Navigating Africa’s Telco Challenges: Protei on  Data, AI, and Opportunities for Alternative Vendors 

Balancing Growth, Investment, and Revenue Generation

Freinkman outlined the fundamental challenge operators face: growing subscriber numbers are not translating into higher revenue per user, even as network investments increase.

“Because despite the growth of the number of subscribers, the average price that regular people are ready to pay for a commodity service is not increasing; it is decreasing. At the same time, operators must invest a lot in capacity, in throughput, and in network quality. And this is a big challenge: how to keep the network up to date, how to deploy new technology, and keep acceptable prices for subscribers. That is why, from my point of view, operators have to focus on several revenue-generating points and also on deploying new technologies that will allow them to optimize their network and maybe not reduce, but properly maintain, their expenses related to network maintenance.”

–Vladimir Freinkman, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Protei

Data Optimization as a Core Opportunity

According to Freinkman, data services remain the primary area for sustainable growth. With internet access increasingly regarded as a commodity service and a human right, operators must deliver affordable, high-quality connectivity while maintaining profitability. “Policy enforcement, network analytics, and intelligent prioritization of traffic are critical,” he said. Artificial intelligence can also enhance network efficiency, although its practical application today is primarily in customer care, where predictive analytics can improve service and reduce errors.

Alternative Vendors Carving a Space

Despite the influence of global tier-one vendors, Freinkman sees a meaningful role for alternative providers. “When a tier-one vendor dominates, operators often face high costs and reduced flexibility,” he explained. Alternative vendors like Protei, Hytera, and IP Look can offer competition, optimize networks, and provide specialized solutions for private networks or industrial use cases. These vendors give operators options and foster a more balanced market environment.

AI’s Current and Future Role

Freinkman offered a nuanced view of artificial intelligence adoption in telecoms. While AI cannot yet replace human responsibility in network management, it can significantly improve customer care. “AI can analyze subscriber behavior, recommend optimal data bundles, and reduce human error,” he noted. Broader applications in network optimization may emerge over time, but widespread replacement of human operators remains a longer-term horizon.

Strategic Approach for Relevance and Growth

Protei’s approach focuses on establishing a strong presence in core products before gradually expanding offerings. Freinkman explained that initial success with solutions such as deep packet inspection allows the company to introduce complementary products and participate in future RFPs. “This strategy ensures we remain relevant and trusted by operators while slowly increasing our footprint,” he said. Recent projects, including MVNO initiatives in Nigeria, illustrate Protei’s ongoing commitment to the African market.