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How Huawei is Helping Build South Africa’s New Digital Highway

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5 months ago

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Huawei

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – Across South Africa, millions still struggle to get online, limiting access to education, jobs, and opportunity. As the government accelerates its SA Connect broadband strategy, Huawei and Broadband Infraco are helping extend high-speed connectivity to underserved communities. For young people like Godfrey, a digital future is finally coming within reach.
“No Internet, no modern life.” That’s the blunt conclusion of young South African, Godfrey.

He’s not wrong. South Africa has among the highest Internet penetration rates on the continent, but a digital divide persists, leaving many young people like Godfrey and their families with no Internet access. They’re desperate to be connected, and to transform their lives.

Now, change is underway. With the rollout of the national broadband strategy—SA Connect—a “digital highway” to the future is extending from cities into rural areas.

Voices from the Unconnected

Godfrey lives in Diepsloot, Gauteng, a densely populated, underserved community. With weak broadband infrastructure, most households—including Godfrey’s—remain unconnected.

“In brief passings, the Internet has revealed to me glimpses of lives beyond the constricted space I live in,” says Godfrey. “The rest of the time, however, the poor connection here stops me from taking a further step out.”

As the main family breadwinner, Godfrey works part-time and is set on becoming a barista. But it requires hours of online learning, and without home broadband and with mobile data costs prohibitively high, staying connected is a luxury. Godfrey often switches his phone to airplane mode to save data, drafts his job applications offline, and then walks 1.2 kilometers to the nearest mall for its one hour of free Wi-Fi. There, he sends out his daily batch of applications, only to miss short-notice video interviews after he returns home. Godfrey’s story is echoed throughout many more communities still left behind by digital transformation.

Building South Africa’s Digital Highway

To bridge the digital divide, the South African government launched the SA Connect national broadband strategy, with the goal of bringing affordable, reliable, high-capacity broadband access to every South African by 2030.

As a state-owned enterprise, Broadband Infraco (BBI) is charged by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) with expanding South Africa’s broadband infrastructure. In collaboration with Huawei, Broadband Infraco is building an intelligent all-optical backbone network, which will directly support the goals of SA Connect.

Gift Zowa, CEO of Broadband Infraco, said, “We are addressing one of SA Connect’s primary goals, the DCDT’s flagship broadband connectivity project, to make connectivity inclusive and bring stable, high-capacity broadband to all South African communities and government facilities by 2030.”

Broadband Infraco uses Huawei’s next-generation Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) technology to deliver 800G wavelengths across its network—a cutting-edge infrastructure leap that will support SA Connect’s ambitions for expansion of broadband access. It also enables massive volumes of data to be transferred between cities or data centers, powering applications in healthcare, education, e-commerce, and e-government, as well as fueling South Africa’s digital economy.

Expanding Inclusive Connectivity with All-Optical Broadband

Through its intelligent all-optical backbone and partnerships with local service providers, BBI has connected over 13,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and more than 2 million homes in underserved and rural areas nationwide, transforming network connectivity in these areas.

Nomso Kana, CEO of a local ISP, SimSciex, observed: “Improving Internet access is the key to driving economic growth. With the reliable network built by BBI, we have expanded rural and household network coverage with high-quality broadband, enabling remote work, boosting employment, and helping small- and medium-sized enterprises reach new markets.”

Despite the limited connectivity in his community, Godfrey is optimistic, knowing his area has been included in the SA Connect plans. With fiber and Wi-Fi coverage planned by the end of 2026 and more affordable packages for disadvantaged communities, SA Connect is bringing the digital world closer to remote areas. For many young people like Godfrey, a digital life is finally within reach.

Realizing the 2030 Vision

As the first 800G intelligent optical backbone network deployed by the government sector, the infrastructure will not only bring inclusive benefits to South Africa but also serve as a key driver of the digital economy. By 2030, the rapid growth of applications such as telemedicine, smart cities, and artificial intelligence will increase demand for capacity and services; the backbone network aims to lower connectivity costs and accelerate progress in sectors such as healthcare, education, e-commerce and e-government.

BBI has completed the construction of 100G/400G/800G backbone networks across Gauteng and various northern regions with the goal of strengthening high-speed cross-border connectivity across the SADC region. The full backbone will span all nine provinces and extend to the borders of six neighboring countries.

Gift Zowa, CEO of Broadband Infraco, said, “We are collaborating to build one of South Africa’s best national broadband infrastructure. This will guide South Africa toward its 2030 vision, where everyone can participate equally in the digital era.”

 

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Capture and control: Canon expands professional video ecosystem with ultra-telephoto Cinema zoom lens and Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) controller

Published

12 hours ago

on

April 29, 2026

By

Canon

Together, these launches demonstrate Canon’s continued commitment to evolving production demands, from cinematic long-range storytelling to scalable IP-based multi-camera workflows

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) announces two additions to its professional cinema and AV lineups: the CN30×40 IAS J R1/P1 ultra-telephoto cinema zoom lens (https://apo-opa.co/4egKrku) with a new updated drive unit and the RC‑IP300 multi-camera PTZ controller (https://apo-opa.co/41YXW0L) . Designed for high-end filmmaking and live events, the new zoom will provide filmmakers with even more power and flexibility, while the new controller offers an entry-level route into multi-camera PTZ control. Both products strengthen Canon’s film and broadcast ecosystem with tools that deliver precise control and cinematic image quality.

 

The CN30×40 IAS J R1/P1 brings exceptional reach and optical performance to wildlife filmmakers and live productions. Featuring an ultra-telephoto 30x zoom range of 40-1200mm or 60-1800mm with extender, the lens provides native Super35mm coverage, and the renowned optical quality associated with Canon cinema lenses, enabling detailed 4K and 8K imagery – even from extreme distances. A new drive unit further enhances operability and functionality for professional applications, with features such as focus breathing correction, improved servo control, an info display and USB Type-C terminal for easy setup and maintenance.

With a 1.5x extender, the lens increases focal reach while enabling full-frame coverage, offering filmmakers additional creative flexibility. Despite its powerful range, it remains comparatively light for its class and is built with a rugged construction suited to demanding environments such as wildlife hides, stadium gantries and remote production locations. Advanced autofocus and subject-tracking capabilities, combined with Canon’s Focus Guide, help operators maintain precise and accurate focus in fast-moving scenes.

 

Canon is also introducing the RC‑IP300, a compact yet powerful PTZ controller built for modern multi-camera productions. Designed to enable single operators to manage complex camera setups, the controller controls up to 200 cameras, organises them into groups and stores up to 100 presets per camera for instant recall and repeatable shot framing.

 

The controller features a 3.5-inch touchscreen preview, IP video inputs and an intuitive layout of joystick, touchscreen and programmable controls that streamline operation in broadcast studios, lecture halls and corporate production environments. Support for Canon’s PTZ Auto Tracking application and integration with tools such as Stream Deck further enhances workflow efficiency and automation.

 

Together, these launches demonstrate Canon’s continued commitment to evolving production demands, from cinematic long-range storytelling to scalable IP-based multi-camera workflows. By combining advanced optics with intelligent control systems, Canon continues to develop its ever-expanding ecosystem of tools that enable creators and production teams to capture and control content with precision and creative freedom.

 

CN30×40 IAS J R1/P1 (https://apo-opa.co/4egKrku) – key highlights

  • Unrivalled 4K/8K optics with minimal flare and organic colour
  • Powerful 30x focal range 40-1200mm or 60-1800mm with extender
  • Native Super35mm, with 1.5x extender to increase reach and cover full frame sensors
  • Portable and built for the field, light for its class, providing exceptional coverage
  • RF or PL Mount data support with lens metadata capture for Zeiss eXtended dataTM and Cooke/iTM technology
  • Advanced Autofocus with support for Dual Pixel AF II
  • Auto Exposure Ramping Compensation to keep consistent brightness throughout the zoom range
  • New drive unit with focus breathing correction, improved servo, info display and USB-C

 

RC‑IP300 (https://apo-opa.co/41YXW0L) – key highlights

  • Compact and control‑room ready, fitting studios, classrooms, and mobile setups
  • Single‑operator control with intuitive joystick, touchscreen, and preset selections
  • Scale up to 200 cameras with centralised control of multi‑cam setups
  • Up to 100 presets per camera with instant, repeatable shots and moves
  • 3.5″ touchscreen preview with on‑board monitoring for quick checks and framing
  • IP video inputs for streamlined networking, fewer cables, and enhanced workflows

Supports Canon applications such as Auto Tracking and Auto Loop

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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Its Time! Emirates’ iconic A380 returns to Dubai with world-first Starlink Wi-Fi onboard

Published

2 days ago

on

April 28, 2026

By

Emirates

Emirates customers will soon enjoy a transformative leap in onboard connectivity with the ability to stream, game, browse, and work throughout their journey on personal devices

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 27, 2026/APO Group/ –Emirates’ (www.Emirates.com) flagship A380, long celebrated as one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft, is set to reach new heights as the first installation of next-generation Starlink Wi-Fi onboard has just been completed.

The Emirates A380 was one of the first commercial aircraft in the world to offer internet to its customers, with first generation systems offering a total aircraft bandwidth of less than 1 Mbps.  Emirates’ installation of three Starlink antennas on each A380 will improve the Wi-Fi available onboard a thousand-fold – offering a ‘better than at home’ connectivity experience for customers, while flying at 40,000 feet.

The first Emirates A380 aircraft equipped with Starlink made its return to Dubai this week, after its installation and certification was accomplished in Newquay, UK. With more A380s scheduled for accelerated installation throughout 2026, Emirates customers will soon enjoy a transformative leap in onboard connectivity with the ability to stream, game, browse, and work throughout their journey on personal devices. The service will be complimentary for all customers, across all cabins, with easy sign up and access. Future enhancements will include Live TV streaming over Starlink, initially on personal devices and later integrated into seatback screens.

From its celebrated Onboard Lounge to its signature First Class Shower Spa, the Emirates A380 has consistently redefined long-haul travel, beloved by customers from all corners of the globe. With the addition of Starlink’s seamless connectivity across all cabin classes, the Emirates A380 experience evolves once more, delivering a fully connected journey in the sky.

A technical first for the world’s largest passenger aircraft

As the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380 presents unique engineering challenges and opportunities. This industry-first Starlink configuration is designed to meet the demands of the A380’s ‘double-decker’ layout and high passenger capacity and is capable of delivering more than 2 Gbps of total aircraft bandwidth across the cabin.

Compared with the Emirates Boeing 777, the Emirates A380 features additional wireless access points and a third antenna to deliver an enhanced connectivity experience for its higher passenger capacity. Optimised inter‑deck integration supports a seamless Wi‑Fi experience, with customers able to enjoy high speeds depending on usage and device capability.

Accelerated rollout across an industry-leading fleet

Starlink installations will soon begin at Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai to accelerate deployment across the fleet. Emirates is committed to bringing the best possible connectivity to its entire fleet at the earliest opportunity, with 25 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft already equipped with Starlink and the first A380 now joining service.

So far, more than 650,000 Emirates customers have already flown on Starlink‑equipped flights, experiencing the benefits of next‑generation onboard connectivity firsthand.

Emirates continuous investment into elevating customer experience

The introduction of Starlink on the A380 builds on Emirates’ ongoing investment into redefining the customer journey, including one of the most ambitious retrofit programmes in aviation history. To date, 93 Emirates aircraft have been fully refurbished (https://apo-opa.co/4d9Ldyo) featuring the installation of the widely acclaimed Premium Economy cabins, an enhanced Business Class, refreshed First Class suites, upgraded interiors and finishes in Economy Class and throughout all aspects of the cabin, and expanded and upgraded inflight systems that can offer more than 6,500 channels of entertainment.

To complement the significant upgrades across all hardware, Emirates also continues to invest in its training programmes and facilities that are instrumental to customer experience. In mid-2025, Emirates opened an US$ 8 million facility – ‘Centre of Hospitality Excellence’ (https://apo-opa.co/3QpE9VP) to train its 25,000 cabin crew in the art of hospitality onboard – bringing together both the tangible and intangible elements of an outstanding travel experience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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Full-Process, All-Element Test Run Conducted for 2026 Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon

Published

6 days ago

on

April 24, 2026

By

Humanoid

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – The 2026 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon is scheduled to kick off on April 19. To ensure better preparation for the event, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), also known as Beijing E-Town, organized a full-process, all-element test run for the 2026 Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon from the night of April 11 to the early hours of April 12. The drill comprehensively simulated core scenarios such as track passage, process scheduling, equipment coordination, and emergency support, serving as a combat-ready exercise to safeguard the official race. Of the registered teams, more than 70 participated in this test, including four international teams, with both autonomous navigation and remote-controlled teams conducting night trials on the course together.

As the world’s first humanoid robot marathon event brand, this competition has reached new heights in terms of scale, technological innovation, and organizational requirements. Therefore, the drill was conducted to drive a further upgrade in the quality of event preparations.

In terms of scale, the number of participating teams for this year has grown by nearly five times compared to last year, exceeding 100 teams. Covering two major categories—autonomous navigation and remote control—with autonomous teams accounting for nearly 40%, the number of participants, types of technology, and scope of testing have all reached historic highs. Consequently, full-process drills are required to solidify operational links, hone team coordination, and ensure the efficient operation of the event.

Regarding technological innovation, the first large-scale application of autonomous navigation technology has become a major highlight and challenge. In complex and changing environments, robots face difficulties in perceiving and making decisions within intricate surroundings, posing huge challenges to their computing power. At the same time, long-distance running places severe tests on the robots’ endurance, specifically examining their long-range stamina and energy management capabilities. Furthermore, dynamic balance and gait control capabilities are put to the test; robots must maintain dynamic balance at all times. Especially during high-speed running or sharp turns, the requirements for adaptive gait and millisecond-level posture correction are extremely high to prevent falls caused by shifts in the center of gravity.

In terms of regulations, this year’s event has also seen systematic upgrades in five areas: stricter rules on human intervention, more scientific start and movement protocols, clearer scoring and penalty criteria, more standardized supply and equipment management, and tighter safety and emergency procedures.

Facing these numerous challenges, the main purpose of this full-process, all-element test is to conduct technical validation, process refinement, risk prevention, and standard consolidation, ensuring the official race proceeds safely, smoothly, efficiently, and in an orderly manner. This drill, adhering to the standards of “full-process, all-scenarios, and all-elements,” followed the complete official race route of 21.0975 kilometers for the first time. It followed official race timelines, track rules, and support systems, covering two categories of teams (autonomous and remote-controlled), two types of scenarios (urban main roads and eco-parks), and two major segments (technical competition and service support). Through full-chain stress testing, the organizers carried out targeted breakthrough verifications to precisely identify potential issues and optimize procedural details.

The entire event involves a full chain of operations including start-line assembly, track control, battery swapping and resupply, finish-line diversion, emergency containment, vehicle dispatch, timing and judging, and security and medical services. All these must undergo practical drills to identify risks, optimize movement lines, and unify standards. This test comprehensively inspects the stability and reliability of humanoid robot technology, laying a solid foundation for the successful hosting of the official event.

During this test, team positioning was strictly verified and orderly arranged based on technical data submitted by each team, ensuring the process was open, standardized, fair, and orderly. As a realistic pre-race simulation drill, the test focused on process refinement, problem identification, and detail optimization. Test results were for reference only and did not count towards official rankings or race results. At the same time, speed performance and operational data of the teams during the test were within the scope of verification and do not represent their level in the official competition.

Currently, the short-distance speed of robots has improved significantly, and some teams predict that their half-marathon results may approach the level of elite human athletes. As a competition that serves as an extreme test of comprehensive performance and adaptability to complex terrain, the final results are worth looking forward to. On April 19, this human-robot co-running half-marathon will officially kick off, providing more impetus for the development of the robotics industry and accelerating the transition of humanoid robots from the laboratory to real-world applications.

 

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