The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Huawei

  • Lawyer accuses Huawei of anti-labour activities

    Lawyer accuses Huawei of anti-labour activities

    Allegations are spurious–Management

    THIS is not the best of times for Huawei Technologies Nigeria, a subsidiary of the the ICT giant in South East Asia, which currently faces a suit instituted by human rights activist and lawyer, Gabriel Giwa-Amu, who recently wrote to the Minister of the Interior, Abba Moro, the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Kayode Aderanti, over what he described as “misdemeanour” by Huawei on its local workforce, comprising mainly Nigerians.

    The lawyer, in the petition, alleged that the company was in the habit of carrying out anti-labour practices that are not only injurious to the well-being of the said Nigerians but also contrary to the standard prescribed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

    Besides, the petition further noted that a forged  document that was sent to the Export- Import Bank of China on behalf of the South Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs opens another chapter in the controversies that the company has been enmeshed in, in recent times.

    According to the lawyer, Mr. Chen Nan (Sullivan Chen), an employee of the company, had written to the bank asking for postponement of funding for South Sudan’s Digital Migration TV Project.

    South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, accused the firm of not only forgery, but also hacking of government e-mails, among others.

    Michael Leuth, head of South Sudan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, had sent a complaint letter to the South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alleging that, “Huawei attempted to send a forged document to Hon. Li Ruogu, the President of the Export-Import Bank of China, even as he added that, the telecoms giant may have been hacking many government e-mail, falsifying and forging documents on behalf of senior government officials. One Mr. Chen Nan was fingered for the forgeries.

    The response of the Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, that the company regrets that Mr. Chen Nan never consulted his superiors over his intention does not however assuage the belief across the globe that Huawei may actually be spying for the Chinese government and using its devices to hack accounts.

    Controversy has also trailed the company in other areas beyond cybercrimes. It was also fingered in a 2013 bribery scam involving Belgian Telecom Operator,  Belgacom.

    Belgacom is one of Europe’s well-run telecoms company. The transaction led to the firing of Mr. Michel Moll, chairman of the Belgian company who was said to have collected the sum of $1million Huawei officials.

    The company was also engrossed in a similar bribery deal with Ericsson when it was also accused of accepting bribes totalling 36.2 million yuan from companies including Ericsson.

    Responding on behalf of the management, Mr. Julius Akhalume, General Manager, Business Development Nigeria, described all the allegations as spurious.

    In a telephone interview with The Nation over the weekend, Akhalume observed as someone who has worked in the company in the last few years he is convinced that the company is a responsible corporate citizen.

    “The company not only employs over 10, 000 Nigerians. I have worked for the company for over six years and I can tell you Huawei is a very responsible corporate citizen that is law-abiding. In 2012, we paid over N904million as taxes and N960million in 2013 to the Lagos Inland Revenue Service alone. I’m not talking about the FIRS,” he began.

    Pressed further, he said: “I have taken my time to address the so-called petition filed by the lawyer on behalf of some disgruntled staff who were sacked for defrauding the company. As far as I’m concerned, the lawyer is crying wolf where there is none. The former staff were in the Procurement and Supply Chain Department who were fired because of their involvement in one case of fraud or the other. So to now turn around and accuse the company of anti-labour or whatever is wrong. But let them continue we shall meet in court.”

  • Huawei CEO urges connectivity

    Huawei CEO urges connectivity

    The Chief Executive Officer, Huawei, Eric Xu, Rotating, has urged economic leaders to invest in connectivity as it would help to grow the gross domestic product (GDP).

    According to him, connectivity correlates with GDP, adding that Global Connectivity Index (GCI) study showed that a country’s connectivity correlates with its GDP.

    Huawei analysed 16 indexes and concluded that for each GCI percentage point increase the GDP per capital increases 1.4-1.9 per cent.

    The GDP per capital increase was relatively higher for emerging countries and Germany ranks first among the countries surveyed.

    He said developing countries have also begun to invest strategically in Information and communications technology (ICT) capabilities and as many as 100 billion connections will be generated globally by 2025.

    To make this happen, Huawei is simplifying IT with the release of a series of innovative IT solutions – including data centers, converged storage, cloud operating systems (OS) and Big Data analytics platforms.

    The company has also released the Global Connectivity Index (GCI), which is the first quantitative assessment of connectivity and its value from both national and industrial perspectives.

    Huawei is set to launch a Service Driven-Distributed Cloud Data Center (SD-DC²) to help enterprises build service-driven IT infrastructure.

    The soon to be released FusionSphere 5.0 open cloud platform and the OceanStor converged storage system, are said to be key components of the SD-DC² architecture.

    He said: “The products and solutions that Huawei is showcasing at HCC this year are all based on our commitment to provide customers with open, converged and innovative technologies that enable them to simplify their traditional IT infrastructure, improve business agility and create greater value.”

    Meanwhile, the tech giant said it has launched its active-active data centre disaster recovery solution for use in the growing data centre business.

    In a statement, it said the solution, through active-active deployment for application level disaster recovery of data center, visual and agile operation and maintenance, realises automatic business switch, application zero interruption and data zero loss, together with effective resource management. This indicates that Huawei is able to provide the highest requirement of data center disaster recovery solution for business continuity in the industry and satisfy the clients’ requirement for high reliability.

  • Huawei unveils 4.5G ahead commercialisation

    Huawei unveils 4.5G ahead commercialisation

    Huawei unveiled  plan to evolve the 4G network technology to what it considers 4.5G vision at the GSMA Mobile 360 series.

    Expected to be launched in two years time, Huawei’s plans for 4.5G would lead mobile communications into the gigabit era for the first time, and would spearhead the next phase of the revolution for the communications industry to enable people enjoy an increasingly intelligent lives.

    According to a statement, Huawei’s 4.5G technology will aim to provide users with ultra-high definition, 3D and possibly holographic videos. It opens the era of Internet of everything as well as service-oriented network architecture prior to 5G being commercialized.

    President, Huawei Wireless Network Research and Development, Mr. Ying Weimin, said: “4G enables users to freely connect with each other, enjoy superior mobile broadband experiences and download at high-speeds, anytime, anywhere. Over the next couple of years 4.5G technology will be deployed that will offer faster speeds, lower latency and better functionality than the best 4G technologies currently available. It will also open up new revenue streams for operators resulting in a healthier and more profitable mobile broadband business”

    Expected to be commercialised in 2016, Huawei’s 4.5G research starts by looking at the ongoing 3G Partnership Project (3GPP) releases for LTE and LTE-Advanced. 4.5G standardisation forms a part of this and is expected to be completed in 3GPP releases 13/14.

    Key features of 4.5G technology include the ability to have lower latency at 10ms, a peak download rate of around 6 Gbps and the support of 100,000 connections within a one kilometer square.

  • Huawei pledges to empower African youths in ICT

    Huawei pledges to empower African youths in ICT

    Leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, Huawei, has said it would invest N80million to continuously empower Nigeria ICT industry for young talents cultivation. Speaking on 2014 Nelson Mandela International Day event in Abuja, the firm said N4 million will be provided to the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI) which will invest it in its affiliate, the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja as scholarship for students who have been admitted.

    How the funds are administered will be mutually agreed upon for each academic year or programme of the beneficiaries. ICT equipment worth N76 million will be provided by Huawei to to NMI, which will put it at the disposal of AUST on the basis of identified needs of this institution and consistent with Huawei’s policies and procedures  and those of NMI and AUST.Huawei will also provide access to its Abuja training centre to AUST for the computer science students on the basis of proposals to be developed jointly by AUST computer science faculty and Huawei engineers. AUST will invite Huawei engineers and researchers to organise workshops or specific classes to the students. “Bridging digital divide is Huawei’s global strategy. Huawei has set up an ICT scholarship in University of Lagos since 2012.

    Speaking on the initiative, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Abuja office, Mr. Osita Iweze, said: “A 1,000 girls training programme with Federal Ministry of Communication Technology was launched last year and until now about 500 girls have finished their training courses. This year, Huawei keeps expanding the investment on young ICT talents education and we are glad to work with AUST to ensure the graduates could be ICT industry leader in Nigeria and other sub-Sahara African countries.”

    NMI’s CEO, Mr. Bonaventure Mbida-Essama,  appreciated the firm’s gesture. He said: “The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) is the first of the Nelson Mandela Institutions (NMIs).

    It was established as a centre of excellence in science and technology with a focus on African development. Since its inception, the AUST has more than 300 of PhD and MSc students from 19 African countries in five disciplines (computer science and engineering, pure and applied mathematics, theoretical physics, petroleum engineering, and materials science and engineering). NMI is willing to collaborate with Huawei, which is the world leading ICT solutions provider, not just with its affiliate in Nigeria, AUST, but also with the other institutions affiliated to NMI in Africa in places such as Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. This would also include institutions being considered in Zimbabwe and Mali. The main purpose for Huawei is to introduce the latest technology into the class and to give certain financial support to these institutions for the benefits of their students.”

    The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and South African High Commissioner for Nigeria, H.E. LLA MnGumi graced the occasion.

    According to a statement, Huawei has been in Nigeria for 15 years and become a preferred ICT solutions provider for all telecom operators. Huawei’s enterprise business for industries such as banking, oil & gas, power and education is growing rapidly in terms of its integrated and customized solutions with Nigerian partners. Huawei also launched its global flagship Smartphone product Ascend P7 a few days ago to expand Nigeria market.

  • Huawei launches new products

    Huawei launched four new products for the Australian market at Huawei’s Better Connected information and communications technology (ICT) roadshow in Sydney on Tuesday.

    The four new flagship products are the Huawei High-End Storage 18000 Series, Huawei eLTE Broadband Access Solution, ICT Convergence Micro Data Center, and Agile Network and Agile Switch S12700.

    Peter Rossi, chief technology officer at Huawei Australia, said in a statement that the expansion of the company’s product range across Australia is designed to help local businesses. “We want to give Australian businesses choice. More importantly give them the ability to efficiently run and service their business needs through our end-to-end solutions,”he said.

    Rossi said Huawei has invested globally US$24 billion in research and development in the past 10 years, and “these leading-edge products are the result of this investment.”

    Huawei said it is a leading ICT solutions provider serving 45 of the world’s top 50 telecom operators.

    In Australia, Huawei employs more than 600 workers, 80 percent of which are locals, and works with all major Australian operators. Half of the Australian population already use some sort of Huawei product for their telecommunications needs, the company said in a statement.

    Huawei’s products and solutions have been deployed in over 170 countries and support the communications needs of one third of the world’s population, the company said.

  • Mobile phone plant possible in Nigeria, says Huawei chief

    Mobile phone plant possible in Nigeria, says Huawei chief

    Chinese telecoms equipment vendor Huawei Technologies Limited has assured that it could cite a mobile phone assembly plant in the country in the future, adding that its global manufacturing hub is China where it turns out products that are not region-specific but global in quality and type.

    Its Vice President, Middle East and Africa Region, Sandeep Saihgal, who spoke with The Nation on the sideline during the launch of its Ascend P7 4G smartphone in Lagos, said the firm veered into mobile phone manufacturing because it understood how the networks operate, especially with connectivity fast becoming the ultimate goal of convergence.

    He said: “Citing a factory right now in Nigeria? That is a difficult question. But you know our research and development (R&D) global production is based in China.

    “So, we make the same type of phones globally, the same quality. But (with respect to your question), let us see the future. It is possible in the future.”.

    According to him, Huawei is a global leader in smartphone technology having successfully rolled-out superior smartphones that have earned it the third slot in global smartphone marketplace.

    Saihgal said: “Basically, you know we already know the network and we understand that connectivity is our core business, so we are also into dongles, routers and mobile WiFi products. This is basically essential because since we understand the network, we can build smart phones. Also, we are very good in convertibles which are value for money for people. That is why we are into smartphones which has become an essential part of the way people live.”

    On the device, he said the P-series phones are known for being some of the thinnest mobiles in the world with the Huawei Ascend P7 is not being different.

    At 6.5mm thick, it is thinner than the wafer-thin 7.6mm iPhone 5S. Being eso skinny makes handling a 5-inch phone like the Ascend P7 a bit easier. It is easy to reach from one side of the screen to the other.

    Analysts say it is also somewhat iPhone inspired in its dimension, the Ascend P7’s look is quite iPhone-like. Its sides are aluminium-textured, the back a flat pane of toughened glass. This is almost certainly the best-looking phone Huawei has made to date.

    He said highlights particular to the phone include a curvy bottom edge and a textured-look finish to the rear, sitting under the top-most glass layer.

    “There are a lot of applications that run on the phone. We can also help you to back up your data and your location apps. You can also delete your data because you have a back up. It’s a cloud service where our customers store their data so if you lose your phone, you can always download all your data into the new phone,” he said of the security of the device.

  • Huawei to train 10,000 youths in Nigeria, others

    Chinese telecoms equipment vendor, Huawei, has promised to train 10,000 youths in Nigeria and other African countries over the next five years, saying the future of the continent lies in arming the youth with the requisite information communication technology (ICT) skills.

    Its Global Vice President, Mr. Charles Ding, said this is a further demonstration of the commitment of the firm to the continent and strengthening of the bond between China and Africa.

    He said: “Huawei is committed to developing its business in Africa where our commitment will create mutually beneficial opportunities and win-win outcomes. Africa and China have enjoyed a strong relationship that has seen extensive cooperation in political, economic, and cultural areas. Africa has an open and inclusive approach to international trade relations, which has created a sound business environment for Huawei’s development in the region.

    “Huawei considers Africa to be one of its most important strategic growth markets. By localising our operations, we can better understand the needs of the market and improve our overall capabilities. We’re proud to have an opportunity to play an important role in Africa’s modernisation. We are also committed to creating more jobs; promote ICT industry growth and development in Africa.”

    The presentation made by the firm at the The World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, on Forging inclusive growth, creating jobs  showed that the firm employs over 7,100 staff in Africa and also created 12,000 jobs through procurement and outsourcing services.

    Ding said the future development of ICT industry is predicated on factors such as planning and innovative technologies.

    He said: “The future development of the ICT industry is reliant, including, effective planning, innovative technologies, and sufficient investment. The successful implementation of these three strands will improve the competitiveness of the industry and promote the development of the digital economy.

    “Huawei is committed to our work in Africa and to our support of public and private stakeholders. We are confident that the future of the industry in Africa holds many opportunities and we will continue to increase our investment in the region and play a more active role in reshaping society through ICT.”

  • Job loss over telecoms’ towers sale baseless, says Airtel chief

    Job loss over telecoms’ towers sale baseless, says Airtel chief

    Disposal of telecoms towers by telcos will not compound the unemployment situation in the country, the Chief Executive Officer Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya has.

    He said rather, it would create more jobs.

    He spoke at the firm’s corporate headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    He said: “Yes, indeed, there are plans by operators to sell off, not necessarily outsource, the towers. It is the trend globally, and it is meant to allow operators concentrate on their core competences and allow those who are better equipped professionally to manage the towers to do so. The telcos had already outsourced their network operations to experts such as Ericsson and Huawei, whch, in turn, outsourced maintenance services such as fueling, cleaning and security to local companies known in industry parlance as ISMs.

    “It is evident that the eco-system of telecommunications business is growing a wide value-chain, which has Nigerians (locals) at the epicenter. So, more jobs would be created rather than lost, given that the new owners will definitely like to grow their businesses. Regarding the Call Centres, which were outsourced to BPOs (business process outsourcing), it is an inexactitude to say jobs were lost! On the contrary, the number of people employed in the Call Centre business has grown exponentially by over 300 per cent.”

    He averred that rather than create fears in the minds of indigenous engineers, who will be moving to the tower management firms, and disaffection in the hearts of Nigerians, who have been unapologetic beneficiaries of the global system for mobile (GSM) communication revolution started in 2001, the immense advantages inherent in this strategic business move by the telcos should be highlighted.

    According to Ogunsanya, there is a lot of cheering stories from the telecoms sector, which he said, has attracted over $20billin in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the last 12 and a half years, adding that it is the only industry that has continued to creatively take advantage of a combination of economic factors including technology, competition, outsourcing, and other economies of scale, to drive costs down hence price of telecommunications services and related products like phones and other devices.

    “The telecommunications industry has demonstrably employed more people directly and indirectly since 2001. The marketing communications industry, construction, security, petroleum marketing and several others have experienced a boom with the activities of the telcos. Indeed, telecommunications can be described as the goose that lays the golden egg in the Nigerian economy,” he said.

     

  • Ethiopia contracts Huawei to roll out 4G services

    Ethiopia contracts Huawei to roll out 4G services

    In a project expected to benefit over 400,000 mobile subscribers, state-run Ethio Telecom said it has selected Chinese company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, to roll out a high-speed 4G network in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.

    “In terms of allocation, Huawei will be responsible for the expansion of 4G in Addis Ababa, including other mobile services – the 2G, 3G, IP…,” Abdurahim Ahmed, Ethio Telecom’s head of communications said.

    Ethiopia is among few countries in Africa that maintain a state monopoly in telecoms.

    Ethio Telecom remains the only mobile operator in the country with an estimated population of 80 million.

    In a bid to expand its mobile phone infrastructure, Ethiopia signed a $1.6 billion deal with Huawei and ZTE, China’s second-biggest telecoms equipment maker, to double phone subscribers in the country to more than 50 million by 2015, according to a Reuters report.

    The contract was awarded under a long-term loan package to be paid over a 13-year period with an interest rate of “less than 1 percent”, Abdurahim said.

     

    Culled: VENTURES

    AFRICA

     

  • Huawei showcases Ascend

    Huawei showcases Ascend

    Chinese technology firm, Huawei, has unveiled the Huawi Ascend P6, the world’s slimmest smartphone measuring 6.18mm.

    Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Managing Director, Huawei Consumer Business Group West Africa, Tony Liang, said the new product will redefine communication in the country.

    He said: “The Huawei Ascend P6 is a star among smartphones with its industry-leading design, high-quality camera, and intuitive user interface, Huawei’s proprietary Emotion UI. Building on the success of our Ascend P series of fashion smartphones, the Huawei Ascend P6 provides unsurpassed technology and a design that is simply stunning.”

    Marketing Director, Yolanda Zhang who led a team of promoters to Ikeja Shopping Mall, where the device was activated over the weekend, disclosed that the product had sold over 100 copies within four hours of activation.

    Zhang explained that the device is ultra slim at 6.18mm and weighs just about 120g, adding that it is small enough to slip into the tiniest of pockets or clutch bags. She said it is designed to be seen and coveted with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, Android 4.2.2 operating system, 2000mAh battery, 4.7-inch HD in-cell LCD screen technology, and ‘MagicTouch’ for enhanced screen responsiveness even when wearing gloves.