Today’s telecom news includes announcements on MWC 2026, Ethio Telecom, Huawei, ZTE, Nokia, Ericsson, Safaricom, China Telecom, among others.
Ethio Telecom Powers Ahead with Global Tech Alliances at MWC 2026
At Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Ethio Telecom’s CEO Frehiwot Tamru and leadership team held strategic discussions with executives from Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, and Nokia to accelerate its “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” network expansion and modernization strategy. Key agreements with Ericsson and ZTE were finalized, while talks with Huawei are nearing completion, focusing on optimizing infrastructure, boosting 4G and 5G coverage, and bringing AI‑enabled network capabilities to Ethiopia. In collaboration with Nokia, Ethio Telecom also reviewed a successful proof of concept, emphasizing innovation-driven initiatives, including establishing an Innovation Center and digital learning hubs.
Ericsson and Safaricom Deepen 5G Network Collaboration in Kenya
Ericsson has extended its partnership with Kenyan telecom operator Safaricom through a new multi‑year microwave transport deal to strengthen the country’s 5G network infrastructure. Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply its outdoor E‑band and multi‑band MINI‑LINK products and services, enhancing backhaul capacity and network reliability. The collaboration also plans to introduce AI‑powered analytics and automation for smarter network decision‑making. Safaricom highlighted that Ericsson’s transport technology has already enabled speeds of up to 1 Gbps in remote northern regions, supporting high‑capacity long‑distance communications.
China Telecom Redefines the Digital Frontier at MWC 2026
China Telecom concluded its participation at MWC 2026 by showcasing a strategic shift toward an AI-integrated digital ecosystem under the theme of the Intelligent Era. Key technological milestones included the launch of Xirang 2.0, an intelligent computing cloud designed for millisecond-level resource scheduling, and an upgrade to the Xingchen Large Model which now features 115 billion parameters. The company also demonstrated its leadership in space-air-ground connectivity through the Tianyan-504 quantum platform and Tiantong satellite services compatible with over 40 mobile models. These advancements earned the organization multiple GLOMO Awards for its innovation in non-terrestrial networks and 5G-Advanced private network solutions for humanoid robotics, signaling a significant push in global digital infrastructure.
SHAFANA FAZAL
