Enhancing connectivity in Africa is crucial in unlocking revenue on the continent and improving lives. Overcoming myriad connectivity challenges requires new strategies that include network partnerships, multi-vendor solutions and solutions that leverage legacy infrastructure.
Africa’s GDP could leap by $712 billion by 2050 if it can solve its connectivity gap and leverage new technologies. To do so, mobile network operators (MNOs) must:
- Improve network efficiency and interoperability.
- Deliver new services and technologies.
In recent years, Squire Technologies has been working on projects across Africa. Our 5G Interworking Function (IWF) is deployed in South Africa, enabling MVNO creation over multigeneration networks. In Rwanda, we’ve deployed our Mirus messaging platform to extend mobile financial services to citizens. Furthermore, we’ve worked with partners to provide new mobile offers in several nations.
Each project is another step towards closing Africa’s connectivity gap, and we’re thrilled to help.
Multi-generation networks
Operators continue to deploy 5G, understanding that mass adoption will unlock considerable revenue. However, 5G require a 4G fallback, and the complexity of combining 4G, 5G and entrenched legacy networks creates network problems.
Poorly maintained multigeneration networks complicate 5G integrations and hinder network efficiency, charging and management.
Addressing affordability is the core issue in solving Africa’s connectivity gap. Telcos must improve their margins so they can pass on savings to customers and reinvest in infrastructure and services.
Some ways that operators might be able to address affordability in Africa include:
- Expanding MVNO creation to target niche segments, thereby lowering overheads and improving affordability.
- Recently, Nigeria has experienced considerable growth in MVNOs. Additionally, GSMA’s short-term outlook suggests MVNO launches will surge in Africa.
- Deploying solutions to improve network efficiency, flexibility and management, reducing OPEX, and leveraging multi-vendor network solutions to meet various customer requirements.
- Establishing network sharing agreements to reduce OPEX or extend coverage and services.
- Utilising APIs to provide new offers to customers via immediately available services and future services.
Enabling 5G MVNO packages across multi-gen networks in South Africa
According to analysts like MVNO Index, South Africa is primed for a surge in MVNOs. The growth is facilitated in part thanks to companies like iMobility. iMobility’s 5G wholesale service offers are transforming South Africa’s telecoms market, removing barriers to entry.
The undertaking is made possible by Squire Technologies’ agile 5G IWF (Interworking Function). The issue iMobility faced was that many licensees aren’t 5G-ready, lacking the means to integrate with a 5G Charging Function and Diameter protocols.
The 5G IWF’s forward and backwards compatibility efficiently connected iMobility’s 5G CHF with multi-generation systems using Diameter or Radius protocols. The solutions enable operators with legacy systems to create their own 5G offers, benefiting from iMobility’s real-time 5G billing facility.
Extending mobile financial services and messaging in Rwanda
In a recent project to advance financial services for Rwandans, KTRN deployed Squire Technologies’ Mirus messaging platform. The platform’s SMSC, USSD Gateway and SMS campaign portal enable KTRN to deliver transformative value-added services through their 4G LTE network.
The campaign portal offers bulk SMS and A2P messaging with customer labelling, while the SMSC integrates with KTRN’s IMS core, supporting SMPP SMS over Diameter and SIGTRAN towards customers and other networks. The USSD Gateway, combined with A2P messaging, opens up mobile financial service options for Rwandans.
“Right across Africa, Squire Technologies is improving network efficiency and functionality, working with partners to enable new mobile offers, facilitating MVNO creation, and expanding network functions. While we’re only one part of a large, complex puzzle, we’re proud to be contributing, helping to enhancing connectivity in Africa.”
Douglas Bryce, Marketing Communications Specialist at Squire Technologies
