Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Entel Bolivia, GSMA, Paratus, Congo Telecom Networks, among others.
Entel Bolivia Begins 3G Network Shutdown in La Paz to Reallocate 850 MHz Spectrum to 4G
Entel Bolivia has started retiring its 3G network in La Paz, redirecting 850 MHz spectrum toward 4G mobile services. The modernization process began on October 22, with the development reported on October 28. The operator intends to improve spectrum efficiency, strengthen LTE coverage and increase mobile broadband capacity without depending entirely on additional frequency allocations. Customers using devices limited to 3G will need compatible equipment to continue accessing mobile services. The transition also supports longer-term preparations for 5G deployment. The shutdown currently applies to La Paz, rather than the entire country. Entel has not disclosed the quantity of spectrum being refarmed, affected subscriber numbers, investment costs or a nationwide retirement schedule.
GSMA Secures $1.2 Million to Deploy Mobile Cell Broadcast Alert Systems Across Nine Pacific Countries
GSMA has secured $1.2 million in funding from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to expand mobile-enabled emergency warning infrastructure across nine Pacific Island countries. The October 28 announcement covers the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The program will support deployment of cell broadcast technology, enabling authorized agencies to distribute emergency alerts simultaneously to compatible mobile devices within designated geographic areas. Unlike conventional text messaging, cell broadcast can reach large populations without depending on individual subscriber addressing. The initiative will involve mobile operators, disaster-management authorities and technical partners. Country-specific equipment contracts, deployment dates and network integration costs have not been disclosed.
Paratus Activates Tanzania Network PoP to Connect East Africa with Europe and US Fiber Routes
Paratus Group announced on October 26 that its Tanzanian subsidiary had established a new network point of presence at Wingu Data Center in Dar es Salaam. The infrastructure connects Tanzania to Paratus’s regional fiber routes extending north toward Mombasa and Nairobi and south toward Maputo, Johannesburg and Eswatini. It also provides access to international connectivity serving Europe and the United States. The facility supports the company’s Kigali–Mombasa network strategy and enables services including IP transit, Layer 2 circuits and wholesale transmission capacity. Paratus operates across 16 African countries and maintains international network locations. The Dar es Salaam PoP was established in September, with the company announcing its integration into the wider network in October.
Congo Telecom Networks Face Nationwide Disruptions as Power Availability Falls to Nine Hours Daily
Telecommunications operators in the Republic of Congo are experiencing network disruptions linked to electricity shortages and limited diesel supplies for backup generators. The country’s communications regulator, ARPCE, reported the situation on October 28. According to its checks with operators, affected infrastructure receives an average of approximately nine hours of grid electricity daily, while backup power provides around six additional hours. The remaining power deficit creates difficulties maintaining uninterrupted mobile and fixed communications services. The regulator warned that disruptions could affect substantial portions of the national territory. The situation highlights the dependence of telecommunications infrastructure on reliable electricity, batteries and generator fuel. No consolidated figures were disclosed for affected towers, subscribers, outage duration or restoration expenditure.