATION PSY’s Gangnam Style overtook Justin Bieber’s Baby to become the Digital music is fuelling innovation as retailers upgrade their most watched YouTube video, with more than one billion views services and add new features and functionality that ensure clocked up within just five months of its release date. VEVO is the licensed services offer an overall better user experience than their most viewed channel on YouTube, with four billion music videos unlicensed alternatives. Key innovations in 2012 included the streamed per month, and a music video platform in its own right. expansion of cloud-based services with scan and match features; Mobile is its fastest growing area, with 21 million mobile and more and improved mobile applications; better smart radio tablet apps downloaded to date. Having launched in Australia, tools; and added social functionality such as deeper Facebook Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand South Africa and Spain in 2012, integration. the service is now live in 11 markets. VEVO also invests in its own

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 39

programming, improving and broadening its content offer to appeal to the global TV advertising market, valued at US$ 197 billion (PWC Global Entertainment & Media Outlook). Rio Caraeff, president and CEO of VEVO , says: “We’re continuing to invest in distribution, opening in new markets from Australia to Brazil.

We’re building onto multiple devices and platforms from the Xbox and Roku to cable television companies. We’re developing more original and exclusive programming in addition to showcasing great music videos.”

MUSIC IS AN ENGINE OF THE DIGITAL WORLD Recorded music adds value to a broad range of businesses, including digital and social media platforms, device manufacturers search engines, retailers and entertainment venues, broadcasters, merchandisers and concert promoters. All these businesses benefit from the continuous investment record companies make in discovering, nurturing and promoting artistic talent. IFPI figures show the industry annually invests 26 per cent of its revenues –US$ 4.5 billion – in such activity.

40 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

DRIVING THE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY Performance rights income now accounts for 6 per cent of industry revenue. The industry continues to work globally to ensure that broadcast and performance rights are fully in place and royalty rates set are fair. The live music industry continues to benefit from years of investment in artists by record companies.

The top three grossing live acts of 2012 were Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, all artists with a significant back catalogue of recordings (Billboard).

ATTRACTING CUSTOMERS, DRIVING PROFITS Music is used in a vast range of commercial contexts, from bars, shops and nightclubs, to radio and television broadcasts.

Research conducted in the UK by VisionCritical in April 2012 found that 65 per cent of small and medium sized business owners found music in the workplace made their employees more productive while 40 per cent believed it could increase sales or financial results. Despite this growth, some very significant markets still unfairly deny artists and producers broadcast and public performance rights. In the US, the corporate radio industry still enjoys music for free while performers earn no royalties. For the music industry, this is an unacceptable situation.

STATISTICS

ENGAGING WITH ONLINE INTERMEDIARIES The predominant focus of this report is on what the music industry is doing to help itself develop a thriving business in the digital world. However, investing in talent, innovating with technology and licensing repertoire are not alone sufficient to ensure the industry’s future success. Copyright protection and enforcement help underpin the industry’s business. As an illustration of the continued serious impact of internet piracy, IFPI estimates, based on data from both Nielsen and ComScore, that as many as a third of all internet users (32%) still regularly access unlicensed sites. The top priority in securing a fair legal environment is to have the effective cooperation of “intermediaries” – companies and industries such as advertisers, internet service providers, search engines and payment providers whose activities have a decisive influence in shaping a legitimate digital music business.

SEARCH ENGINES – A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY Search engines are the first port of call for many internet users looking for music online, and more than half of those accessing unlicensed services in the UK (51%) found those services through a search engine (Harris Interactive, Jan 2012). With no search engines taking effective steps to direct users to licensed services, consumers are often directed towards the illegal operators.

TACKLING ILLEGAL ONLINE BUSINESSES Disrupting pirate services is an essential part of the music industry’s campaign to support legitimate digital businesses.

In 2012, legal actions led to the closure of a number of highprofile sites and services – including leading cyberlocker service Megaupload and popular BitTorrent sites Demonoid and BTJunkie.

REDUCING PRE-RELEASE LEAKS A key part of IFPI’s role is to reduce the risk of music leaking online before it is released. Pre-release leaks hit an album or single at the most vulnerable point in their sales cycle, undermining labels’ marketing and promotion efforts. Record labels have improved how pre-release material is distributed internally during the build up to release while measures such as copy-protection, watermarking, alert systems to detect phishing emails and security guides for staff have all reduced leaks. Serious pre-release leaks are now less frequent as a consequence of these measures. Hacking remains a problem for music companies, however. The industry won a major case in 2012 after hackers obtained and distributed pre-release content. While such an approach has a significant impact, it remains an unsatisfactory and inefficient remedy to tackle massive online infringement.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 41

58 AFRICA 26 42 AFRICATELECOMS TELECOMS Issue Issue29 29

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

RANGE NETWORKS B David Burgess, CEO, Range Networks

illions of people throughout India, Africa and other areas of the world don’t have access to cellular services. Industries like mining, maritime, and oil suffer from inadequate communications. Government and law enforcement officials need communication solutions that are easy to deploy and cost efficient.

Traditional network solutions don’t meet the needs of these markets because they’re expensive, power hungry, and difficult to deploy.

Range Networks offers game-changing cellular infrastructure based on Internet standards and open-source software, and has the potential to turn this multi-billion dollar industry on its head.

In addition to the commercial cellular solutions based on OpenBTS, Range Networks is also the home of the OpenBTS public release (licensed under AGPLv3), a great tool for experimentation and education on 2G cellular protocols.

Range Networks have developed an open source software-defined radio implementation of the GSM Radio Network. The company has been funded by investors who want to help extend telecommunications to underserved populations and make a profit at the same time. Recently, Range received a boost from negative publicity about Huawei because its products compete with Huawei’s.

Issue Issue29 29 AFRICA AFRICATELECOMS TELECOMS 43 59 27

BIRTH OF A DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY Range Networks was founded in San Francisco in 2011 by David Burgess. The primary focus of the project arose from a long-term interest in low-cost mobile deployments in rural areas that had little or no infrastructure. The focus was on power and environmental systems. The network design was markedly different for the network and was aimed at smaller organisations that required little training.

The defining feature of Range Networks systems is the replacement of the conventional 2G/3G network’s SS7-MAP structure and all of its various components (MSCs, BSCs, TRAUs, SGSNs, etc.) with a more modern SIP network, but without any changes to the handsets.

This approach offers the following advantages: • much lower deployment costs (CAPEX), especially for small operators • much lower operating costs (OPEX), for carriers of all sizes • plug-in compatibility with existing SIP-based core networks • plug-in compatibility with future IMS core networks The key ingredient that makes this change possible is OpenBTS, a software-defined radio implementation of the GSM radio access network that presents normal GSM handsets as virtual SIP endpoints. In other words, through OpenBTS, any GSM handset appears as a SIP device, without the need for any special software on the phone. Significant cost savings from this approach are due to several factors: • For small networks, the core network hardware can be reduced to a single commodity server, or core network applications can even be run on excess resources in the base stations themselves.

The key ingredient that makes this change possible is OpenBTS, a software-defined radio implementation of the GSM radio access network...

• For larger networks, the core network hardware is based on commodity servers and IP routing equipment.

• Because all of the cellular network software runs on Linux and connects with commonly-used TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocols, the core network can even be virtualised and run in a “cloud” service, like Amazon’s EC2.

• All the proprietary software found in a conventional GSM network can be replaced with open-source applications like Apache, SIP Express Router and MySQL, eliminating recurring licensing fees.

• Because the new core network is based on IETF internet-age protocols, newly-graduated engineers and software developers do not require additional training to deal with archaic SS7 technologies.

Beyond cost savings, the conversion of the network from legacy telco protocols to Internet protocols gives the operator new opportunities to implement custom speech, text and USSD applications, using web service technologies like Apache and Ruby, or through cloud-based application platforms like Tropo or Twilio.

These applications can even be installed in individual cell sites to provide locally-tailored service.

Zambia – A Case Study Some of the first rollouts took place in Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia and Zambia. In the case of Zambia, The experimental cellular network was deployed in Southern Zambia. The initiative was in partnership with the Mobility Management and Networking Laboratory (Moment Lab) at UC Santa Barbara, which chose Range

44 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Networks Snap Network and OpenBTS software to provide voice and SMS service in the sprawling village of Macha. The team used the deployment to study rural cellular networks and serve as a proof-of-concept project for future deployments in Zambia and other remote regions.

As the average income of the community is around $1 per day, the network was set up as a free service, using open-source software, to study the feasibility of lowcost systems to potentially cover billions of people around the world without cellular access.

While commercial cellular providers covered parts of the village, large areas of the village and surrounding region had no communications infrastructure.

No traditional provider would offer service to the entire area, given its low population density and income levels.

By leveraging the Range software, it was possible to set up two sites covering a 35km2 area in two days.

The deployment provided the remote village with the capability of making and receiving local calls and sending and receiving local SMS text messages. Additionally, the network allowed for outgoing global calls and outgoing global SMS text messages on a trial basis.

The network uses free open-source software and generic wireless IP backbone, and operates as a self-contained local loop replacing the need for expensive cellular-grade interconnections, hardware and software. The low-power consumption incurred by the SNAP base stations further reduces the cost associated with power and maintenance.

Additionally, the network operates remotely and is maintained by local resources, reducing downtime. The Snap Network draws less than 35W of power – less than a typical laptop computer.

According to Mariya Zheleva, PhD student, UC Santa Barbara: “Networks such as this one can be used to improve healthcare, education and support of local businesses. Service for low-income, low-population density areas, such as this Zambian village, is now a possibility.”

Operators and Regulators As with any new low-cost offering that could threaten the revenues of established operators, the reaction of mobile operators has been

The deployment provided the remote village with the capability of making and receiving local calls and sending and receiving local SMS text messages.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 45

SIP/IP IP

IP NETWORK

Um

SIP/IP Open BTS RAN NODES surprising. For Burgess, the real question becomes “What should be the business model for doing this?”

In response to this, Range Networks suggests that organisations who choose to utilise the system look at a sub-licensing agreement of spectrum for the independent operators.

In terms of notoriously more difficult regulators across the continent, Burgess suggests that the regulators should be managed by groups in the countries where deployed. In a global sense, Burgess suggests there is certainly a move towards spectrum-leasing whereby companies rent out their airwaves but keep legal control. Currently in the US, the FCC has approved the proposals for spectrum-leasing as the pretext to encourage more use of currently-allocated spectrum.

Where the FCC leads, the World Follows For the FCC, spectrum leasing is part of the FCC’s secondary market initiatives designed to remove regulatory barriers and increase access to spectrum. Licensees that hold “exclusive use” licenses can lease spectrum to third parties using two different arrangements: 1) Spectrum Manager and 2) de facto Transfer.

In October 2003, the FCC announced rules permitting spectrum-leasing. At the same time, the FCC established streamlined processing procedures for reviewing and approving spectrum-leasing arrangements (as well as license assignments and transfers).

In September 2004, the FCC amended the spectrum-leasing rules to allow immediate processing for certain types of spectrum-leasing arrangements (as well as license assignments and transfers). These changes removed the public notice comment period altogether for certain spectrum-leasing arrangements.

Spectrum Manager leases are one of two leasing arrangements allowed under the FCC’s rules. The other arrangement is called de facto Transfer.

Under the Spectrum Manager arrangement, the licensee must retain both de jure control and de facto control over the spectrum that is leased.

There are two types of Spectrum Manager leases: 1) a short-term lease, which has an individual or combined-term of not longer than one year, and 2) a long-term lease, which has an individual term, or a series of combined terms, of more than one year.

The term of a lease cannot exceed the term of the license authorisation (but can be extended at the time the licensee renews its license authorisation).

De facto Transfer leases are one of two leasing arrangements allowed under the FCC’s rules. The other arrangement is called spectrum manager.

46 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

SIP

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

IP INTERNET GATEWAY

INTERNET SIP

PTSN GATEWAY SIP

SIP-I/SS7 SQL

PTSN SIP-I/SS7

SIP SUBSCRIBER REGISTRY

SIPDIAMETER/SS7-MAP MESSAGING SERVER

PLMN

SQL SMPP/SS7-MAP

Under the de facto Transfer arrangement, the licensee retains de jure control of the license while transferring de facto control of the leased spectrum and the associated rights to the spectrum lessee for a defined period of time.

There are two types of de facto Transfer leases: 1) a short-term lease, which has an individual or combined term of not longer than one year and 2) a long-term lease, which has an individual term, or a series of combined terms, of more than one year.

The term of a lease cannot exceed the term of the license authorisation (but can be extended at the time the licensee renews its license authorisation).

Whether the African regulators will have the foresight to look at spectrum leasing, let alone adopt such initiatives, remains to be seen, but this is without a doubt a solution to allow innovation to blossom across the continent.

However, currently, according to Burgess, there remains slow adoption in Africa due to these regulator constraints. Over the coming 18 months, Range Networks plans to grow to larger projects and larger deployments.

The Range Networks Solution The Range Network solution operates on Radio Access Network (RAN) and connects via RAN to a network core. The Radio Access Network interconnects to the core through SIP networks and plugs directly into IP networks. This provides VoIP to anyone connected to the RAN.

Components of a Full Scale OpenBTS Network Figure 1 shows a full-scale OpenBTS network with complete integration into the Internet, PSTN and legacy PLMN. Not all components are necessary for all deployments. In small deployments, all of these components can be run inside one of the OpenBTS units to give a complete “network in a box”.

Figure 1: Full-scale Open BTS Network In Figure 1, the outside networks are: • Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN): This is the conventional global wireline telephone network, based on SS7. Connections to this network are required to place and receive telephone calls.

• Public Land-Mobile Network (PLMN): This is the conventional global cellular network. The PLMN is similar to the PSTN, but includes features to support handset mobility (the “MAP”). Connections to this network are required to support cellular roaming.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 47

• Internet: This includes private, managed, bi-lateral connections between operators using Internet technology. Connection to the Internet is required to support data services like webbrowsing and email. It can also be used to route telephone calls and text messaging to outside gateway operators with their own connections to the PSTN and PLMN.

RAN Nodes The subscriber radio interface of each RAN node is the GSM “Um” interface2. This is the radio interface used by the cellular handsets and the same interface presented by conventional 2G and 2.5G networks. On its network interface, the RAN node uses SIP/RTP for call signaling and SIP for mobility management and SMS. Each RAN node includes a local SIP switch for local call connection and to support “trunking” between cell sites and the core network.

Subscriber Registry (SR) The SR is the network’s SIP registry, like a conventional SIP registry, but augmented to support mobility and authentication functions associated with GSM. The SR is essentially a database server with an interface for processing SIP REGISTER methods and, optionally, SS7MAP and/or DIAMETER interfaces into the PLMN (for roaming support). OpenBTS units communicate with the SR via SIP. Other network elements access the SR directly with SQL. Pieces of the SR are also cached locally in the RAN nodes to reduce network traffic and to allow the RAN nodes to switch calls locally in the event of a backhaul failure.

For sites backhauled by satellite, operators can achieve considerable bandwidth savings through ‘trunking’.

PSTN Gateway The PSTN Gateway is a gateway device used to originate and terminate PSTN/PLMN calls. It can also be used as a central switch for inter-BTS calls. The PSTN Gateway communicates with OpenBTS units using SIP/RTP, and communicates with outside networks using SIP, SIP-I or SS7-TCAP as required. The PSTN Gateway is implemented using an existing SIP switch with an ISDN/SS7 gateway function3. Some networks might contain multiple PSTN Gateway units, for added capacity, for redundancy, or to provide special-case support for legally-required services like emergency calls or lawful intercept.

Messaging Server (MS) The MS serves the same role as the SMSC in a GSM network. It has no equivalent in most VoIP networks. The MS communicates with OpenBTS using SIP/SIMPLE and communicates with conventional SMSCs using SS7-MAP or SMPP. Other internet messaging protocols, like XMPP, can also be supported. Like the SR, the MS is essentially a database server wrapped with a set of protocol interfaces.

Internet Gateway The purpose of the Internet gateway is to bind IP addresses to GPRS data sessions on the handsets. Its function is the same as that of a GGSN, but it is implemented using much simpler Linux IP routing features.

48 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

NETWORK INTEGRATION Connecting to the PSTN Integration into the PSTN is the same as for any VoIP network via an SS7 or ISDN gateway function in the PSTN Gateway. For small carriers, this service can be purchased from a commercial VoIP carrier, in which case the PSTN Gateway is just a SIP switch.

Connecting to the Legacy PLMN (SMS and Roaming Support) Integration into the PLMN is similar to integration into the PSTN, but with the addition of the mobile application part (MAP) in the SS7 interface on the PSTN Gateway. With this interface, the OpenBTS network appears as a conventional roaming partner to other cellular carriers.

Connecting to 4G IMS Networks Because OpenBTS is SIP-based, it is a natural fit into next-generation IMS core networks. A SR is required to translate between 2G SIM and 3G/4G USIM authentication procedures, but speech and SMS transactions are performed directly with the IMS servers. This compatibility allows network operators to operate Range Networks 2G (and future 3G) cell sites in the same core network as their 4G LTE equipment. This mixed-mode operation allows operators to abandon their legacy 2G/3G core networks (and associated licensing and maintenance OPEX) while still running 2G and 3G RANs in those areas where 4G service is not economically justified.

Small Networks and Rapid Deployment Because OpenBTS allows GSM handsets to be used directly with Asterisk, a SIP PBX that is reasonably easy to configure and operate, it can provide network-in-a-box solutions that are much less complex and much more user-friendly than solutions based on more conventional cellular technology. In these deployments, PSTN speech calling can be provided through nearly any SIP-based VoIP carrier, or combined speech and SMS service is available through Voxeo’s Tropo application servers. Range Networks can provide preconfigured accounts and preprogrammed SIMs to simplify the use of these services.

Satellite-Backed Small Sites For sites backhauled by satellite, operators can achieve considerable bandwidth savings through “trunking”, in which audio channels are combined to reduce per-packet overhead in the UDP/IP link. This trunking can be combined with low-rate speech codecs to achieve additional bandwidth savings. Additionally, OpenBTS consumes little/ no bandwidth when calls are inactive (traditional BTS’s consumer 20+ kbps in idle mode). Range Networks can provide products, services and expertise to configure and operate these trunks and interface them to VoIP services.

Mixed 2G/3G/4G Networks Range Networks supports 2.5G today and will soon support 3G UMTS, 4G LTE (E-UTRA) and 2.75G (EDGE). Although these technologies have very different air interfaces, in their Range Networks realizations, the core network is always the same. This means that a greenfield carrier can start with a simple 2G network and over time develop a mixed 2G-3G-4G system, using whatever technology is best adapted to particular sites. Core network upgrades are just capacity upgrades, replacing existing servers with more or faster processors as the traffic volume increases, or incremental upgrades to provide new features, like MMS, as they become available.

Range Networks is defining the technology that will serve the world’s next billion cellular subscribers, a population that cannot be served profitably or sustainably with conventional approaches. Founded by the creators of OpenBTS Range Networks is bringing a new vision to the cellular world with a flexible architecture based on commercial open source software.

David Burgess concludes that “In partnering with universities like UC Santa Barbara, we have enabled communication in remote communities around the globe, bringing affordable cellular service to those disconnected from each other and the rest of the world.” AT

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 49

IFA 2013 Berlin Highlights

50 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

s it does every year, Berlin was home to the 2013 IFA exhibition at its giant Messe exhibition grounds. Africa Telecoms attended the event and provide you with a sneak preview of what the future holds for the coming year for tech products, and what we can expect to see on our shores in the months and years to come.

The major tech companies were out in force, allowing us an opportunity to assess the highlights and lows of this mega event. In many ways, the two winners duking it out for top honours at the show were Sony and Samsung, both of which unveiled new products and upgrades of older models. As always, Apple were noticeable by their absence. The theme, from the products showcased and running throughout the event, can be summed up easily: Wearable tech is now here and about to go mainstream, and phones with mega-screens will loom large for the foreseeable future – and will only get larger with each evolution.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 51

With the Messe exhibition grounds serving as the playground for Europe’s largest tech event, the concrete behemoth was a fitting canvas for the shiniest and flashiest that the tech world had to offer. Amidst all the razzle and dazzle, the serious side of the tech industry paraded what we can expect on our wrists, in our pockets and on our desks that will transform our lives and continue the tech revolution.

So let’s move on to the obvious winners at this year’s event – Sony and Samsung.

SONY Sony kicked off IFA 2013, with its President and CEO Kazuo Hirai presiding, at its much-anticipated press conference on Day 1 of the event. Hirai opened the keynote with a brief overview of his remit as CEO and major transformations taking place at the Japanese company and its products. His emphasis, although on the electronics arm of the company, made sure to include Sony entertainment and financial services sectors.

In terms of the consumer electronics sector, Hirai highlighted two areas that now will drive all Sony products: firstly, innovation, quality and engineering excellence and secondly, the consumer focus of all the products with simple functionality and intuitive usability. In other words, Sony want to carve out the niche with every other cutting-edge manufacturer, with elegant simplicity. So nothing new there, really.

Regarding products showcased at the presentation, Hirai kicked off proceedings with digital imaging, or “cameras”.

52 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

IFA 2013

XPERIA Z1 The keynote swiftly moved through the gamut of Sony products with the crowning glory being the unveiling of Sony’s Xperia Z1. According to Hirai, the Z1 is the culmination of all Sony departments working as one to promote innovation and functionality. So what differentiates the Z1 from other smartphones in this increasingly crowded marketplace?

For starters, the Z1 is the latest incarnation of Sony’s Xperia Z Android devices family. Equipped with one of the highest megapixel cameras on any smartphone (20.7 megapixel camera with Sony Exmor RS for mobile image sensor) and a splash of waterproofing, and the combination of form and function begins to distinguish itself from other phones on the market.

Add Sony’s QX100 & QX10 clip-on lenses (also useable via NFC and Wifi within range) and you are left with a very powerful imaging device that will leave Sony’s competitors in its wake.

The addition, the lenses give picture quality equivalent to the Cybershot RX 100, though captured on a smartphone.

With a 5.0-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display with X-Reality™ for mobile picture engine, packing 323 pixels per inch with 720 pixel resolution, the phone’s display is exceptionally crisp and clear.

From a technical point of view, Z1 is the first handset to sport Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processor, running at 2.2 GHz with 2GB of RAM, with 16GB of flash

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 53

memory (4GB firmware, plus 12GB of internal storage) seems on the low side for a device marketed on its image-capturing and video qualities, and one that is the top-of-line device for Sony, but an expansion slot for a microSD™ card takes the storage up to an acceptable 64GB. The phone weighs in at 170g, almost 25% heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S4, yet feels more solid as a result of the device’s one-piece aluminium frame, the bulk of the weight coming from the 3,000mAh battery.

On top of this impressive hardware, Sony has packed the phone with proprietary software such as ‘Social Live’ that allows you to broadcast directly from Xperia camera directly to Facebook, allowing friends to see exactly what the device is seeing in real time, and ‘Info-eye’ that serves as an augmented reality application built directly into the phone. Other memorable features include ‘Timeshift burst’, and PlayMemories Online.

On the audio and entertainment side, the phone packs the usual applications for all social media, video and audio playback with the added bonus that Sony has properties that include movies, gaming and music. With music applications building on the iconic Walkman name, this is where the phone and Sony itself can ultimately distinguish themselves from their peers, as currently no other phone manufacturer can boast entertainment content of the depth and quality of Sony. Watch out for the company to really begin leveraging these assets for the benefit of its mobile business, including PlayStation mobile services.

The Xperia Z1 is the fulcrum where Sony’s content and hardware meet in a single device that will then be augmented by new innovations such as wearable tech.

With the launch of SmartWatch 2, Sony was the first major manufacturer to launch

54 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

a smartwatch. The SmartWatch 2 is Sony’s second stab at the wearable tech market.

At around R2 000, the SmartWatch 2 is almost a thousand rand cheaper than its closest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Gear (R2 999). From a consumer perspective, this is a significant price difference. Having said that, the Galaxy Gear does pack some additional features, including a camera, a speaker and a microphone, which are not available on the SmartWatch.

In terms of audio quality, this is certainly an area where Sony’s expertise remains to be stretched to produce a smartphone that can compare with the HTC Beats series. The Xperia Z1 remains an average performer in this regard and is certainly one of the let-downs of the device.

Otherwise, Sony’s hero product is slick, stylish and sexy. Whether this will be enough to make a dent in either Apple’s or Samsung’s market-share domination remains to be seen, but on quality, performance and innovation, the Xperia Z1 should lead the pack. Couple this with Sony’s full suite of content entertainment services and suddenly the Xperia Z1 becomes a watershed moment for the company.

SAMSUNG With Samsung currently sparring with its only close competitor, Apple, and Apple not in attendance at IFA, Samsung came into IFA 2013 as the market leader in the Android smartphone marketplace and in smartphones in general. Wielding a staggering 30.4% market-share in Q2 2013 and 72.4 million devices sold in the same quarter, as reported by IDC, this was a 43.9% increase from the same period

IFA 2013

12 months earlier. In the same period, Strategy Analytics reported for the same quarter that Samsung had overtaken Apple to become the world’s most profitable mobile phone company. On the back of the unmitigated success of the Galaxy range, Samsung went into the IFA 2013 with the confidence of the market leader in the smartphone sector and with some major announcements to add to its current Galaxy portfolio. Speculation was rife before the event that the company was ready to announce its own wearable tech offering. They did not disappoint.

Samsung Unpacked – Episode 2 On the same day as the Sony presentation, Samsung was presenting its second episode of the Unpacked series. Episode 1 was the launch for the Galaxy S4 in New York back in March. This instalment, as expected, presented three new Galaxy devices, the Galaxy Note 3 phablet, an updated Galaxy Note 10.1 slate and the brand-new Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

The Note 3 brings a huge 5.7” Super AMOLED 1080p display, and, as with the Xperia Z1, runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800, and offers a new 13 Megapixel camera capable of 4K video recording.

A perfect blend of form and function, the S-Pen distinguishes the Note 3 from anything else on the market and moves the stylus from a redundant novelty to a very useful and workable piece of kit. The S-Pen applications such as Air Command, Action Memo, Scrapbook and S-Finder are all great tools with simple ease of use for the S-Pen. The updated Note 10.1 comes with 10.1-inch WQXGA (2560x1600px) SuperClear

LCD display and also runs on the nippy Snapdragon 800 chipset with the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS keeping everything running at a smooth and steady pace. The S-Pen functionality has also been greatly improved, making the Note 10.1 a greatly improved device from its previous incarnation.

The final piece of Samsung’s presentation was also the most widely anticipated.

The Galaxy Gear smartwatch cemented Samsung’s entry into the wearable tech marketplace. The device runs on a custom-built Exynos 800MHz CPU and is a companion to the Galaxy phones and phablets. At the time of print, the Gear is only compatible with the Note 3, but Samsung will be opening this up to more of the Galaxy family.

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 55

More Specs for the watch include:

• 800MHz Exynos CPU

• Android 4.2.2

• 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display at 320 x 320 resolution

• 1.9MP camera with BSI sensor

• 720p video recording and playback

• Featured apps from Atooma, Banjo, Evernote, Glympse, eBay, Line, MyFitnessPal, Path, Pocket, RunKeeper, TripIt and Vivino

• Samsung Apps and ChatON messaging service

• 2 microphones, 1 speaker

• Bluetooth 4.0 and LE

• Accelerometer, Gyroscope

• 4GB on-board storage

• 512MB RAM

• 315mAh battery

• Additional features - Smart Relay, S Voice, Auto Lock, Find My Device, Media Controller, Pedometer, Stopwatch, Timer, Safety assistance So, how does the Galaxy Gear stack up on initial testing? For starters, the price point is very high for product that cannot serve as a stand-alone device, but only as an accompaniment to a Galaxy smartphone or phablet. In terms of design and overall

56 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

look and feel on the wrist, the product is certainly where it needs to be in terms of design and form. The real issues arise from the functionality of the product that, on first testing, is very cumbersome and in some cases just downright difficult to use.

These include sharing photos taken on the Gear, as is the process of managing the apps available for the device.

When you have other wearable tech such as the Pebble and Sony SmartWatch at considerably lower price points and as in the case of the Pebble works with any Android-run device, and functions more intuitively than the Gear, Samsung has a lot of work to do to make the Gear a competitive product in the small but rapidly exploding wearable tech sector.

With regard to the wearable tech market, no players currently have managed to put forward a truly innovative game-changing product. Whether this again will be Apple’s opportunity to bide their time and eventually launch product with the ability to get a smartwatch on the wrists of millions, we eagerly await. It might be Google Glass that disrupts the marketplace, but with so few available for testing, that judgement is reserved until we can get our hands on a device. For the time being, and from what is currently available, the latest generation of wearable tech comes across as gimmicky and falls short of any genuine innovation. It is a matter of putting the cart before the horse releasing product to market before competitors, but ultimately releasing products which appeal to the eye but do not satisfy the technology heart. AT

IFA 2013

The Best of the Rest

Miss IFA presents the first IFA Product Highlights Miss IFA presents 1) Panasonic – 4K 20“ Tablet 2) Grundig Radio – TR 2200 DAB+ glossy red 3) Sennheiser electronic 4) Grundig Intermedia GmbH – refrigerator GKN 16830 X 5) Philips GmbH – Fidelio

1

4

2

3

5

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 57

Africa Telecoms chats with Jerome Van Der Putt, Chief Commercial Officer, SAT ADSL Please provide an overview of the services and reach of SatADSL across Africa?

SatADSL offers professional internet access services by satellite over sub-Saharan Africa. SatADSL’s typical customers are corporates whose headquarters are well served with proper telecommunication services but need ubiquitous, reliable yet affordable communications means to connect their remote offices and subsidiaries to be able to offer the same level of service in their remote offices as in the big cities. SatADSL has lately completed its offer with low-cost volume-based entry-level services targeting SoHos. Then, shared services with capped monthly volumes target the remote offices of the corporates. And finally, more traditional unlimited contended services target more demanding applications.

What is particularly unique about SatADSL’s network and what is the service-delivery platform that distinguishes SatADSL from its competitors?

SatADSL is able to offer three different types of services with corresponding pricing, to different target markets, on the same technological platform: the same end-user terminal – with a one-metre-only antenna – can be used for any of these services.

SatADSL’s local distributors can easily switch from one service to another, according to the current need of its customers.

SatADSL has also developed a unique Customer Management Tool (CMT) which is a complete application platform specifically designed for the local partner distributor: the CMT provides the latter with a full set of features that allows him to monitor, control and manage his fleet of terminals.

SatADSL has put a special focus on very responsive customer support, which provides its local distributors with immediate and accurate answers to any technical question or problem.

In addition to the standard typical internet access service list, specific requirements from end-users are welcome and SatADSL is happy to develop on-measure services for specific applications such as back-up, ATM, or any mix of forward and return combination 58 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

according to the end-user’s needs.

SatADSL’s growth and expansion has been very rapid and deployment in sub-Saharan Africa has grown to 17/18 countries.

What are the company’s goals over the coming 12 months to continue its growth?

SatADSL has substantially increased its commercial team with the objective to be as close as possible to covering 30 sub-Saharan countries by end of 2014. Further on, all of Africa will be covered.

ISP and VSAT operators are your primary clients and distributors.

Can you please tell us what are the main challenges facing SatADSL in this market and with these clients, if any?

SatADSL goes to the African market through the co-operation with its local distributors, who are expected to have a combined knowledge of their local market, competition and VSAT technology and who must hold both ISP and VSAT licenses. The challenge is to find distributors who have the same entrepreneurial spirit as ours, who partner with us on a long-term basis and add value to our offering.

Another challenge is getting the terminals from Europe to the end-user at the best price. We have improved a lot on logistics since we started some years ago and we are currently working on additional solutions to keep local stocks in strategic locations in Africa.

Where do you see primary growth areas for satellite services in Africa in the next 5 years?

Whereas fibre availability has created quite a buzz in Africa lately, and if the price of the mbps has indeed dropped dramatically, reliability and ubiquity are not high on the fibre feature list. So, if we expect terrestrial connections – including fibre – to gradually grab the market in the main cities in Africa, there will always be a huge need to have professional yet affordable connections for remote sites, which can only be delivered by satellite.

What regulatory challenges/issues do you face across the continent and can you please provide some specific examples?

Q&A

We struggled at the beginning with regulatory issues, notably in Ivory Coast when end-users were blocked and could not get the proper authorisations. Africa shows a very contrasting picture regarding the regulations: some countries have similar rules as we have in Europe – liberal and open – other countries are still far from being liberalised and in-between there is also quite a large grey zone, where the regulatory environment leaves a lot of space for interpretation and “friendly relationships”, so to speak.

Nigeria, for instance, has really liberalised its telecommunications environment: ISP and VSAT licenses are cheap (around $ .500 each annually) and easy to obtain. This has created a tremendously active market, with a lot of healthy competition, which keeps prices low for the end-user, among a profusion of offering.

In other countries such as Congo Brazzaville, the regulations do still confuse big traditional VSATs (C-band and high-cost dedicated services) with the most low-cost micro-VSAT technology used by SatADSL meant at bridging the digital divide and bringing internet connectivity to the masses. As a consequence, the cost for licences for micro-VSAT systems is prohibitive: this type of service based on micro-VSAT technology should benefit from a more logical blankettype of license instead of the current high annual fee per VSAT installed.

However, we have seen the regulatory situation improving a lot in Africa during the past 10 years, also thanks to the Global Vsat Forum (GVF) efforts.

Can you please provide us with an SatADSL model/case study, which can be used as an example or template for the rest of the continent, that highlights the benefits of the company’s services?

As an example, we offer our services to a financial institution in West Africa, carrying out local and international money transfer activities. With our service, and the support of our skilled local partners, this company has found a perfect mix of reliable, professional and affordable service – offered at a flat fee, all-included – to connect and expand their large and scattered network of sometimes

very remotes offices. There are many types of organisations with a central office located in the main city running an important number of remote offices which need to be connected to the central servers with transactional traffic, and for which traditional VSAT are too expensive and mobile connections are not adapted.

How to find on-the-ground technical support and skill sets across the continent? Does it vary from country to country or is there an ample skills pool in Africa?

See answer to Q4. There is definitely in Africa an endless pool of experienced and skilled VSAT installers. However, it remains quite a challenge to find the right partner who combines technical and commercial skills and who holds the necessary licenses.

And as a matter of fact, technical VSAT-related skills are widely available all over Africa.

What can the international telecoms community learn from your experiences in Africa, that can be exported to the rest of the world?

Maybe the strongest lesson is that no-one will ever impose its own rules to the African market and customers: on the contrary, one has to adapt to selling cycles longer than elsewhere, to the need to establish deep personal and trustful relationships, thanks to a strong local presence and frequent visits, to a specific way of setting-up and using business networks, etc. We love to do all that, and even if it is indisputably a school of patience, it is rewarding over the longer term.

Any other points to be raised?

When we started a few years back, there was almost no spare Kuband satellite capacity over Africa and competition was almost nonexistent. Today, there are loads of Ku-band satellites covering Africa.

This proves – for the still cold-minded – that Africa is an important market for satellite communications and also, it has forced us to define very well our positioning in high-end niche markets where our qualitative and flexible offering allows us to differentiate from competition. AT

Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 59

Africa Telecoms Events Calendar November 2013 – June 2014

november 12-14 AFRICA COM Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA

informa

Louisa Rogers: +44 (0)20 7017 51575

2014

february

11-13 9TH DIGITAL BROADCASTING SWITCHOVER FORUM Arusha, TANZANIA

cto

24-27 MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS Barcelona, SPAIN

GSMA

march 12-13 AITEC BANKING & MOBILE MONEY WEST AFRICA Lagos, NIGERIA

Helen Moroney: +44 148 088 0774

www.aitecafrica.com

24-26 7TH ANNUAL E-GOV AFRICA Munyono, UGANDA

cto

april 16-17 RWANDA ICT SUMMIT Kigali, RWANDA

Helen Moroney: +44 148 088 0774

www.aitecafrica.com

21-25 COMMONWEALTH CYBERSECURITY CONFERENCE Yaounde, CAMEROON

cto

23-24 CLOUD WORLD FORUM AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Denise Duffy: +44 20 3377 3136

informa

Denise Duffy: +44 20 3377 3136

informa

25-26 VAS AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA 60 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

CALENDAR

may 06-07 CLOUD WORLD FORUM AFRICA Johannesburg, SA

informa

Denise Duffy: +44 20 3377 3136

19-22 SATCOM AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Tarryn Volkwyn: +27 (0)11 516 4000

www.terrapinn.com

19-22 SUBMARINE NETWORKS WORLD AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Tarryn Volkwyn: +27 (0)11 516 4000

www.terrapinn.com

19-22 THE BROADCAST SHOW AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Tarryn Volkwyn: +27 (0)11 516 4000

www.terrapinn.com

20-21 EAST AFRICA COM Nairobi, KENYA

Denise Duffy: +44 20 3377 3136

informa

20-21 THE RURAL TELECOMS SHOW AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Tarryn Volkwyn: +27 (0)11 516 4000

www.terrapinn.com

june 11-12 CONNECTING WEST AFRICA Dakar, SENEGAL

informa

Denise Duffy: +44 20 3377 3136

11-13 MOBILE ASIA EXPO Shanghai, CHINA

GSMA

24-25 VAS AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

If you would like Africa Telecoms to add an event to the calendar, please contact info@3ipublishing.co.za

informa

Denise Duffy: +44 20 3377 3136

26-27 AITEC BANKING & MOBILE MONEY COMESA 2014 Nairobi, KENYA

Helen Moroney: +44 148 088 0774

www.aitecafrica.com Issue 29 AFRICA TELECOMS 61

ICT Jobs at your fingertips How To Apply Step 1: Visit www.careerjunction.co.za Step 2: Type the CJ Ref# in this box on the CareerJunction site and search.

Register free at www.careerjunction.co.za and create a professional online Resume!

Web Ref.

* Please note that Recruiters may expire/delete Job Ads at any time.

Account Representative

Analyst Programmer

South Africa (Western Cape)

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Western Cape)

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company Neg

Market Related Cost To Company Neg

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Application Support Administrator

CJ Ref# 1563838

CJ Ref# 1563650

Call Centre Manager

Bookkeeper / Administrator

Channel Manager

South Africa (Western Cape)

South Africa (Western Cape)

CJ Ref# 1563864

South Africa (Gauteng)

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company Incl Benefits

Market Related Cost To Company

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent junior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1565880

Database Administrator

Developer

Desktop Support Specialist

South Africa (Gauteng)

CJ Ref# 1562999

CJ Ref# 1563375

South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)

South Africa (Western Cape)

R50,000 - R55,000 Per Month Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company Neg

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position e in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1552488

CJ Ref# 1567303

CJ Ref# 1563139

Development Team Leader

Divisional Manager

EE Business Consultant

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Western Cape)

Market Related Cost To Company Neg

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Basic Plus Commission And Benefits

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1564192

CJ Ref# 1566844

CJ Ref# 1564015

EE Customer Experience Design Specialist

EE Digital Services Portfolio Manager

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent management level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1530694

EE Enterprise Risk Management Specialist South Africa (Gauteng)

CJ Ref# 1548641

for more jobs visit www.careerjunction.co.za

CJ Ref# 1565934

EE Finance Supervisor

EE Quality Manager

EE Senior Financial Reporting Specialist

South Africa (Eastern Cape)

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent management level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1566751

CJ Ref# 1563820

CJ Ref# 1565883

EE Solutions Architect / Account Manager

Field Sales Agent

Firmware Engineer

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

Market Related Cost To Company

R8,000 - R9,000 Per Month Basic Plus Commission And Benefits

R500,000 - R600,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Incl Benefits

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1565420

CJ Ref# 1562042

CJ Ref# 1565516

General Manager

IS Support Coordinator

IT Business Analyst

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

Market Related Cost To Company Incl Benefits Neg

Market Related Cost To Company Neg

Market Related Cost To Company

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent junior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1564177

CJ Ref# 1567320

CJ Ref# 1562129

Key Account Manager

Lead Associate / WFM

Management Accountant

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Western Cape)

South Africa (Gauteng)

R250,000 - R400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Incl Benefits

Market Related Cost To Company

R25,000 - R30,000 Per Month Cost To Company Neg

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1563708

CJ Ref# 1565524

CJ Ref# 1564171

Project Manager

National Account Manager

Outbound Telesales Agents

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Gauteng)

Market Related Cost To Company

R51 Per Hour Basic Salary

R22,000 - R27,000 Per Month Basic Salary

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent positionl in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1554210

CJ Ref# 1562900

CJ Ref# 1564367

QA Analyst

Qlikview developer / Reporting Specialist

Real Time Workforce Monitor

South Africa (Western Cape)

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Eastern Cape)

R367,000 - R496,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Incl Benefits

R25,000 - R30,000 Per Month Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1565528

CJ Ref# 1563216

CJ Ref# 1564233

Sales Agents

Senior Developer

Senior Digital Product Specialist

South Africa (Gauteng)

South Africa (Western Cape)

South Africa (Gauteng)

Market Related Cost To Company

Market Related Cost To Company Neg

Market Related Cost To Company

Contract skilled level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

Permanent senior level position in the Telecommunication industry.

CJ Ref# 1566069

CJ Ref# 1563863

CJ Ref# 1549197

LAST WORD

WHAT ON GOOGLE EARTH IS THE SEARCH ENGINE UP TO NOW??

With little fuss and fanfare, the Mountain View company has quietly been making some significant manoeuvrings over the past weeks. Activities began to pick up momentum on September 18th with the announcement that Google invested in Calico, a “new company that will focus on health and well-being, in particular the challenge of aging and associated diseases”. This follows Google’s 2007 investment into 23andMe, the DNA testing sevices company co-founded by Sergey Brin’s exwife, Anne Wojcicki. Calico will be headed by Apple Chairman Arthur Levenson.

According to Google CEO Larry Page, “Illness and aging affect all our families. With some longer term, moonshot thinking around healthcare and biotechnology, I believe we can improve millions of lives.”

“These issues affect us all – from the decreased mobility and mental agility that comes with age, to life-threatening diseases that exact a terrible physical and emotional toll on individuals and families. And while this is clearly a longer-term bet, we believe we can make good progress within reasonable timescales with the right goals and the right people.”

Then, on October 28th, Google-owned Motorola announced the birth of ARA on the official Motorola blog. The loss-making company acquired by Google in 2012, having had a quiet and uneventful 12 months, could be heralding the rationale for Google’s acquisition of Motoral Mobility by bringing the benefits of an open hardware ecosystem to billions around the world.

As the blog explains, “Led by Motorola’s Advanced Technology and Projects group, Project Ara is developing a free, open-hardware platform for creating highly modular smartphones. We want to do for hardware what the Android platform has done for software: create a vibrant third-party developer ecosystem, lower the barriers to entry, increase the pace of innovation, and substantially compress development timelines.

“Our goal is to drive a more thoughtful, expressive, and open relationship between users, developers, and their phones. To give you the power to decide what your phone does, how it looks, where and what it’s made of, how much it costs, and how long you’ll keep it. The design for Project Ara consists of what we call an endoskeleton (endo) and modules. The endo is the structural frame that holds all the modules in place. A module can be anything, from a new application processor to a new display or keyboard, an extra battery, a pulse oximeter – or something not yet thought of!”

64 AFRICA TELECOMS Issue 29

Things are clearly hotting up at the Googleplex, but as if that were not enough, another announcement was made on November 4th, and Google introduced Helpouts to an unsuspecting planet.

This is a simple yet potentially revolutionary concept. For Google, this is “a new way to get and give help over live video. The goal is simple: help people help each other … to use the convenience and efficiency of the web to enable everyone, no matter where they are or what time it is, to easily connect with someone who can help,” according to Google’s blog. It’s real help, from real people in real time.

At around the same time, the lucky few who are Google Glass Explorers found that a Google Glass Store had been opened selling a limited number of accessories for the wearable tech devices. Only available to those with the devices, it nevertheless signalled the start of creating a retail offering and mainstream adoption of Google’s futuristic device. … And to cap off all this Googlefrenzy and as if out of nowhere (and seemingly whilst everyone was dozing), Google secretly and ever-so-quietly began shipping into Area 3 of San Francisco Bay harbour (and in Portland, Maine) what appeared to be plain old shipping containers. So far, so dull. Not much of a story there. It was only upon closer inspection that the speculation began as to what on Google Earth the company was up to. From ocean-cooled data centres to Google Glass floating showrooms, rumours spread across the net like wildfire. A cryptic statement released by Google on November 6 explained the following: “Google Barge … A floating data centre? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above. Although it’s still early days and things may change, we’re exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology.”

So what can be made from these seemingly disconnected announcements and pronouncements from Google? Is there a link between them all that can give us a clue as to what the company is planning next? Not satisfied at controlling our daily search lives and interaction with the web, this could be the start of Google’s next major move to entrench itself in the very fabric of our lives, from birth, throughout our lives, and finally to our death, when we reach the end of this mortal coil. For any other organisation, such intrusion in every aspect of our lives could be seen as the realisation of an Orwellian nightmare. For the good folks at Google, however, it is seemingly just another day at the office. AT

DWFCOLL TWC516872

Smart Cities of tomorrow, today.

Successfully delivering Africa’s largest Smart City networks Inspired by the ‘Smart Cities’ concept, METROWIRED’S innovative and future-proofed commercial model seamlessly connects cities and offers key services to all municipal buildings connected to a MetroWired network, and enables digital inclusion through the provision of affordable broadband to the public.

MetroWired offers the market some of its expertise through its association with BWired, and enables Africa to realise true digital migration. The BWired Network in Johannesburg is a 940km open access fibreoptic cable network covering the city of Johannesburg and boasts world leading fibre optic technology.

THE WIRED CORPORATION

Innovative Creative Technologies

w w w. m e t r o w i r e d . c o . z a

AMOS-5 IS NOW IN AFRICA

Meet us at

AfricaCom

Spacecom, operator of the AMOS-5 satellite located at 17°E, delivers high-power pan-African C-band and Ku-band capacity with access to Europe and the Middle East, enabling services throughout the entire African continent.

With AMOS-2 and AMOS-3 co-located at 4˚W and serving Europe & the Middle East, AMOS-4 successfully launched to the 65°E orbital location, serving Asia and Russia, and AMOS-6 with Pan European coverage, scheduled for launch in 2015, Spacecom will further enhance its position as a multi-regional satellite operator.

November 12-14, 2013 Cape Town Stand # E07

E-mail: amos-info@amos-spacecom.com • Website: www.amos-spacecom.com