Delivering high-quality connectivity over a wide coverage area is at the very core of our proposition as a business, and is the foundation upon which any and all additional digital services and tools can be delivered to our customers.
It is therefore vital that we continuously invest in our networks and ensure their resilience and reliability even amidst the most destructive of crises.
In 2021, we took a big leap in enhancing our networks by embarking on an ambitious Network Transformation Programme. This was enabled by the introduction of Open RAN technology, which will accelerate 4G expansions, support the introduction of 5G and help bridge the digital divide in rural and underserved areas.
Our OpCos continue to invest in strengthening 4G coverage and quality across our operating markets, enabling higher bandwidth for speed of transfer, faster response rates and improved spectrum efficiency. At the human level, this means that more applications can be used at any given time and that data can be delivered almost immediately to meet the needs of our increasingly digital lifestyles and work processes.
Supporting our efforts in delivering connectivity to all, edotco’s continued expansion saw its tower portfolio rise to more than 44,900 across 8 countries during 2021, increasing its tower market share from 21% to 25%. This brings it closer to its 2023 goal of becoming a Top 5 Global TowerCo.
edotco works to ensure continuous high quality connectivity across its tower portfolio. By operationalising Network and Planning Analytics (NAPA) across five of their markets, they are better equipped than ever to select sites which deliver maximum reach and connectivity, while also improving their ability to monetise their towers through colocation and build-to-suit arrangements.
Being future-ready means being ready for 5G, and here our OpCos have taken on a leadership role in their respective markets by forging strategic partnerships and introducing leading-edge technological solutions.
For detailed information on how our OpCos are driving 5G readiness, please read the Network Quality & Coverage topic within our Sustainability and National Contribution Report 2021.
Conducting 5G trials,
test runs and proof of
concepts
Deploying 4G updates
that are 5G-ready
Upgrading infrastructure
to support deployments
Conducting 5G trials,
test runs and proof of
concepts
Deploying 4G updates
that are 5G-ready
Upgrading infrastructure
to support deployments
Technology
How our OpCos are building 5G ecosystems
Partnerships
Collaborating with
device providers and
network vendors
Developing 5G use cases
in collaboration with
universities and think
tanks
Engaging governments
and regulatory
authorities
Collaborating with device providers and network vendors
Developing 5G use cases in collaboration with universities and think tanks
Engaging governments and regulatory authorities
Our material matters are determined through a bi-yearly process of materiality assessment, detailed below:
We review and update our material matters in response to changes in our business landscape, risk environment, internal policies, KPIs, emerging local and global sustainability trends, regulatory developments and stakeholder opinions. Our review also incorporates peer benchmarking.
We conducted a structured stakeholder prioritisation exercise by leveraging insights from our dialogue with various stakeholders on our material matters. This allows us to identify the influence and dependence of key stakeholders on the Group. We then engage with the prioritised stakeholders to obtain their feedback on material matters.
Upon identification of our material matters, we conducted workshops within the Group to further prioritise materiality matters from the business perspective.