SK Telecom and Nokia Networks claim first commercialization of EICIC
SK Telecom announced Wednesday that it, along with Nokia Networks, has commercialized “enhanced inter-cell interference coordination,” as part of the LTE-Advanced technology standard.
EICIC is designed to control signal interference between macro and micro base stations. SK Telecom expects the technology to improve customer experience by reducing interference in highly populated areas where macro and micro cells are concentrated.
SK Telecom said it has rolled out the technology in Gwangju and plans to have it implemented nationwide by the end of 2016.
The company claims that this is the first time EICIC has been commercialized in the world. Earlier this week, a court banned the carrier’s advertisement claims that it had commercialized the world’s first tri-band LTE-Advanced, and ordered that all commercials making the claim be pulled.
MediaTek chip certified by China Mobile
Taiwan’s leading fabless semiconductor company, MediaTek, said that its MT6975 smartphone chip was certified by China Mobile. The China Post reports that the certification process took three weeks, instead of China Mobile’s usual two months.
Vodacom, Bharti reportedly making bids for Zantel
Bloomberg reports that Vodacom and Bharti Airtel have made bids to acquire controlling stakes in Zantel, Tanzania’s largest Internet provider. Zantel is 65% owned by Etisalat and is valued at an estimated $300 million.
Bloomberg reports that sources also said that Millicom International Cellular has also made a bid for the company. The sources said that all negotiations in the matter are private.
MTN group to offer Amazon Web Services Direct Connect
MTN group has announced it will provide Amazon Web Services Direct Connect to business customers in Africa, claiming that it will be the first to provide the services to multiple countries in Africa.
Online publication ITwebAfrica reports that the service is expected to bring benefits to large enterprise customers by enhancing network performance and allowing access to the AWS cloud.
Telecom Italia executives visit Brazil to discuss Oi merger
Several top Telecom Italia executives have traveled to Brazil to speak with minister of communications, Ricardo Berzoini. The talks are reportedly centered around a possible merge of Telecom Italia’s TIM Brasil and Brazilian carrier Oi. Telecom Italia is looking to secure a controlling stake with the agreement.
