French IoT specialist Sigfox has teamed up with pan-African data network operator Liquid Telecom to build out an IoT network across Kenya. Liquid Telecom plans to integrate 800 Sigfox base stations into its existing Kenyan network during the coming 12 months and then work with the French firm to offer training and education to local companies and developers keen to develop applications and make use of IoT connectivity. For the full story, check out the following article from Connecting Africa, our sister publication: Liquid Telecom Plans Expansive IoT Coverage in Kenya With Sigfox.

Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK), which has an extensive revenue-generating patent portfolio, says it expects to cap licensing rates for new 5G phones at €3 ($3.45) per device. In a statement about its 5G licensing expectations, the Finnish vendor said it had a "significant portfolio" of so-called standard-essential patents that it would license on FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) terms in line with industry practice. The company also indicated that it would determine licensing rates separately for other categories of devices following dialogue with "relevant industry participants." The earliest 5G smartphones are expected to arrive in the first half of 2019. (See Nokia to Cap 5G Device Patent License Fee and Ericsson vs. Nokia: Who's Ahead in 5G Right Now?.)

German broadband operator United Internet AG has acquired Austrian web-hosting company World4You, strengthening its position in the hosting and cloud application market. Founded in 1998, World4You currently has around 100,000 customers and more than 250,000 domains. United Internet says World4You will remain independent following the takeover. "The acquisition of World4You will enable us to extend our lead in the European hosting and cloud application business and significantly strengthen our market position in Austria," said Ralph Dommermuth, United Internet's CEO, in a company statement. "We are therefore continuing our strategy of complementing organic growth with targeted acquisitions." The financial terms of the takeover were not disclosed. (See DT Seeks Fiber Allies to Tackle Germany's Gigabit Lag.)

Ola, the Indian ride-hailing app company and Uber rival, has launched services in south Wales ahead of other parts of the UK. The company, which operates in India and Australia, has reportedly said it will pay drivers more generously than Uber does, work with licensed taxi drivers and provide better safety. The move already appears to have met with a backlash from taxi companies and unions in south Wales. Paul O'Hara of the GMB Union told the BBC that local companies had apps running long before Uber and Ola arrived. So there should be nothing to worry about, then? (See Uber Crashes Into UK Regulators, Loses London License.)

— Iain Morris, International Editor, Light Reading, and Ray Le Maistre, Editor-in-Chief, Light Reading