The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued formal approval for T-Mobile US and Sprint’s proposed merger, confirming it would green light the deal despite opposition from two of its five members.

In a statement, chairman Ajit Pai said the regulator had concluded the deal offered several benefits following a review lasting more than a year. Specifically, the FCC expects the merger to advance US leadership in 5G, help close the broadband gap in rural areas and increase competition.

He noted structural remedies put in place by the FCC would address competitive and pricing concerns.

The announcement of its formal approval followed a vote last month in which commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks objected to the deal.

In a fresh statement, Rosenworcel again blasted the decision, branding the merger “blatantly anticompetitive” and claiming it will “end a golden age in wireless that helped bring to market lower prices and more innovative services”.

Rosenworcel and Starks were among a number of politicians and critics which pressed the FCC to delay its vote to give the public time to comment on conditions imposed by the regulator and the Department of Justice in exchange for approval.

Sprint and T-Mobile still face a lawsuit from 16 attorney generals aiming to block the deal: a court case is due to begin on 9 December.

Source: mobileworldlive

Vodafone Ghana has appointed Haytham Ammar and Tawa Bolarian to its Senior Management team in line with a company strategy of charting a leadership path in innovation and creativity.

According to a statement issued in Accra on Monday, the appointments will provide leadership for the Enterprise and Finance functions of the business.

Haytham Ammar has been appointed Finance Director, and Tawa Bolarin has been appointed Director for the enterprise unit, Vodafone Business.

Haytham joins from Vodafone Egypt, where he held various leadership roles in Decision Support, Planning, Costing and Investor Relations. As Head of Decision Support, he drove key strategic projects including Egypt's 4G rollout, infrastructure agreements and cost efficiency programmes. Haytham is a Certified Management Accountant (CIMA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting and Finance from Helwan University, Egypt.

Tawa Bolarian joins with 15-years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, having previously held leadership roles in multinational companies including Bharti Airtel Nigeria, British Telecom, MTN and Virgin Media (UK). She is a Chartered Marketer and has an MBA from the University of Westminster.

Commenting, Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive of Vodafone Ghana said, “We are privileged to have Haytham and Tawa join our Senior Management team. Their extensive experience and deep knowledge will be very critical in the further growth of the Ghana business.

"I am without doubt that they will support in taking the company to the next level as we pursue a strategy that will ensure an exciting digital future for our customers," she added.

Source: www.biztechafrica.com

Mobile and IoT solutions provider Workz Group and Econet Zimbabwe have announced a deal that will see them offer Zimbabwean subscribers network connectivity via embedded SIM devices such as the iPhone XS/XR/11 and Microsoft Surface Pro X. Users will now be able to connect to Econet’s network without a physical SIM. The announcement follows the completion of successful network trials using Workz technology with a market launch expected in the coming months.

Markets and Markets has estimated that the eSIM market will grow from nearly $300 million in 2018 to over $1 billion by 2023 with hyper-adoption expected following the launch of several new consumer eSIM devices from the likes of Apple and Samsung and several more manufacturers planning to follow suit. The collaboration between Workz and Econet is expected to make Zimbabwe only the second country in Africa to adopt the next-generation SIM technology.

Workz, which was recently recognised by a market report from Counterpoint as one of the world’s leaders in eSIM technology, has launched similar projects across North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East in the past 12 months. The company is the first GSMA-certified full eSIM provider in the Middle East and Africa and one of only six in the world to carry such an accreditation.

Commenting on the partnership, Tor Malmros, Managing Director of the Middle East and Africa for Workz Group said: “We are proud to work with our long-term partners Econet on another highly innovative project. We expect eSIM technology will make a significantly positive impact on people’s lives, and we hope Econet Zimbabwe subscribers can start enjoying this enhanced experience very soon.”

Rufaro Nelson, the project lead for Econet Zimbabwe added: “This is yet another ground-breaking initiative which serves to enhance the Econet customer experience. For this project, we have had the benefit of working with a strong local partner in Workz, which with the support of their incredible technical team has allowed us to complete comprehensive development and testing in a highly efficient timeframe. Together, we look forward to being the first to bring this new technology to Zimbabwe and Econet subscribers in the very near future.”

Source: www.biztechafrica.com

Employees of one of the world leading telecoms and technology service providers, Vodafone Group will now be enjoying 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave following the introduction of a new global policy, designed to support families by giving every parent the opportunity to have more time with children new to their family.

This means that any employee whose partner is having a baby, adopts a child or becomes a parent through surrogacy will have the flexibility to take up to 16 weeks' paid leave at any time during the first 18 months.

With the introduction of this new global policy, Vodafone workers globally will also be able to phase their return from parental leave by working the equivalent of a 30-hour week at full pay for a further six months.

According to a statement released by the group on it official website, the new global parental leave policy further underlines Vodafone’s strong commitment to diversity and gender equality and will make a significant difference to thousands of Vodafone employees, particularly in countries where there is little or no legal requirement to give equal support for both parents.

“In March 2015, Vodafone pioneered a global maternity policy, offering women across Vodafone’s markets and operations a minimum of 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave and a 30-hour week at full pay for the first six months after their return to work,” it stated.

In 2017, Vodafone launched the ReConnect programme to attract talented women who have left the workplace for several years – often to raise a family – who want to return to work but are struggling to make the professional connections needed or refresh the skills required.

“Vodafone believes that the opportunities and promise of a better digital future should be accessible to all, and is committed to ensuring that the more vulnerable are not left behind on the journey to that future. Through our technology, we are working to bridge the divides that exist and help people to contribute equally and fully to society,” the statement said.

“By becoming the world’s best employer for women by 2025 – we will help thousands of women to progress their careers, stimulating lost economic activity for the benefit of all,” it added.

Source: www.biztechafrica.com