Courier Regulator seals two illegal operators

Remmy Nweke

Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has sealed two unregistered courier companies in Lagos, Thursday.

Senior Assistant Post Master General (SAPMG), Dr. Simon Emeje disclosed this to ITREALMS Online in his office, saying that at least two persons each were arrested from the two companies.

He gave the names of the illegal operators as Daudeen Freight and Forwarding Company and Maltom Nigeria Limited, both located at the Oshodi-axis of Lagos State.

This brings to over 50 the number of companies sealed by CRD, although some of these companies have since completed their registration with the regulatory department.

Dr. Emeje said that some evidence of transactions was recovered from the aforementioned illegal courier operators, including collection manifest, receipts and Prove of Delivery (PoD) as evidences.

“They were sealed and if they want to continue in courier business, they must fulfill the rules of the game by going through the process of registration,” he said.

According to him, the latest closure brings the number of such companies sealed since the inception of CRD to over 50, stressing that they are not stopping until full sanity is achieved in the courier industry in the country.

Outcome of the several sanitization exercise embarked by his office, Dr. Emeje noted, has made the environment better as more investors are coming in while high level of sanity now exist in the industry. Last raid by

CRD, which took place last year and precisely in Ilorin in the South Western Nigeria, he said was a success.

He stressed that CRD would continue to hunt illegal courier operators in the country until they comply with the standards stipulated in regulation of courier in the country. “We would continue to them until they comply and for their own interest they should comply,” he asserted.

Dr. Emeje also warned that his word for this crop of operators is “simply to comply”.

CRD is a specialized arm of the Nigerian Postal Service tasked with the responsibility of ensuring a sustainable development of the courier industry, with core areas of activities including registration and licensing of courier operators.

As well CRD is expected to set standards and regulations for the practice of courier business in Nigeria. CRD was set up in 2003. NIPOST is a core department of the Federal Ministry of Communications.

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Celtel swallows Vmobile

Features of the week:

Vmobile, one of the nation’s leading Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operator, has evolved yet into Celtel Nigeria, another form that would entail total rebranding and reintegration, reports REMMY NWEKE.

Change they say is constant, and for those who desire it, challenges are likely to come on their way.

For Vee Network Limited, trading under the name Vmobile, another change was announced last week by the officials of the GSM company, owing to the latest completion of transactions between Vmobile and Celtel, a subsidiary of MTC conglomerate of Kuwait.

Vmobile journey so far

Since its incorporation in 2000 and subsequent roll out in 2001, as Econet Wireless Nigeria, the telco has undergone what some industry watchers described as ‘transfiguration’.

The first was its entrance as Econet Nigeria, which lasted for about three years. Then came the South African mobile operator, Vodacom and in less than two months after, it metamorphosed into Vmobile, courtesy Econet Wireless International (EWI) subsequent court action.

EWI, which has gained reputation for court injunctions on the continent with its partners, was reportedly undeterred as it returned to a Lagos Court penultimate Tuesday, for an injunction over Vmobile/Celtel deal, of which the 30 days set aside for conclusion of the deal expired the same day.

Now is another transfiguration with the coming of Celtel (Nigeria).

Watchful Nigerians

In the watchful eyes of Nigerians, Vmobile is not far from the biblical transfiguration as its marriages turned out to be an expose for its desire to be counted among leading continental and global GSM networks.

As elucidated by one of its directors, Chief Henry Imasekha, if Vmobile has the best of plans for its customers without adequate funding to execute same it would become meaningless. This, he said, is why Celtel acquisition is most welcome.

However, Vmobile on August 5, 2001 began commercial operation which it claimed was the first by any of the GSM licensees in the country. Currently savouring its over 5.3 million active subscribers with coverage in over 600 towns and 8000 communities across the six geopolitical zones, Vmobile is pursuing hitherto promise of aggressive network roll out as well as quality and service upgrades in order to provide what the Public Relations Manager, Mr. Emeka Oparah, would call “world-class customer services that would make telecommunications an enjoyable experience for all Nigerians.”

Celtel abandons NITEL

The take over of the 65 per cent stake in Vmobile by Celtel, has forced the telco to discontinue its prior intention to buy over the national operator, the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

ITRealms Online recalls that mid-April Celtel International, entered into a ‘Conditional Acquisition’ with Vmobile for a total consideration of US$1.005 billion.

Also, Celtel was listed among five telcos scheduled to bid for NITEL this year, but has now dropped the idea. Noteworthy is that last year, Celtel on learning that the Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTel), the GSM arm of NITEL was excised from the original NITEL offer withdrew its bid.

The Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Celtel, Ms Tsega Gebreyes, confirmed that the telco would forgo the NITEL dream. “We would not pursue NITEL anymore given that we have completed acquisition today,” she affirmed.

Expressing delight on the completion of the Vmobile deal, she said, that negotiations with Nigerian shareholders have resulted in the much needed investment in the company.

“Celtel looks forward to a strong partnership with Vmobile shareholders to build an even stronger business,” Ms Gebreyes said.

How it was sealed

Announcing the formal completion, a director in Vmobile and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Paul Usoro, said Celtel acquired 65 per cent of Vmobile after a successful transaction. According to him, this follows the expiration of the mandatory 30-day period to enable EWI exercise the right of ‘first refusal’ or buy over the shares on offer.

As said by him, at the end of the board meeting penultimate Friday, the remaining 65 per cent of Vmobile’s shares were transferred to Celtel International.

“We are delighted to have found a partner that shares both our vision and our passion for developing the mobile telephony market in Nigeria,” he declared.

Mr. Usoro stressed that the transaction would assist Vmobile to continue its expansion plans to ensure that the company offers Nigerians the highest quality infrastructure and world class service that they deserve.

Mr. Usoro also informed that the initial $1.005 billion has been structured as the purchase of existing shares and equity injection which will immediately boost Vmobile’s financial ability to continue and accelerate its aggressive roll out.

Fate of 2000 staff

Leading the Celtel team at the transaction, the chief executive, Celtel International, Mr. Marten Pieters, assured that of the over 2000 employees of Vmobile, the intelligent ones would be retained, just as he noted that there is no vacancy for the chief executive for now as Mr. Willem Swart would continue in that instance.

He also said that out of the 12 directors in the new Celtel Nigeria, five would be Nigerians, another five Africans and the remaining two non-Africans.

“I am very proud to say that all we have achieved was part of team work,” he said, even as he expects their Nigerian colleagues in erstwhile Vmobile to integrate into Celtel soonest.

Before now, Celtel has presence in Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, with over 10 million subscribers, which has now grown to 15.3 million in 15 African nations.

Expectations

One remarkable thing imminent is the change of the brand to what Mr. Pieters said is Celtel model of brand which has kept the company competitive over the years.

On May 2005, a similar transaction was sealed between Celtel and MTC Group following the acquisition of 85 per cent shares of the telco by MTC.

According to the telco, its brand is actually a critical factor differentiator from competitors. And a key in the line-up of things to expect from Celtel Nigeria, eventually, including rebranding of Vmobile and relevant integration.

This would see Nigerians enjoying the likes of prepaid roaming services without topping up the domestic account, virtual airtime, Me2U which enables sharing or transferring of airtime among subscribers.

Whilst waiting for completion of the rebranding and reintegration of the Vmobile into the full Celtel Group, one message is clear, that is, the coast of competition is getting keener and those who want to play in this market must wake up especially now that we have unified licensing waiting for grabs.

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NITEL Strike: ATCON wants speedy action, PTOs seek alternative route

Remmy Nweke

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has called on the federal government to expedient actions to resolve the on-going strike by workers of the first national carrier, the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

ATCON also said that the economic impact of the strike is enormous and therefore ‘unquantifiable’.

This came as most Private Telecommunications Operators (PTOs) in the country, who route their calls through NITEL have commenced search for an alternate route in-house, even as PTO room at NITEL exchange Lagos is enmeshed in darkness.

ATCON President, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, made this call at the conclusion of his one-day facility visit to some of the PTOs and NITEL exchange, located at Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said the economic impact of the strike is enormous and cannot be simply quantified.

According to him, members of the umbrella body of telecom firms in the country who are PTOs, are now seeking alternative routes to their stalled interconnection hitherto via NITEL.

He also lamented the darkness which befall the Lagos exchange, pointing out that in the last six years one area that this administration has received encouraging number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is the telecom sector.

Dr. Ekuwem equally said that the effect of the strike is immense as the operators especially those using NITEL exchange have began to loose revenue.

Additionally, he said, it does not augur well for the proposed plan to privatize NITEL.

As said by him, the exercise of searching for an alternative to NITEL by PTOs, would further devalue NITEL, stressing that it is not good for the company and the nation as well.

“Seeking alternative to NITEL at this time means NITEL value will continue to diminish and it is unfortunate” he declared.

Telecom in Nigeria, he said, has been a success story noting that it is a competitive product that transcends a lot of services globally.

He called on the federal government to speedy actions on nipping the
strike in the bud, just as he recognized the efforts made so far by setting up two committees headed by the secretary to the federal government, Chief Ufot Ekatte and Finance Minister, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonji-Iwala.

Dr. Ekuwem also noted that the reason for speedy action brings to mind that NITEL staffs are being owed five months and all of us go to the same market, send children to the same school, hence they need their salaries for sustenance.

He was accompanied at the visit by the Executive Secretary, ATCON, Mr. Godwin Morgan, while one of the PTOs visited was CelCom Limited.

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Automated GSM recharge commences

•As Interswitch connects CTL

Remmy Nweke

REAL-TIME payment solution provider, Interswitch Nigeria Limited, has interconnected with the Card Technology Limited (CTL) switches in the country, just as it unveiled Recharge Nigeria, a new way of recharging Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) phones through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Chief executive, CTL, Master card franchise in the country, Mr. Ayo Arise, disclosed the seamless connection between the two electronic payment companies at the launch of the Recharge Nigeria in Lagos.

He said the imperative of interoperability of operators would engender growth in the industry and more access to Nigerians using smart card solutions for transactions.

The connection enables Master card users in the country to transact seamlessly within Interswitch deployed ATMs switches and vice versa. Even as both firms have taken their offers together to the Ghanaian market.

On Recharge Nigeria, would be available on 24 hours a day and is already accessible in over 800 ATMs deployed nationwide among its partnering banks.

Managing Director, Interswitch Limited, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, said at the launch which coincided with the sent forth ceremony for its immediate past chairman, Dr. Evans Woherem, that Recharge Nigeria is a partnership struck between his firm and all the GSM operators in the country.

He noted that customers of these networks could top-up their credits as long as they have debit cards issued by over 23 out of the 25 banks in the country that scaled through the recapitalisation exercise of the Central Bank of Nigeria, last December.

According to him, there are now over 2 million Nigerian debit card holders, even as this was introduced to continuously encourage card users to gain more access to regular products such as airtime recharge.

“All the 800 ATMs currently deployed on the Interswitch network now offer the service, with more expected in the next few months,” he asserted.

He stressed that the Recharge Nigeria, is a value added and an indication of commitment of his firm to the Nigerian society via provision of technology innovation.

Marketing and Corporate Communications officer at Interswitch, Ms Taiwo Seriki, informed that Recharge Nigeria enables ATM users in the country to do more than withdrawing money, checking of bank account balances, view the last five transactions and even transfer funds.

One main merit of Recharge Nigeria, she said, is that users would not be afraid of scratching off the Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) as have been the case recently.

The event was attended by the newly appointed chairman of Interswitch, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman among other dignitaries from Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and banking sectors.

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Nigeria Info Summit due in Sept

Remmy Nweke

Hugtech Information Links (HiL) in partnership with some stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, is planning to a Nigerian Information Society Summit (NISS-06) expected to take place in September.

President, HiL, Mr. Uche Ugochukwu gave this indication in an address to mark this year’s World Information Society Day (WISD) at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State.

According to him, NISS has been scheduled to hold in the last quarter of this year, which begins in September, to further hammer home the values and benefits of information in this era with the nation’s perspective in mind.

He emphasised that the need arises given the challenges facing developing nations like Nigeria in bridging the digital divide.

In the address titled “Dream unfolding with Academia: How to build the Nigeria Information Society,” he also solicited for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that the proposed summit becomes a success.

The summit, he said, would boost the nation’s effort to be counted among the Information Society main stream.

The programme, which has ‘Building the Nigerian Information Society: The Responsibilities of students and teachers in higher institutions,” as its theme, witnessed the newly elected President of the National Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS), Mr. Martins Madueke, presenting a speech.

Mr. Madueke traced the history of telecommunications as well as the two-phased World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which came to a final phase last November in Tunis, Tunisia.

He recalled that NACOSS in line with the objectives of the federal government’s National Economic Empowerment Development and Strategies (NEEDS), launched ICT4NEED as a prerequisite for involving the Nigerian youths in the NEEDS project.

He also urged Nigerian students to be decisive in making decisions for their future and above all, be involved in ICT so as not to be left behind against all odds.

Technology, he noted has become the driving force behind modern society, even in the smallest form.

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ICANN updates policy on IPv6

Remmy Nweke

The global administrator of the Internet, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), has given an update on the policy guideline for the evolution of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6).

This came as the Regional Internet Registrars (RIRs) now adopt latest version of this proposal.
IPv6 is the current Internet protocol address being considered to take over from the IP version 4 (IPv4) which has been in the use at the popularisation of the Internet in 1980s. Some countries already have adopted implementation of IPv6 already just as some experts said IPv4 is running short and becoming obsolete in configuration in recent times.

In a background report released January 2 this year, but updated last month, ICANN noted that development of global internet number resource policies has been subject of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Address Support Organisation (ASO), Number Resource Organisation (NRO) and ICANN.

There are also specific ICANN board procedures adopted by the board on July 15, 2005, at the ICANN meeting in Luxemburg, for handling global policy proposals in this context.

In an update made available to our correspondent, showed that the above mentioned board procedures also state that the board could request ICANN staff to undertake an "early awareness" tracking of proposals for global policies under development in broadcasting.

Noting that at its meeting on August 16, 2005, the board also resolved to request such tracking of the development of a global policy proposal for allocation of IPv6 address space, which already is well advanced in the Regional Internet Registries.

According to the overview compiled and presented in response to requests, ICANN promised of constant update as developments proceed.

It further recalled that there were originally two versions of the proposal for the allocation of IPv6 Address Space by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Policy to Regional Internet Registries.

The first version, it said, was that presented at the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) 18th general meeting issued in September 2004.

APNIC is one of four non-profit organizations that register and administer Internet Protocol (IP) addresses globally and serves the Asia Pacific region, which consists of about 62 economies.
The second version, the update indicated was elaborated after further discussion on the subject on February 2005.

ICANN also pointed out in the update that since mid October 2005, all RIRs have been treating the "second version", which has advanced through the RIRs' respective adoption processes.

As at May 16, 2005, it said, all RIRs have formally adopted this version of the proposal.

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PC market share: HP, Zinox on the lead

Remmy Nweke

Proudly Nigerian brand, Zinox Computers, has been named with Hewlett Packard (HP) to be at the forefront of competition in the nation’s Personal Computer (PC) brand penetration, by the International Data Corporation (IDC) survey for the first quarter of this year.

IDC is a United State-based global market intelligence and advisory firm whose quarterly report is one of the most authentic benchmarks for measuring market performance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services worldwide.

As indicated in the market intelligence of IDC for the first quarter of this year, Zinox Computers, leading IT brand in the country stood out against immense foreign competitors as the best selling brand second only to HP.

In accordance with the first quarter 2006 IDC market report, Zinox Computers accounted for about 14 per cent of all PC sales in Nigeria in both number and US$ value, hence, ahead of several global brands such as Dell and Acer with 6.8 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively.

Barely five years into the business of manufacturing computers locally in the country, Zinox Computers has altered several market records to become an internationally tested and certified computer brand.

And with this report from IDC, it serves as another endorsement of which it has been rated by IDC since last year as number two amongst international computer brands in Nigeria.

The IDC report equally indicated that Desktops accounted for 79.4 per cent of computer units sold in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2006, while Laptops or mobile computers trailed at 18.2 per cent.

Noteworthy, it appeared that the nation is making progress in the e-governance initiative, as government or the public sector accounted for 21.3 per cent of PC sales, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) had the greater share of 48.6 per cent.

On the other hand, education sector was lowest in patronage of PCs within the quarter under review at 2.1 per cent. Zinox products comprises desktops, laptops, servers and uninterrupted power supply (UPS), only recently the computer firm announced its plans to extend operations into the West African region with Ghana being the first destination of where production would start in September this year.

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Global e-payment experts for Card Expo-06

Remmy Nweke

Estimated 15 experts of electronic payment (e-payment) drawn from various pedigrees in the global e-payment industry are billed to feature at this year’s annual Card Expo, slated to hold in Lagos.

These experts including Nigerians would be thrilling participants at the three-day event, which is the sixth edition. It has been scheduled between June 14 and 16, at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Center, Onikan-Lagos, according to the organisers.

According to the conference director at Intermarc Consulting, Mrs. Onajite Regha, this year’s theme, “Payment Card Return on Investment: Mind the gap, get smart,” would attract notables in the card business globally and reckons with enormous potentials for smart cards growth on the continent.

This, she said, includes the Managing Director, Interswitch Limited, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, Chief executive, eTranzact Nigeria, Mr. Valentine Obi, chief executive, Nextzon business services, Mr. Mac Atasie, Mr Ayo Arise of Card Technologies Limited and the coordinator, National Cybercrime Working Group, Nigeria, Mr. Basil Udotai.

Also, Mrs Regha said Messrs Hans van Resberg, Mark O’Flyn, Roy Brederode and David Kaplan; of Fundamo South Africa, Verifome United Kingdom, Cash Axcees also of South Africa and Israeli Lipman in that order.

Director of South African-based ATM Africa, Mr. Dougla Gillan, along with Mr. Bukar Kyari of Valu Card Nigeria Plc, Mr. Ridwan Hansia of Diebold Dubai, Mr. Arno Viljeon of South African Bank Risk Intelligence, are also on the line-up for the event.

Equally on the list of speakers at the forthcoming annual forum are Ms Olfa Ounis of Axalto France, Mr Marwan Aasar from NPC Egypt and Mr. Tarek Hmaidan of Oberthur Card Systems, Dubai among others.

The conference director, accompanied by the managing partner, Mr. Adeyinka Adeyemi, further said that this year’s Card Expo has been planned to dwell on several issues affecting the e-payment industry, so as to enable investors have good return on investment.

“Participants would learn how to make money from card business and at the same time optimising investment in card technology,” she said.

The conference and exhibition to be declared open by the Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, the director said, has been divided into different forums per day.

These include the card and e-payment forum, to be held on the first day. While on day two, there would be forums on security and standards, SIM and mobile services, interoperability and integration as well as ATM business.

On the third day, participants would be treated to ATM security forum, EMV forum, e-government and utilities forum.

According to her, a segment on the last day has been mapped out for product launch by participating organisations.

Commenting, Mr. Adeyemi informed that plans have been advanced to have on ground a media centre to facilitate the active participation of the nation’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) media at this year’s event.

He also said that the centre would be equipped with Internet-enabled Personal Computers to motivate the fourth estate of the realm in carrying out her avowed service to the society with ease.

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Hello @ UK, others on Glo GPRS

... Storms W.AfriTel-06

Remmy Nweke

SUBSCRIBERS on the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) arm of the second national operator (SNO) Glo Mobile can now say hello on the firm’s network through its Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) from five countries.

GPRS is a platform which guarantees high speed data transmission and multimedia messaging services, among other benefits. It’s an advanced data transmission mode that does not require a continuous connection to the Internet, as with a standard home modem.

Rather, GPRS uses the network only when there is data to be sent, which pronounced as more efficient by analysts.

This development is coming as Globacom plans to storm this year’s West African Telecommunication Exhibition and Conference (W.Afritel) kicks off later this month in Lagos.

These five countries are United Kingdom, United States, France, Greece and Russia, just as plans have been advanced to include 87 other countries where SNO has established facilities.

Courtesy of the GPRS deployed by Globacom and which multimedia messaging facility was activated at these five nations.

Chief Operating Officer, Glo Gateway, a subsidiary of Globacom, Mr. Charles Odiase, while announcing the development said it is currently available only to post-paid subscribers and in five countries.

According to the network, subscribers who travel abroad for business or leisure could now browse the internet and send or receive picture messages on their Glo mobile lines that have been activated for roaming.

With the launch of the technology by Globacom in August 2004, the Second National Operator became the first operator to introduce it in the country.

The introduction of GPRS Roaming service on the network, the chief operator officer explained, gives Glo subscribers access to services such as MMS and mobile internet when roaming outside the country.

Some of the countries to be linked soon on Glo GPRS platform are Italy, Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Greece, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Denmark and Hungary. Other countries in the roaming agreement with Glo Mobile include Saudi Arabia, Syria, South Africa, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Benin Republic.

Meanwhile, Globacom has concluded arrangement to storms this year’s W.Afri.Tel taking place in Lagos, according to the sole country agent of the organisers, Exhibition Management Services of South Africa, IT & Telecom Digest.

As said by the sole agent in a press statement endorsed by the editor-in-chief, Mr. Mkpe Abang, the event scheduled to last between June 20 and 22, has been signed up by the SNO.

“Globacom is a major and critical player on the continent’s ICT space. For a company that claims that it is building the continent’s biggest and best telecommunications network, surely its entry into W.Afri.Tel will bring a lot of excitement more so that it is Nigeria’s second national operator.

“We believe this is a grand opportunity for Globacom also to show the world the innovative products that it has got to offer as well as the many value added services, either already introduced or those it plans to introduce,” he said.

Mr. Abang emphasised that the fact that leading telecommunications equipment manufacturers like Nokia and Motorola, among others, would also showcase at the event, Globacom, a leader in its own right, has made a good decision and at the right time to be at W.Afri.Tel 2006.

In addition, MTN and Vmobile, two of the leading mobile operators in the country are also on the programme, as well as Huawei, LG and D-link among others.

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Folayan leads speakers @ VoIP forum

Remmy Nweke

Managing Director, Skannet Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sunday Folayan, would next month lead selected continental speakers to the third annual African Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) forum holding in Lagos.

The event being put together by the African Information Technology Exhibition and Conferences (AITEC) in partnership with Nigerian IT Edge, comes with the theme, “The Developmental and Business Imperatives of Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony in Africa.”

Mr. Folayan, who would be taking the forum on the first interactive workshop for corporate users, is expected to provide an elaborate introduction to VoIP.

He would be joined by Sales Director Africa at iBasis United States, Mr. Mawuli Tse, who is to take participants on international VoIP links, even as Dr. Gillian Marcelle, a principal consultant with Technology for Development, South Africa, would be examining the progressive VoIP regulations.

Likewise, the chief executive, United Kingdom-based Balancing Act, Mr. Russell Southwood, would dwell on ‘Survival Strategies for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Cyber cafes.

Group chairman, AITEC, Mr. Sean Moroney, said the forum offers a unique opportunity for telecommunication operators, (ISPs) and corporate users to learn more about this exciting new development in communications, otherwise known as VoIP.

Mr. Moroney noted that by transmitting phone calls over the world-wide internet infrastructure, costs are dramatically reduced, thus, “offering a major opportunity for Nigeria and her neighbours to introduce competitive phone charges.”

In line with the forum being supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), he also said that it has been designed to give confidence to progressive implementation of evolving technologies, including VoIP systems.

He noted that this is the first time in Africa’s fastest growing market that this forum will focus on VoIP as one of the major drivers of the modern telecommunications, with potentials to redefine the entire market place and throw up remodelling in business strategies.

Mr. Moroney emphasised that leading VoIP experts from across the globe will brief delegates on how they could cut organisational phone bills substantially; enable them to operate effectively and profitably with VoIP services.

Similarly, experts would be give inroads on how to capitalise on the cheapness of VoIP technology to make telephone calls more affordable for low-income groups, especially in rural areas; understanding more clearly the progressive regulatory environment necessary for this technology to expand its impact and develop regional and international partnerships to achieve cross border systems.

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NCS confab goes to Yola

Remmy Nweke

IN the spirit of patriotism and one nation, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has concluded arrangements to take its annual international conference to the city of Yola, capital of Adamawa State.

Adamawa is in the north-east part of the country, while NCS is the umbrella body of over six Information and Communication Technology (ICT) groups in the country. These include the Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN), Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Software Developers Group (SDG), Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN), National Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS), and Nigerian IT Professionals in the Americas (NITPA) among others.

ITRealms Online recalls that in recent times, NCS has taken its annual conferences to Abuja and Port Harcourt, mostly in the last two years, whereas Lagos has been the host for about 17 previous editions.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, NCS President, Dr. Chris Nwannenna, said that the 20th international confab and Annual General Meeting (AGM), would take place in Yola, between Monday, June 13 and Thursday 16, this year.

The theme, he said, is “Framework for IT Penetration in Rural Nigeria: Bridging Our Digital Divide.” He also said that the conference would concentrate energy on identifying relevant and cost effective infrastructure for the nation.

This, Dr. Nwannenna, who also is the chief executive, Condata Systems, said, would facilitate best provision of Information Technology (IT) awareness and to the populace both at the urban and rural communities.

“Empowerment here will imply leveraging the power of IT for creation of wealth, eradication of poverty among others,” he asserted.

Dr. Nwannenna pointed out that these are some of the cardinal goals of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) and its state’s and local government equivalents, that is, SEEDS and LEEDS respectively.

Therefore, NCS is lending its support to the current economic and social blueprint by devoting its national conference to issues related to the goals of the nation and NEEDS precisely.

Throwing more lights on the choice of Yola for this year’s venue, chairman, Conferences Committee at NCS, Mrs Ajibike Itegboje, explained that it was to afford its membership the opportunity of seeing other parts of the country and to truly encourage the penetration of IT awareness nationwide.

Yola also known as the land of beauty, she said, would play host to the chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Prof. Iya Abubakar, who is expected to declare the event open.

While the vice chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, would give the keynote address at the occasion.

Additionally, Mrs. Itegboje said, there would be four plenary sessions where technical papers would be delivered by experts to address issues in relation to the main theme.

She further said, some side attractions have been lined up for the relaxation and entertainment and networking throughout the event.

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IDC opens West African office

Remmy Nweke

International Data Corporation (IDC), has concluded arrangement to open its West African office in the country, today, Wednesday, June 7, in Lagos.

According to the Branch Manager for West Africa, Mr. Patrick Nzegbuna, the opening would be heralded with a media parley to be addressed by the Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa at IDC, Mr. Jyoti Lalchandani.

He also said that the event would be used to officially announce IDC’s presence in the region and particularly in Nigeria and introduce the company’s analysts and products to the media and local businesses.

Mr. Lalchandani, the branch manager noted, would be attending the opening along with the two Nigeria-based analysts, namely himself and Aremu Fikayo.

The event would be used to highlight Nigeria’s position as one of the leading Information Technology (IT) markets in Africa and the general state as well as the markets trend in the next few years.

IDC, a leading provider of IT and communications market intelligence, advisory services, and networking events, he said, assists IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community in making fact-based decisions on technology purchases, sales and marketing promotions in addition to IT and business strategies.

With over 850 analysts in 50 countries, IDC brings in-depth understanding of national markets and socio-political environments to regional and global endeavours and a global and regional perspective to national markets and business environments.

This combination of local presence and international perspective makes IDC uniquely positioned to understanding the key factors influencing the future of ICT markets.

For over 42 years now, Mr. Nzegbuna pointed out, IDC has provided insight that facilitated clients to achieve key business objectives.

Presently, IDC maintains a coordinated network of offices in 19 countries, across Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa, with regional research centers in Prague, Moscow, Istanbul, and Dubai.

Customers cut across ICT hardware, software and services suppliers, governments, and members of the financial community.

IDC is a subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world’s leading technology media, research, and event’s company.

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ATMC bags excellence award

Remmy Nweke

FOR daring to pioneer off-site independent Automated Teller Machines (ATM) deployment in Nigeria, ATM Consortium (ATMC) Limited, has bagged an award of ‘Recognition for Excellence’ by the management of M2 newspaper at an elaborate occasion held in Lagos.

Champion Infotel recollects that on inception, ATMC has unveiled QuickCash brand of ATMs subsequently deployed nationwide.

As the first privately owned and managed Independent ATM Deployer (IAD) of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the country, ATMC has rolled out its QuickCash brand of ATMs in over 110 locations across the country, including Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Ibadan, Kaduna, Lagos and Port Harcourt, among other places.

Collaborating with Euronet, a foreign technical partner, ATMC said it has optimised the value proposition of ATMs as a profit-making enterprise for its shareholders.

In addition to operating and managing a network of ATMs under the trademark QuickCash, ATMC provides operations and management services for third-party machines.

These efforts and its pioneering status were what caught the attention of the management of M2.

Reacting after receiving the award, the Managing Director, ATMC, Mr. Noble Ekajeh, said that the recognition of excellence is fitting, stressing it shows that efforts of the company to make its brand of ATM QuickCash, a household name has not gone unnoticed.

“We are humbled by this recognition. It has given us the impetus to work more assiduously towards ensuring that Nigerians imbibe the culture of using ATMs for cash withdrawal,” he said.

The publisher of M2 newspaper, Mr. Akin Adeoya, noted the pioneering efforts of ATMC in his opening speech, saying that ATMC deserved the recognition because, “It is not easy to be a pioneer, particularly in a service industry. But ATMC has done well and it has now paved the way for others who want to follow”.

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60 winners emerge in Glo promo

Remmy Nweke

Sixty winners emerged weekend at the Glo jumbo promo held in Kano, northern Nigeria. The promotion according to Globacom has a prize worth of N.5 billion to be won in 180 days.

Out of the 60 winners, emerged six winners of Kia Picanto cars, six 5KVA generators and 48 cash prizes of N25,000 each, and were all resident in the northern part of the country.

The winners of the Kia Picanto cars are subscribers with Glo Mobile numbers 08057416615, 08054504419, 08054447553, 08053589085, 08052441658, 08050246168.

Glo subscribers with numbers 08059576000, 08059497184, 08053665685, 08053335932, 08053287784, 08051330008 won one 5KVA generator each.

While drawing the first set of car winners, the district head of Daula and son of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero commended the Second National Operator (SNO), Globacom, for reducing the suffering of the Nigerian masses through paying back with rewards.

Represented by Alhaji Mohamed Sayyadi, Alhaji Bayero urged other telecommunication firms to emulate Globacom’s commitment towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

He later drew the first three car winners who were immediately called and informed of their fortune, noting that Glo has been consistent with its promos.

Drawing the second set of three car winners, the Head of Operations, Kano sector of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Mr. Buhari Balal, expressed gratitude to the SNO for dedicating six lines to the Corp for accident victims. He also called on the company to donate six more Glo lines to the Kano command of the FRSC.

Also drawing winners, the head of consumer affairs in the Kano region of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Alhaji Shaibu Suade commended Globacom for giving back to subscribers what subscribers gave to it.

The Kano draw came on the heels of four previous draws in Ijebu Ode, Abeokuta, Lagos and Ibadan. In all 26 cars, 26 generators, N1.2million cash and free airtime have dispensed to various winners.

In this latest promo, Glo Mobile subscribers have the opportunity of winning various prizes including 180 cars to be won in 180 days, 180 5KVA electric power generator sets to be won in 180 days, and N200,000 to be shared by 8 winners daily.

Equally, in the Glo Jumbo promo 10,000 subscribers will each win N750 monthly free airtime over 12 months, and 1,000,000 subscribers to smile with N100 free airtime during the promo.

The entry qualification for the draws has also been reduced to make it easier for everyone as subscribers now have to recharge with N1,000, thirty days prior to the draw, instead of the N1500, benchmark previously.

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Celtel swallows Vmobile

Features of the week:

Vmobile, one of the nation’s leading Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operator, has evolved yet into Celtel Nigeria, another form that would entail total rebranding and reintegration, reports REMMY NWEKE.

Change they say is constant, and for those who desire it, challenges are likely to come on their way.

For Vee Network Limited, trading under the name Vmobile, another change was announced last week by the officials of the GSM company, owing to the latest completion of transactions between Vmobile and Celtel, a subsidiary of MTC conglomerate of Kuwait.

Vmobile journey so far
Since its incorporation in 2000 and subsequent roll out in 2001, as Econet Wireless Nigeria, the telco has undergone what some industry watchers described as ‘transfiguration’.

The first was its entrance as Econet Nigeria, which lasted for about three years. Then came the South African mobile operator, Vodacom and in less than two months after, it metamorphosed into Vmobile, courtesy Econet Wireless International (EWI) subsequent court action.

EWI, which has gained reputation for court injunctions on the continent with its partners, was reportedly undeterred as it returned to a Lagos Court penultimate Tuesday, for an injunction over Vmobile/Celtel deal, of which the 30 days set aside for conclusion of the deal expired the same day.

Now is another transfiguration with the coming of Celtel (Nigeria).

Watchful Nigerians
In the watchful eyes of Nigerians, Vmobile is not far from the biblical transfiguration as its marriages turned out to be an expose for its desire to be counted among leading continental and global GSM networks.

As elucidated by one of its directors, Chief Henry Imasekha, if Vmobile has the best of plans for its customers without adequate funding to execute same it would become meaningless. This, he said, is why Celtel acquisition is most welcome.

However, Vmobile on August 5, 2001 began commercial operation which it claimed was the first by any of the GSM licensees in the country. Currently savouring its over 5.3 million active subscribers with coverage in over 600 towns and 8000 communities across the six geopolitical zones, Vmobile is pursuing hitherto promise of aggressive network roll out as well as quality and service upgrades in order to provide what the Public Relations Manager, Mr. Emeka Oparah, would call “world-class customer services that would make telecommunications an enjoyable experience for all Nigerians.”

Celtel abandons NITEL
The take over of the 65 per cent stake in Vmobile by Celtel, has forced the telco to discontinue its prior intention to buy over the national operator, the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

ITRealms Online recalls that mid-April Celtel International, entered into a ‘Conditional Acquisition’ with Vmobile for a total consideration of US$1.005 billion.

Also, Celtel was listed among five telcos scheduled to bid for NITEL this year, but has now dropped the idea. Noteworthy is that last year, Celtel on learning that the Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTel), the GSM arm of NITEL was excised from the original NITEL offer withdrew its bid.

The Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Celtel, Ms Tsega Gebreyes, confirmed that the telco would forgo the NITEL dream. “We would not pursue NITEL anymore given that we have completed acquisition today,” she affirmed.

Expressing delight on the completion of the Vmobile deal, she said, that negotiations with Nigerian shareholders have resulted in the much needed investment in the company.

“Celtel looks forward to a strong partnership with Vmobile shareholders to build an even stronger business,” Ms Gebreyes said.

How it was sealed
Announcing the formal completion, a director in Vmobile and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Paul Usoro, said Celtel acquired 65 per cent of Vmobile after a successful transaction.

According to him, this follows the expiration of the mandatory 30-day period to enable EWI exercise the right of ‘first refusal’ or buy over the shares on offer.

As said by him, at the end of the board meeting penultimate Friday, the remaining 65 per cent of Vmobile’s shares were transferred to Celtel International.

“We are delighted to have found a partner that shares both our vision and our passion for developing the mobile telephony market in Nigeria,” he declared.

Mr. Usoro stressed that the transaction would assist Vmobile to continue its expansion plans to ensure that the company offers Nigerians the highest quality infrastructure and world class service that they deserve.

Mr. Usoro also informed that the initial $1.005 billion has been structured as the purchase of existing shares and equity injection which will immediately boost Vmobile’s financial ability to continue and accelerate its aggressive roll out.

Fate of 2000 staff
Leading the Celtel team at the transaction, the chief executive, Celtel International, Mr. Marten Pieters, assured that of the over 2000 employees of Vmobile, the intelligent ones would be retained, just as he noted that there is no vacancy for the chief executive for now as Mr. Willem Swart would continue in that instance.

He also said that out of the 12 directors in the new Celtel Nigeria, five would be Nigerians, another five Africans and the remaining two non-Africans.

“I am very proud to say that all we have achieved was part of team work,” he said, even as he expects their Nigerian colleagues in erstwhile Vmobile to integrate into Celtel soonest.

Before now, Celtel has presence in Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, with over 10 million subscribers, which has now grown to 15.3 million in 15 African nations.

Expectations
One remarkable thing imminent is the change of the brand to what Mr. Pieters said is Celtel model of brand which has kept the company competitive over the years.

On May 2005, a similar transaction was sealed between Celtel and MTC Group following the acquisition of 85 per cent shares of the telco by MTC.

According to the telco, its brand is actually a critical factor differentiator from competitors. And a key in the line-up of things to expect from Celtel Nigeria, eventually, including rebranding of Vmobile and relevant integration.

This would see Nigerians enjoying the likes of prepaid roaming services without topping up the domestic account, virtual airtime, Me2U which enables sharing or transferring of airtime among subscribers.Whilst waiting for completion of the rebranding and reintegration of the Vmobile into the full Celtel Group, one message is clear, that is, the coast of competition is getting keener and those who want to play in this market must wake up especially now that we have unified licensing waiting for grabs.

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