In the continued drive for innovation in cost-effective rural coverage MTN is pleased to announce that it has deployed over 200 commercial rural sites across its footprint, using OpenRAN technology.

MTN is amongst the pioneers of OpenRAN – the technology which enables operators to achieve cost-effective deployments allowing for greater connectivity to previously unconnected areas.

MTN is projecting to deploy more than 5,000 sites in rural areas across its 21 operations, bringing 2G, 3G and 4G connectivity to areas that were previously unconnected. In order to realise this goal, MTN will rely on an ecosystem of partners who will bring their expertise to build and maintain the sites, utilising a full turnkey approach.

“Our Group Technology team has been pioneering OpenRAN, concluding field trials in Zambia in 2018 and deploying commercial sites from the beginning of 2019. We focus on creating viable new RAN solutions alongside the traditional deployments of network technology suppliers in order to accelerate the rural expansion in our markets,” said Rob Shuter, MTN Group President and CEO.

MTN operations in Uganda and Guinea Conakry are already benefiting from this technology, as MTN has also partnered with the likes of VANU, Parallel Wireless and NuRAN Wireless to deliver the technology.

As one of the foremost members of the Telecom Infrastructure Project (TIP), MTN carries out solution testing on all hardware and software elements at its state-of-the-art head office in Johannesburg, South Africa. The TIP initiative aims to define 2G, 3G and 4G RAN solutions based on general-purpose, vendor-neutral hardware and software-defined technology.

By continuing to accelerate innovation through initiatives such as OpenRAN, MTN continues to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world, solidifying its position as a leading mobile operator in the market.

Source: www.biztechafrica.com

Social media giant Facebook is scheduled to host its first ever Facebook iD8 conference on African soil.

The event to be held in Kenya's capital Nairobi seeks to connect Facebook with African developers.

African developers have been flying to San Francisco, US to attend the annual boot-camp that is gathering momentum across the world.

Last Month, Facebook held such camps in Sao Paulo, Berlin and New York.

It will bring together developers and startups from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa to share the company’s latest technology and products to showcase and celebrate talent from across the region, whilst sharing their developer journey’s.

It will also feature hands-on demonstrations and discussions with Facebook product experts who will provide guidance to developers and help unblock challenges in their development process.

''Facebook iD8 is an opportunity for us to connect face-to-face with developers and share the latest technology and product updates as well as offer attendees an opportunity to share where they are in their journey,'' Facebook's Communication Manager for East Africa Janet Kemboi told Biztech Africa.

"Topics for the programme range from AR/VR, Messenger, Social Commerce and more. Facebook iD8 is a two-way dialogue where we have a chance to hear about your experiences, learn about your challenges and roadblocks and, provide an opportunity for you to connect with other members of our shared community that may face similar challenges."

Emeka Afigbo, Facebook Global Head of Developer Programs is among keynote speakers expected to grace the Nairobi meet.

Source: www.biztechafrica.com

Telecommunication giants, MTN Ghana has celebrated its valued customers at the 2019 edition of the Yello Soirée in Accra.

The Soiree, last on the company’s calendar is to show appreciation and deepen relationship with its numerous customers.

The customers were treated to a night of good music and dance as well as series of activities that saw some lucky customers presented with exciting gifts such as iPhone 11 pro, Samsung Galaxy S10 plus, Samsung Note 10 plus and other MTN souvenirs.

Customers who celebrated their birthdays on the day were also surprised with birthday cakes, smartphones, and champagne.

The Customer Relations Executive of MTN Ghana, Mrs. Jemima Kotei Walsh said the Yello Soiree is to thank the customers for keeping them in business.

Also, she said the soirée is an opportunity to seek feedback to enhance their products and services and customer experience.

Mrs. Kotei Walsh stated that, the 19th edition of the Yello Soiree initiated in 2015 has been organized in other cities including Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho, Koforidua.

“The feedback has been very positive and we believe our customers and we are very happy to celebrate them” she added.

The MTN Customer Relations Executive noted that, they continue to invest in their network to enhance service and bring great internet experience to their valued customers.

Mrs. Kotei Walsh added that, customers are the central part of MTN’s operations so “once our customers are happy, we are happy”.

Source: myjoyonline.com

The Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) Ghana, is working closely with the Police to set up a Forensic Laboratory to effectively tackle falsehoods and smear campaigns being promoted on social media networks.

Mr. Abdul-Majeed Rufai, Senior Manager, MTN Mobile Financial Services, Commercial disclosed saying "we are buying equipment to be used for this Laboratory" to help the Police to monitor, detect, track, arrest and publish the names of persons who embark on such campaigns.

Mr Rufai said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the launching of Mobile Money (MoMo)Poultry Value Chain Project and Exhibition Programme at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region.

The programme was attended by the three Chief Executives of the Dormaa Central Municipal, Dormaa West and East Districts, the leadership of the Poultry Farmers Association at Dormaa-Ahenkro, poultry farmers, traders, traditional rulers, students and the public.

He stated the falsehood being peddled had the tendency to threaten national security because of the potential to create political tension that could lead to election violence, stressing since "election year is fast approaching, culprits will not be spared".

Mr Rufai explained the setting up of the Laboratory was primarily necessitated by a WhatsApp audio post which went viral, suggesting the Company's MoMo services were shutdown following the xenophobic attacks which occurred in South Africa about a couple of months ago.

He said that forced MTN to embark on massive public education to sensitise the public and therefore cautioned "our valued customers" about the need to be alert against such negative perceptions created by mischievous persons against the MoMo services and the MTN brand.

"A lot of customers had to queue at the various agent points to withdraw their monies. We were compelled to do education to allay the fears of the public on that false information", Mr Rufai indicated.

He added the company was determined to win back the confidence of its customers and the public with the quality of its products and services on offer.

"We dished out 10 cars to customers, television sets and lots of money to customers. A company which is down cannot do all these things. MoMo is here to stay" Mr Rufai emphasised.

Source: GNA