Our top ten stories of the week

As we near the tail end of the third quarter of 2013, we see increasing levels of competition amongst mobile service providers for the attention and business of consumers.

We also continue to witness the relevance and impact of technology in markets throughout the continent – and the influence connectivity has on important events.

Once again we are pleased to list our top most read stories of the week. As always, these have been listed according to the amount of views generated and are sourced from a variety of sections on our site.

We hope you enjoy!

1. Apple buys Nigerian entrepreneur’s HopStop

Technology giant Apple has acquired HopStop.com, the startup venture established by Nigerian entrepreneur Chinedu Echeruo, for an undisclosed amount, according to Mashable and Bloomberg. HopStop is a mobile application that provides an online city transit guide for over 100 metropolitan areas worldwide.

2. WeChat now available for Nokia Asha smartphones   

Mobile social communication application, WeChat, is now available on the Nokia Asha Touch family of smartphones.

3. MTN Group CFO resigns amid allegations  

South African mobile service provider MTN announced on Monday that their current Group Chief Financial Officer has resigned with immediate effect.

4 The Walking Dead game comes to Android

Skybound and Skybound Asia announced the release of a new game for Android-based mobile and tablet devices based on Robert Kirkman’s record-breaking comic book series and bestselling graphic novels, The Walking Dead.

5. Top 10 tablets suited for Africa    

There is no doubt that tablets continue to make an impact on the lives of users worldwide. More manufacturers are producing a wide variety of tablets to cater to different user needs – and this causes confusion amongst consumers.

6. MTN management shakeup at African operations  

In the same week that Nazir Patel resigned from his position as MTN Group’s Chief Financial Officer, the mobile operator has announced a series of changes to the leadership at key operations in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

7. Vodacom Tanzania acquires Helios Towers Tanzania Network  

Helios Towers Africa (HTA), an independent telecoms towers company in Africa, announced last weekend that its Tanzanian subsidiary, Helios Towers Tanzania (HTT) has reached an agreement with Vodacom Tanzania Limited, to acquire 100% of its existing tower network in the country for stock and cash in Vodacom Group’s first ever towers transaction.

8. MTN has a new ring to it 

OnMobile Global Limited, a global leader in telecom value-added services (VAS), announced on Tuesday that it has won a deal with MTN Group as preferred CRBT (Caller Ring Back Tone) partner.

9. New applicant wants SA pay-TV shake-up  

Competition in the pay-TV market is set to continue, as Close-T Broadcast Network Holdings, and its branded pay-TV platform, CloseTV prepares for the final stages of its application for a new Subscription Broadcast license from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

10. Acer launches Iconia A1 tablet in South Africa   

Acer on Wednesday unveiled the Acer Iconia A1, the company’s first full-featured 20.1 cm (7.9”) tablet targeted at modern day explorers, adventurers, digital freaks and busy mobile executives requiring an all-day mobile companion.

* Image via Shutterstock

Chris Tredger – Online Editor