- T-Mobile named official telecom provider for LA28 Olympics with 5G.
- Harare man gets 10 years for $40 cable theft.
- Nigeria faces telecom skill gaps, NCC pushes training.
- Airtel Nxtra to build 44MW green data centre in Kenya.
T-Mobile Named Official Telecom Provider for LA28 Olympics
Big news from Los Angeles: T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) has been selected as the Official Telecommunications Services Provider for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This means the Un-carrier will power the world’s biggest sporting event with its cutting-edge 5G network, ensuring seamless connectivity for athletes, officials, and fans.
The LA28 Games will span over 110 connected locations across Southern California, including 40 competition venues. T-Mobile for Business will roll out advanced solutions to deliver what is being called the most technologically advanced production of the Games in modern history.
David Michael, CIO for LA28, said the partnership reflects their vision of how technology should connect people to “the biggest stage in all of sports.” With reliable real-time connectivity, audiences worldwide can expect a richer, more engaging Olympic experience.
10-Year Jail Term for Harare Man Who Stole $40 Telecom Cables
In Zimbabwe, a case of infrastructure vandalism has shocked many. Tinashe Mundenda, a Harare resident, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing telecom cables worth just $40.
Caught red-handed after an informant tipped off authorities, Mundenda was found with the stolen cables in his bag. The sentence, though harsh, highlights how seriously the law treats the tampering of vital infrastructure that millions rely on daily.
This case reignites discussions about cable theft, a persistent challenge for telecom operators that disrupts services and imposes heavy costs on companies. It also underscores the urgent need for stronger protection of critical infrastructure across Africa.
Nigeria’s Telecom Boom Threatened by Skill Gaps
Nigeria’s telecom industry has been a success story since 2001, creating over 500,000 jobs and contributing significantly to economic growth. Yet, the sector faces a looming crisis: a shortage of skilled manpower.
Speaking at the Stakeholders Forum on Skill Gaps in Lagos, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, revealed that while 30% of telecom jobs require advanced digital skills, only 11% of the workforce currently meets that standard.
The gap is worrying, as it could stifle innovation and slow down Nigeria’s digital progress. The NCC is therefore prioritizing training and capacity development, aligning academic curricula with industry demands, and fostering local talent. The goal is to ensure Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive in the fast-changing global digital economy.
Airtel’s Nxtra to Build Green 44MW Data Centre in Kenya
Airtel’s data centre arm, Nxtra, has broken ground on a 44MW sustainable data centre at Tatu City, Kenya. Designed to run on 95% renewable energy, this facility aims to become one of the greenest and most advanced data hubs in East Africa.
The data centre will feature GPU-ready racks, ultra-high uptime of 99.999%, and multiple redundant fibre paths, ensuring strong performance and reliability. Tatu City’s world-class infrastructure—including a robust power substation, industrial water supply, and advanced stormwater management—makes it a prime location for this kind of investment.
With growing demand for cloud services and digital storage in Africa, Nxtra’s project is expected to accelerate digital transformation across the region, while also setting new standards for sustainability in telecom infrastructure.
