LTE Network Upgrade Completed for The Bahamas:

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company BTC says that it has completed the full commercial launch of the country s only LTE network

LTE services will be available in The Bahamas' four most populated islands this month and then rolled out to the rest of the country. The network upgrade has been undertaken by Huawei.

Geoff Houston, Chief Executive of BTC, said: "The launch of 4G LTE services positions us on a par with the gold standard for mobile data used in the United States. We have invested to meet our commitment to deliver a world class mobile data and voice experience to our customers."

BTC is the exclusive mobile operator in the country which has a population of 319,000 people. The company has has been granted a 15 year licence to provide LTE mobile data services on the 700 megahertz radio frequency.

South Korea to Avoid Using Huawei Kit for Sensitive Communications:

The South Korean government appears to have bowed to pressure from the USA and will avoid using Huawei supplied equipment in government communications

All three of South Korea's mobile networks have signed contracts with Huawei for infrastructure upgrades, but US security officials have been expressing concern that communications with the US military based in the country could pass over Huawei equipment.

US officials have repeated their long-standing view that Huawei equipment is a security threat and that its installation in South Korea presented a problem for its military.

Huawei always denies any allegations that it would support spying activities.

However, the Wall Street Journal has reported that the South Korean government has agreed that Huawei gear won't be used or connected to U.S. military bases in the country.

LG U+ is the main customer for Huawei in the country, although both of its rivals also use the company's equipment, they say they do so only in non-sensitive areas.

Blu Telecom to Launch LTE Services Later This Year:

Ghana based Blu Telecom says that it plans to start services, with an LTE network in the third quarter of this year.

The company paid US$6 million for its license last year, and has committed to spending "tens of millions of dollars" on its initial network deployment. They have also pledged to match the retail prices of the incumbent 3G network operators.

Huawei is the network infrastructure supplier.

Blu Telecoms, was one of three companies awarded Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) licenses in June 2013 at a cost of US$6 million each. The other two license holders are Surfline Telecoms and Goldkey Telecoms.

Huawei Signs Reseller Agreement in the USA:

Huawei has signed a distribution agreement in the USA with ASI, a distributor of IT products and services in North America.

With this agreement, ASI will work through its resellers to bring Huawei Enterprise's portfolio of IP network infrastructure, unified communications and collaboration, and storage solutions to business customers throughout the United States.

"Huawei is proud to partner with ASI to bring our innovative and highly competitive enterprise solutions to ASI's extensive reseller network," said Jane Li, Chief Operating Officer, Huawei Enterprise USA. "This partnership not only expands our U.S. presence, but also cements our commitment to the largest IT market in the world."

Huawei has long struggled with sales in the USA thanks to persistent, if never proven allegations that it is somehow acting as a front for the Chinese military.

Zamtel Launches Zambia's Second LTE Network:

Zambia's Zamtel has launched its LTE service in Kitwe, and also opened a walk-in 4G Live Experiential Centre at its Kitwe offices.

The network infrastructure was supplied by Huawei.

"We are extremely excited about the launch of this service which uses the very latest 4G mobile communications technology operating on our robust mobile network infrastructure." said Zamtel's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mupanga Mwanakatwe.

"The decision to launch this 4G service provides an added impetus to our vision and quest to make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of Zambians from all walks of life and in all parts of the nation," he added.

The launch comes shortly after rival network, MTN was the first to offer LTE services in the country. MTN's network currently covers Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola and Livingstone.

Huawei and Bombardier Demonstrate Convergent Wireless Rail Communications:

Huawei says that it has demonstrated integrated rail security solutions on a rail test track in Z.migród, Poland, working with Bombardier Transportation. The rail security solutions demonstrated combines the broadband data capabilities of Huawei's eLTE rail communication system with Bombardier's on-board rail security portfolio and wireless gateway solution.

The platform included on-board security functionality such as video surveillance closed circuit television (CCTV), environmental sensors for detection of gas and radiation levels, and advanced Passenger Information Systems (PIS).

The communication scenarios presented at the event in Z.migród demonstrated how Bombardier's on-board communications gateway within train stations prefer available Wi-Fi network coverage to maximize the benefits of unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies. Once the train started moving at a higher speed, Wi-Fi coverage automatically switched over to 3G to enable transmission of data. As soon the train entered areas with wireless LTE coverage, the on-board unit automatically enabled data services such as video surveillance and broadband data to maximize the benefits delivered by LTE for rail.

Huawei Equipment Being Removed from UK Government Offices:

A number of UK government departments are reported to have removed Huawei supplied video conferencing equipment over concerns that it was vulnerable to spying.

Government departments such as the Home Office , Ministry of Justice and Crown Prosecution Service are all said to have stopped using the equipment following a briefing note sent to all government departments warning of security threats.

The former head of the Foreign Office's Asia research group, Roderic Wye, told the Sunday Mirror newspaper that  "there had long been fears about the firm's operations".

However, it's not clear if the briefing note was able to cite a specific security threat that was discovered in the products, of if it was a general warning based on suspicions about the Chinese vendor.

Huawei said the accusation was misleading and without any evidence.

"Our video conferencing equipment is based on global standards, so to suggest it is specifically open to abuse would be misleading," Huawei's UK office said a statement.

Huawei Launches a Games Console:

Huawei has entered the games console market, although its Android based console is expected to be sold only within China. The product comes just days after the Chinese government tentatively relaxed its ban on games consoles being sold in the country.

The Huawei Tron console is a small canister shaped device that runs on Android 4.2.3, and contains a Tegra 4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a full-sized USB 3.0 port.

The Bluetooth port is said to be able to support up to four handsets.

According to reports, the Android games will be adapted for use on the Tron console. It will ship with 12 games preloaded, and is expected to sell for around US$120.

USA Pressuring South Korean Network to Cancel Huawei Deal:

South Korea's government has confirmed that it was approached by US officials who raised concerns about a deal between Huawei and the local mobile network operator, LG U+.

The Presidential office confirmed reports that the US government had officially expressed security concerns about the network deployment contract with Huawei, but said that it would take a "business-wise" approach to the issue.

The mobile network operator, LG U+ signed a contract with Huawei in October for the deployment of an LTE network upgrade using its recently acquired 2.6Ghz spectrum.

"It is true that the U.S. has made an issue [out of Huawei advancing into Korea], but it is a basically a trade and business deal," the Blue House source told the Korea JoongAng Daily. "It is not supposed to evolve into a diplomatic dispute and we will try to seek an understanding from the U.S.

A number of US politicians had suggested last month that the South Korean firm's upgrade plans could put US military based in the country at risk from Chinese spying.

"I wonder whether the issue raised by the U.S. lawmakers is technical, diplomatic, or a political one," LG Uplus CEO and Vice Chairman Lee Sang-chul said last month.

Huawei Hires New Vice President of Sales for the USA:

Huawei has announced the appointment of Bill Gerski as Vice President of Sales for Huawei Technologies USA. In his new role, he will be responsible for working with Tier 3 Telco's, Rural Electric Co-op's and Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP).

"Bill has a proven record of success working with these types of groups in his previous experiences with Dish Network and the National Rural Telecommunications Co-op," said Mr. Ming He, President of Huawei Technologies USA.Bill's relationship with the Rural Telco's, Electrics and WISP are perfect matches for Huawei's innovative solutions to meet continual growing customer needs."

Additionally, Bill brings a depth of telecom experience through his executive marketing and sales positions at Golden Sky Systems, Sirius Satellite Radio, Time Warner, Viacom, Adelphia and Bell Atlantic, among others.

Huawei Aims to Double 4G Revenues in 2014:

Huawei expects that revenues from its 4G sales will double next year to at least US$4 billion, David Wang, president of Huawei Wireless Network, told reporters in Shanghai.

This year the company expects to have sold around US$2 billion worth of LTE based network equipment.

Huawei had signed 241 LTE deployment contracts in total up to the end of last month and says that it has deployments in nearly half of the 244 commercially launched LTE networks worldwide.

The company claims 110 deployments, compared to 100 from Ericsson, making it the largest winner of LTE contracts by contract volume. Financial volume was not compared.

LG Denies Claims of a Smartphone Venture with Huawei:

LG has denied recent media reports that it is considering setting up some sort of smartphone joint-venture with Huawei.

The report, in the local Korea Times suggested that LG had been in talks with its Chinese rival to revive its smartphone business.

LG was noticeably annoyed by the report and said that it has never been in talks with Huawei regarding any aspects of its business either now or in the past.

LG's mobile network operator division, LG U+ does have a supply contract with Huawei, but that division operates at arms-length from the handset one.

This is however just the latest in a string of rumours of a major shake-up at the company's smartphone division. Whatever the facts behind the rumours, the rumours themselves seem determined to hang around.

Huawei Mulling New R&D Facility in Belarus:

Huawei is reportedly considering opening a research and development (R&D) center in Belarus.

Huawei is ready to expand its presence in Belarus, exploring long-term cooperation opportunities including investment projects in the Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park.

The development was reported by the state news agency following a meeting between representatives of Huawei and Vice Premier of Belarus Anatoly Tozik.

Huawei representatives said the company is interested in its activity in Belarus, including a R&D center, logistics projects, service maintenance and modernization of telecommunications equipment.

Ethiopian Authorities Release Seized Huawei Equipment:

Ethiopian authorities have released US$13 million worth of network equipment that it had seized as part of a dispute over import taxes.

The Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA) confiscated the 235 items of equipment last year following allegations that Huawei was not paying import taxes.

It has now secured an agreement where it will pay some of the disputed tax, as well as the custom's offices warehousing costs for storing the equipment.

The tax dispute did not stop Huawei recently being awarded a US$800 million network upgrade contract by the state-owned monopoly mobile network operator. There have been questions raised though as to why Huawei was apparently shipping equipment for the upgrade ahead of the contract being awarded.

Huawei Opens Global Finance Centre of Excellence in London:

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today announced the opening of its Global Finance Centre of Excellence in the United Kingdom. The new centre, located in the city of London, will manage Huawei's global finance risks and ensure that the company's financial operations continue to operate at low risk and the highest international standards with high efficiency.

Cathy Meng, Huawei Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Committee of Huawei’s Board of Directors, said in her keynote speech, delivered at the 2013 ICT Finance Forum in London on November 20, "This new centre will be responsible for managing risks of our critical finance functions including account treatment, liquidity management, foreign exchange risk management, credit management, and global financial compliance. It will become the overall financial risk assessment and control centre for Huawei, and will help Huawei carry out consistent and low-risk financial operation globally, allowing us to continuously providing our customers with high-quality services." Ms. Meng went on to say, "As one of the world's key financial centres, London is in an important strategic position. The city not only has the skills and expertise that Huawei requires to realise operational excellence, but also has language and time zone advantages that make it an ideal location for Huawei's Global Finance Centre."

ITU Telecom World 2013 sets agenda for far-reaching changes in ICT sector:

ITU Telecom World 2013 closed its doors last week following a packed programme of networking, knowledge sharing and industry showcasing. The event featured an impressive global line up of showfloor participants, sponsors and partners, including Ooredoo, China Mobile, Huawei, Intel, Alcatel-Lucent, ABS, AT&T, Microsoft Lync, NTT Group, AIS Group, True, DTAC, Telkom South Africa, Rohde & Schwarz & LS Telecom.

Pavilions from around the world highlighted opportunities for dynamic ICT investments to a global audience, featuring Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, China, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Lao P.D.R, Malaysia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand (including supporting partners MICT, NBTC and TCEB), Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

“We have enjoyed four busy days of conversations, showcasing and networking at ITU Telecom World 2013,” said ITU Secretary General, Dr Hamadoun Touré. “We welcomed the world’s youngest country, South Sudan, organizations at the cutting edge of our ICT ecosystem as well as young innovators who are already helping shape the future. It has been my privilege to join such a truly broad global debate. As we prepare to return home to different corners of the globe, my overarching hope is that we can take the lessons learnt from our debates here and apply them directly in our lives. Let’s become true agents of change, working to change the world for the better.”

Hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, ITU Telecom World 2013 convened over 6000 participants from 153 countries worldwide.

“It has been an honour to host ITU Telecom World 2013 and welcome its global participants, showcasing our ICT industry to the world, via all our many activities within the Thai pavilion,” said Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand. “Utilizing the platform that ITU Telecom World 2013 provides has helped us demonstrate and strengthen Thailand’s position as an ICT hub in the ASEAN region.’’

The seismic change taking place in the ICT industry and its far-reaching impact was the core theme underpinning all activities at the event.

MTN Awards Managed Services Contracts to Ericsson and Huawei:

MTN Nigeria has announced that it has signed managed services agreement with both Ericsson and Huawei.

Under the terms of the contracts, Ericsson and Huawei will take over the management, optimisation and field maintenance of MTN's network infrastructure in all its operational regions in the country.

MTN will retain ownership and full control of its network assets and continue to have responsibility for strategic design and planning, as well as equipment purchasing decisions.

Financial terms, nor the duration of the contact were provided. The announcement was made by a note on the company's Facebook fan page.

Huawei to launch 4G service in Ethiopia:

Ethiopia's state-run Ethio Telecom said on Thursday it had picked Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, the world's second largest telecom equipment maker, to roll out a high-speed 4G network across the capital Addis Ababa.

The introduction of the service is part of a $1.6 billion deal signed in July and August between the Ethiopian firm, Huawei and ZTE, China's second-biggest telecoms equipment maker, to expand mobile phone infrastructure throughout the Horn of Africa country.

Ethio Telecom's head of communications,Abdurahim Ahmed, said, "In terms of allocation, Huawei will be responsible for the expansion of 4G in Addis Ababa, including other mobile services - the 2G, 3G, IP and the like." 

Abdurahim said the allocation plan was finalised on Wednesday.

"It is expected to benefit more than 400,000 subscribers. Within an eight-month period, the expansion project of Addis Ababa, including 4G, will be completed."

The deal, signed by ZTE in August and Huawei a month before, will enable Ethiopia to double subscribers to more than 50 million by 2015 and expand 3G service throughout the country.

Both firms will split their work along 13 expansion areas.

The contract was awarded under a long-term loan package to be paid over a 13 year period with an interest rate of "less than 1 percent", Abdurahim said.

Africa's rapidly expanding telecoms industry has come to symbolize its economic growth, with subscribers across the continent totaling almost 650 million last year, up from just 25 million in 2001, according to the World Bank.

Ethio Telecom is the only mobile operator in the country of more than 80 million people, among the last remaining countries on the continent to maintain a state monopoly in telecoms.

The government has ruled out liberalizing its telecoms sector, saying the 6 billion birr it generates each year is being spent on railway projects. Ethiopia plans to build 5, 000 kilometre of railway lines by 2020.

Telecom Namibia: new billing system goes live

Telecom Namibia has gone live with a new customer billing system implemented in partnership with Huawei.

The telco said the system has been switched on at the weekend, and was intended to provide better customer service and experience through new and more exciting offers.

The New Generation Business Support System (NGBSS) solution was supplied by Huawei Technologies, a global provider of next generation telecommunications network solutions. Telecom Namibia said: “With this world-class NGBSS solution going live, Telecom Namibia  is now able to bill for its postpaid, prepaid and hybrid services in real-time, and in one single bill for all services. This provides Telecom Namibia with sustainable advantages of rapid time-to-market, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer experience in today’s competitive environment.

The new system enables the company to launch innovative and unique products and services to the market, reduce time to market for new products and more importantly address issues previously experienced by customers around billing.”

This solution suite, implemented based on applications of industry best practices, include Customer Relationship Management (CRM), IP Contact Centre (IPCC), Convergent Billing System (CBS), Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Mediation and Provisioning.

ITU Telecom World 2013 sets agenda for change in ICT sector:

ITU Telecom World 2013 wrapped up this week following a packed programme of networking, knowledge sharing and industry showcasing. The event featured an impressive global line up of showfloor participants, sponsors and partners, including Ooredoo, China Mobile, Huawei, Intel, Alcatel-Lucent, ABS, AT&T, Microsoft Lync, NTT Group, AIS Group, True, DTAC, Telkom South Africa, Rohde & Schwarz & LS Telecom. 

Pavilions from around the world highlighted opportunities for dynamic ICT investments to a global audience, featuring Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, China, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Lao P.D.R, Malaysia,  Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand (including supporting partners MICT, NBTC and TCEB), Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

“We have enjoyed four busy days of conversations, showcasing and networking at ITU Telecom World 2013,” said ITU Secretary General, Dr Hamadoun Touré. “We welcomed the world’s youngest country, South Sudan, organizations at the cutting edge of our ICT ecosystem as well as young innovators who are already helping shape the future. It has been my privilege to join such a truly broad global debate. As we prepare to return home to different corners of the globe, my overarching hope is that we can take the lessons learnt from our debates here and apply them directly in our lives. Let’s become true agents of change, working to change the world for the better.”

Hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, ITU Telecom World 2013 convened over 6000 participants from 153 countries worldwide.

“It has been an honour to host ITU Telecom World 2013 and welcome its global participants, showcasing our ICT industry to the world, via all our many activities within the Thai pavilion,” said Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand. “Utilizing the platform that ITU Telecom World 2013 provides has helped us demonstrate and strengthen Thailand’s position as an ICT hub in the ASEAN region.’’