Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 07 | Page 8

NEWS Tigo customers to benefit from modernised network infrastructure network in both rural and semi-urban areas of the country to enhance rural connectivity as well as consolidating coverage and capacity in urban areas. Albou further explained, “As far as mobile broadband is concerned, Tigo has added 535 new sites with 3G technology, upgraded capacity on 408 of 3G sites and 95 new sites with 4G technology over the past year, and has modernised and expanded the existing 2G, 3G and 4G networks. We now have 4G coverage in all the major cities and towns across Tanzania.” Conversely, Tigo had made substantial investment in stabilising its network by managing technology, power and infrastructure more efficiently focusing on customer experience. Tigo’s Chief Technical and Information Officer, Jérôme Albou addresses Tanzanian media during the workshop on Tigo’s network modernisation initiative Tigo Tanzania have announced a massive drive to further modernise its network infrastructure. “Within the past 12 months, we have commissioned a total of 2,294km of backbone fibre which traverses through 22 new district headquarters expanding the existing National ICT Backbone footprint as well as increasing the number of fibre points around the key cities,” Albou said. Spelling out the company’s network upgrade plans, Tigo’s Chief Technical and Information Officer Jérôme Albou explained that Tigo is proactively expanding its 3G and 4G The new fibre also ensures alternative transmission routes in case of fibre cuts, providing seamless services around the clock for the key cities. GE leads the end-to-end power technology debate at event in Johannesburg Technology available today can be employed to create reliable, sustainable, localised and more efficient energy networks. That was the message that George Njenga, GM, Steam Power Systems for sub-Saharan Africa delivered to delegates while making his keynote address at the opening session of this year’s Power-Gen Africa and DistribuTech event in Johannesburg. The electricity industry in Africa is undergoing massive transformation and the old linear model of conducting electricity affairs is being challenged and tested, as new models are emerging with far reaching impact. “Energy stakeholders need to embrace new capabilities 8 INTELLIGENTCIO and innovative business models for better outcomes and to bring more power to the population, faster and more sustainably than before,” said Njenga. On the digital front, GE’s Predix- based Asset Performance Management software is being deployed in new and existing installations across the region. This software leverages data analytics to monitor power generation and transmission equipment health to predict potential failures and thereby reduce unplanned downtime by up to 5%, lower operations and maintenance costs and lower operational risks. Developing reliable power supplies across the continent is a global priority and a critical necessity to ensure Africa can reach its economic and human potential. PowerGen and DistribuTech brings together utilities, financiers and energy leaders from across the region to discuss and develop technical knowledge in the field of electricity generation, transmission and distribution. www.intelligentcio.com