Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Turkcell, network outage in Nigeria, Korea Telecom, Safaricom, among others.
Turkcell secures $150 mn Murabaha Financing
Turkcell has secured $150 million in Murabaha financing from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to support infrastructure and technology projects. The financing aims to fund data centers, cloud technologies, renewable energy, and core telecom services like mobile and fixed broadband. The agreement, signed in Istanbul, involved CEO Ali Taha Koç and CFO Kamil Kalyon from Turkcell, and DIB executives. The deal expands Turkcell’s investor base in the Gulf region and diversifies its financing sources by combining conventional, Islamic, export credit, and sustainability-linked financing. The financing structure is based on interest-free principles, and the funds will accelerate infrastructure investments aligned with Turkcell’s long-term growth plans. This financing is part of Turkcell’s strategy to leverage multiple instruments and markets, strengthening its financial foundation to support next-generation technology deployments and digital transformation.
NCC Network Outage Directive
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecom operators to notify consumers about major network outages. Operators must report outages that impact at least 5 percent of subscribers, five or more Local Government Areas, 100 or more network sites, or a cluster lasting over 30 minutes. Notifications must include outage causes, affected areas, and expected restoration times. Planned outages require a minimum of one-week advance notice. Operators must also provide compensation, such as service validity extensions, for outages lasting more than 24 hours. The NCC requires all major outages to be reported via its publicly accessible Major Outage Reporting Portal. This directive aims to improve transparency, ensure accountability, and protect telecommunications infrastructure classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The regulation supports service quality and consumer rights through timely public communication.
Vietnam Deputy PM Encourages KT-Viettel Cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung encouraged Korea Telecom (KT) to invest in Vietnam’s AI, data centers, and satellite technology sectors. He proposed KT partner with Viettel on low-Earth orbit satellites and generative AI for socio-economic applications. Plans include creating AI training and research centers. KT is shifting from traditional telecom services to AI and ICT and seeks cooperation with Viettel to introduce AI technologies in both countries.
Kenya Government Plans to Sell Safaricom Shares
Kenya’s Finance Minister John Mbadi announced plans to sell more of the government’s 35 percent stake in Safaricom in the 2025/26 financial year to raise 149 billion Kenyan shillings (~$1.16 billion). The government previously sold 25 percent of the stake in 2008 via IPO. This is part of a broader revenue-raising strategy through divesting stakes in state companies, Business Daily Kenya reports.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
