Cisco readies the IT workforce for wireless, Oi finds a bidder from the cable space and IHS raises billions for African towers.
RCR Mobile Minute 11/3/14
Cisco creates new certifications
Cisco is adapting its certifications to help IT professionals increase their wireless skill sets. The networking giant has created two new certifications: Mobility CDMA to LTE specialist, and UMTS to LTE specialist.
Cisco said that wireless service providers are in an enviable position at the center of the evolving “Internet of Things,” but in order to meet the demand for connectivity, providers will need IT and networking professionals with the right knowledge base and skills to deploy and maintain their networks in enterprise settings.
IHS expanding in Africa
Tower operator IHS said it has raised the largest round of equity financing an African company has seen in almost a decade: $2 billion from new and existing shareholders. In addition, IHS is tapping the debt market for an additional $600 million.
IHS buys towers and then leases space to multiple operators. Earlier this year, the company bought 2,136 towers from Etisalat Nigeria. IHS also is active in Africa’s emerging alternative energy industry. Power is one of the biggest challenges for African tower operators.
Oi has a bidder
Oi has received an $8.8 billion bid for its Portuguese telecom assets from Altice SA, a European company that holds various cable and wireless assets. Billionaire Patrick Drahi controls Altice SA, which is based in Luxembourg.
Oi says its board is evaluating the bid, which would help the company pare its sizable debt load. If successful, the bid would be Altice SA’s second recent wireless acquisition in Europe. Earlier this year, Altice bought France’s SFR through Numericable, a French cable operator that it controls.
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