Blog

October brings two key events in our calendar – Futurecom 2018 and the annual TIP summit. Why not book a meeting with our team? Futurecom takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 15^th – 1

Read more “Meet our team in October!”

The impact of mobile access on economic growth has been well studied in recent years. Research has consistently shown a link between mobile coverage and economic growth – for example, the GSMA and Deloitte found that a 10% increase in mobile penetration increased a measure known as “Total Factor Productivity” by 4.2 percentage points. Total Factor Productivity, or TFP, measures economic productivity in a way that reflects the impact of technology. Interestingly, the effect was greater with higher-speed access and when data consumption is taken into consideration.

Read more “Mobile access helps economic growth – high speed data boosts the impact”

WTL’s work with leading Algerian operator, Icosnet, in building a wholesale SMS solution in the country has been recognised by Capacity Media in the prestigious Global Carrier Awards. The solution, based on SMS Easy Hub from WTL, which enables Icosnet to offer advanced A2P SMS services for carriers and businesses, is on the final shortlist for the “Best African Project” award.

Icosnet took advantage of WTL’s SMS Easy Hub and advanced SS7 gateways to launch the service in 2017, enabling connectivity between Icosnet’s IP network and SS7-based mobile networks in Algeria and beyond for the delivery of SMS messages. A2P messaging is of increasing importance for organisations that need to communicate with their customers.

This is because, despite the rise of IP messaging, SMS remains a key tool to reach the widest number of people. It offers secure, reliable and predictable delivery that can easily be measured and accounted for. Icosnet has pioneered the use of A2P messaging in Africa and is dedicated to bringing SMS access to organisations throughout the region.

The awards honour innovation in telecoms wholesale services and feature many of the leading carriers and solution providers from around the world. The ceremony takes place on the 24^th of October in London. WTL, which previously won the same award in 2016 for the Vivada rural connectivity solution, is eagerly awaiting the results.

11 September 2018 – WTL today announced that it is working with Vonex Telecom, a fixed line operator in Brazil, to improve the quality and quantity of voice calls made by call centres across the country.

Read more “WTL Improves Calls Per Second At Call Centres Across Brazil”

Spectrum pricing is seen by some experts, including the GSMA, as a potential barrier to enhanced connectivity in many countries, particularly across the African continent. Does it block investment, when returns are much lower than in urban areas?

Read more “Is spectrum pricing blocking new connectivity?”

What new approaches to connectivity are being considered to connect the unconnected? Analyst firm Ovum considers different models in an insightful recent report. Get your copy today and benefit from an overview of current thinking.

Read more “Analyst firm Ovum identifies new technologies for connecting the unconnected”

5G is making a lot of noise, but there’s a risk that it will divert attention from more fundamental issues. It’s costly, unproven and probably unsuitable as a rural solution – but investments could steal resources and focus from the need to increase rural connectivity with existing and proven technologies, such a 4G / LTE.

Read more “Why does 5G capture the headlines? It distracts from the real issue.”

With autumn already in sight, it’s time to remind you of forthcoming events that WTL will be attending.

September brings three key events and opportunities to meet with our team:

Connect Africa Summit 2018 takes place in Durban, South Africa, on 11^th September.

This is associated with the next edition of ITU Telecom World, which also takes place in Durban, from 11^th – 13^th September.

Nigeria Com, 19^th – 20^th September, Lagos, Nigeria – watch out for our expert, Rubin Rose, who will be a featured speaker at the event.

To meet WTL at any of these events, please click here. We’d love to hear from you!

Interest in National Roaming is growing, as early-adopters show the way. Find out how the issue is maturing, as we report from West Africa Com and exciting initiatives from Gabon and from Ghanaian innovators, Esoko.

Read more “National Roaming grabs attention at West Africa Com”

31 May 2017 – World Telecom Labs (WTL) today announced that it can now provide electricity to villages in rural Africa. The provision of power is a natural extension for Vivada Wholesale (Village Voice and Data), WTL’s multi-award winning ‘Coverage-as-a-Service’ system for building wholesale networks in rural Africa.

Read more “WTL To Provide Power as well as Telephony to Rural Africa”