The 2024 Broadband Development Congress took place in Cape Town as part of the Africa Tech Festival 2024, organised by the World Broadband Association (WBBA). This event convened a diverse group of leaders and stakeholders from various sectors, including telecommunications, technology, government, and finance, to confront the pressing challenges and explore the opportunities presented by broadband access in Africa.
A key highlight of the congress was the launch of a whitepaper entitled "The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability." This document delves into how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance operational efficiency, diminish energy usage, and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions while fortifying the resilience of fixed broadband infrastructure. This emphasis on sustainability aligns with the increasing demand for environmentally-friendly solutions in the industry.
The conference revealed significant growth in broadband subscriptions, reflecting a 22% increase over the past year. Industry forecasts predict that service revenues will escalate by 45% to reach approximately $6.7 billion by 2029. This data underscores the necessity of forming strategic partnerships and fostering innovation to tackle the broadband challenges faced by the continent.
In his opening address, Dr. Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the World Broadband Association, articulated the pivotal role that broadband plays in transforming Africa's digital ecosystem, while also stressing the continent's abundant resources and potential for digital advancement. Nfaly Sylla, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy in Guinea, echoed these sentiments by sharing insights into national initiatives such as the National Data Centre, which aim to bolster digital growth.
Further insights were provided by industry experts including Ke Ruiwen, Executive Director, Chairman, and CEO of China Telecom, who discussed the transition of telecom companies into "techcos" and how investment strategies are being tailored to focus on African markets. Norbert Prihoda, Deputy CEO of Tunisie Telecom, added to the discourse by highlighting AI's role in streamlining broadband deployment.
Dr. Sunil Piyarlall, Network Architecture and Modelling Executive at Openserve, emphasised the importance of equitable access to digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, Pieter Viljoen, CEO of Yangtze Optics Africa Cable, explored scalable fibre production models tailored to the African context.
A notable panel discussion engaged experts from various fields, deliberating on vital issues such as investment opportunities, regulatory measures, and financing frameworks. Participants included representatives from Omdia, Gambia Telecom, Africa Cyber Defense Forum, MTN, Standard Bank, and ZTE Corporation, who outlined practical solutions to expedite broadband deployment across the continent.
Tebogo Moloi, Head of Cloud Engineering at Standard Bank Group, presented on how digital infrastructure is essential for enhancing banking services and customer experiences. Contributions from Kim Jin, Vice President and CMO of Huawei’s Optical Business Product Line, also highlighted the company’s initiatives aimed at facilitating broadband expansion in Africa, urging carriers to develop monetisation models to stimulate revenue growth within the digital economy.
In concluding remarks, WBBA Director General Martin Creaner discussed the notion of smart sustainability and elucidated how AI is revolutionising broadband through advanced network planning, optimisation, and management methodologies. He reiterated the primary challenge identified in the whitepaper, which revolves around ensuring data availability and quality—a significant factor that operators must address to fully harness the advantages of AI in enhancing broadband services.
The whitepaper, "The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability," has been made available for download on the WBBA website, offering valuable insights for industry leaders as they navigate the complexities of achieving a sustainable, digitally interconnected Africa.
Source: Noah Wire Services