Vodafone underlined its commitment to Open RAN networks on Monday by confirming it would create purpose-built chipset architecture for the nascent technology with Intel. The European operator also said it had made its first 4G calls using Open RAN over network sites shared with Orange in Romania, and it was partnering with Nokia to pilot the technology in Italy. Open RAN allows mobile operators to mix and match equipment from various suppliers, potentially increasing flexibility.
MTN Group's South African arm said on Wednesday its network availability had improved by 15% as a result of ongoing investment to ensure its mobile network operates effectively during the worst power cuts on record. As the national power grid crumbles, leaving Africa's most advanced economy in the dark for up to 10 hours a day, mobile operators including MTN, Vodacom, and majority state-owned Telkom are scrambling to ensure their networks stay up and running. "It's an ongoing battle, but one that we're committed to winning as we fight to provide our customers with a reliable and resilient network," MTN South Africa Chief Executive Charles Molapisi said.
Huawei: The government in May had said it would allow a second 5G network to operate from next year to break a monopoly held by a single state-run network, despite concerns from some Western countries that wanted Malaysia to stick to its original plan.
The Emergency Alert - Severe notification flashing on peoples phones is part of a system designed by the government to alert people in times of emergency, such as a flood or landslip.