Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Huawei, Ethio telecom, Ericsson, MWC 2026, Banglalink, among others.
Huawei, African Telecom Leaders Unite to Accelerate AI-Driven Digital Transformation
At the Northern Africa Operations Transformation Forum (OTF) 2026 in Barcelona, Huawei brought together more than 100 representatives from governments, telecom operators, and industry organizations to discuss digital transformation in Africa’s telecom sector. During the event, Huawei and regional telecom operators launched the Northern Africa Digital Operation Transformation Pioneer Club 2.0, an initiative aimed at accelerating AI-driven digital operations across the region. Industry leaders highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming telecom networks, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer services.
Big Boost for Ethiopia’s Connectivity: Ethio Telecom and Ericsson Seal Major Network Expansion at MWC 2026
Ethio telecom has signed a landmark network expansion and modernization agreement with Ericsson during Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. The partnership aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure as part of Ethio telecom’s three-year “Next Horizon Strategy.” Under the agreement, Ericsson will expand and upgrade networks across 1,500 mobile sites it manages for the operator. The project includes 4G layering, modernization of legacy infrastructure, and deployment of advanced technologies to boost network capacity and service quality. In addition, about 502 existing 3G sites will be upgraded to 4G, while 75 rural sites will be deployed to improve connectivity in underserved areas across the country.
Banglalink and Huawei Unveil ‘Mukto Pay’ to Power Bangladesh’s Digital Payment Revolution
Banglalink has partnered with Huawei to develop a next-generation digital payments platform called Mukto Pay. The agreement was signed at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona by Banglalink CEO Johan Buse and Huawei South Asia COO Tim Zhou. The platform will use Huawei’s mobile financial services technology to support secure, high-volume, real-time digital transactions with bank-grade security and scalability. The initiative aims to expand digital payment services and accelerate the adoption of cashless transactions across Bangladesh. “Mukto,” meaning liberation, reflects the platform’s goal of giving users easier access to modern digital financial services.
Breaking New Ground: ZTE and PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk Launch World’s First 5G FWA 1.4GHz Service
ZTE and PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk have partnered to introduce the world’s first commercial 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service using the 1.4GHz spectrum in Indonesia. The milestone was announced at Mobile World Congress 2026. The service, branded “IRA – Internet Rakyat,” launched on February 19, 2026, offering broadband speeds of up to 100 Mbps with unlimited data for around $6 per month, including free modem rental. ZTE is delivering a complete end-to-end FWA solution, covering network infrastructure, equipment, and deployment support to enable affordable high-speed connectivity.
Shafana Fazal