Waiting for NBC, NCC merger

Features of the week:

As the nation warms up for end of another democratic dispensation come May 29, one thing stakeholders have been waiting for is the merging of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reports REMMY NWEKE.

Preamble:
ON Tuesday, August 29, 2006, the federal government inaugurated a task force charged with the responsibility of developing a blueprint to restructure the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in the country.

The task force went into action and came up with sub-committees, consisting of those charged with the terms of reference of identifying areas of modern innovations in the sector, that “enjoy common mode of operation with a view to ascertaining and stating the implications and viability of establishing a common regulatory regime for such mode of operation.”

Members of this task force were drawn from the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN), Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) as well as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) among others; from where the sub-committees emerged.

Investigations by our correspondent based on the final report made to the government was for the creation of new ICT Ministry, although the committee was yet to submit its final report before the recent restructuring of ministries was announced, leading to the merging of the Information and Communications ministries into one in the last quarter of 2006.

Speaking on this, stakeholders noted that although the government has taken a step, but that was not their expectation as there is a clear-cut line between the dissemination of government information and communications as a distinct structures, just as it is different from Information and Communication Technologies.

And for this to be actualised, the implementation structures such as NCC and NBC, required to be seen as one to avoid duplication of ideas and regulations.

Currently, while NBC is in charge of broadcasting licenses in the country, NCC is in charge of telecommunications, which nowadays has transcended mere provision of voice telephone lines by incorporating transmission of data and voice through online broadcasting, also known as pod casting via the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) among others.

Stakeholders endorse plan to merge NBC, NCC
Hence, it was not out of place when the umbrella body of core Information Technology (IT) groups known as NCS, during its 2006 awards’ nite in December, expressed support for ICT and called for merging of NBC and NCC, as well as support for convergence regime.

What the nation needs now is an ICT ministry borne out of convergence, according to the NCS president, Dr. Chris Nwannenna, who expressed the support of the group for the on-going reforms of the present administration, adding that the recent restructuring of the Ministries of Information and Communications does not augur well for the nation without the merger of these two government agencies.

He pointed out that NCS believes strongly that the answer to the nation’s aspirations for ICT development would be actualized through the ICT ministry.

He said that the new ministry as proposed should comprise NCC, NBC and NITDA, insisting that NCS is still “of the view that an ICT ministry would be the best for the country.” Just as he lamented the inability of the government to wait for the final report of the task force inaugurated last August before announcing the restructuring in the ministries of Information and Communications.

Dr. Nwannenna, who also is the chief executive of Condata Systems Limited, told our correspondent, that though the details of the current restructuring has not be made available to the public, he does not believe that the task force report was taken into consideration in making the decision, even as he maintained that convergence is the way to go now.

NIG, ALTON drum support
Other industry organizations drumming up support for NBC, NCC merger include the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) and Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to mention a few.

They described the proposal as a welcome development and timely so as to boost the ICT sector as well as place the nation among its contemporaries of ICT evolving countries.

Commenting on this, ALTON chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, told Champion Infotel that his group endorses the plan as long as it is properly done and devoid of unnecessary politicking.

“We have seen what the NCC has done and the future of broadcasting and communication has become one in our environment and it is good to work ahead,” he asserted, insisting that practically if it is properly done, there is no doubt that ALTON would definitely support it.

For NIG president, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, who expressed optimism that other stakeholders would idealistically support the initiative to merge NBC and NCC, said, he believes that almost everybody would be disposed to the convergence of these institutions.

He pointed out that any thing contrary to the merger would see the two institutions functions over-lapping.

“Don’t forget you can now watch TV on the Internet and listen to radio also on the Internet,” he declared, stressing that it is simply logical that NBC and NCC should merge for a better developmental result.

NIG also insisted on the merger of NBC and NCC, saying that convergence of the Information and Telecommunications Technologies is real.

It also said that in the recommended merger, NCC, as a name should be retained, stressing that communications embraces both telecoms and broadcasting.

In addition NIG which was founded in 1995, called for the merger of relevant ministries into the ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) being agitated by NCS.

“It’s now possible to use a mobile phone to listen to radio, use as a phone to browse the Internet and watch television,” Mr. Ajayi explained.

The group in a position paper made available to our correspondent on the restructuring of the telecommunications, broadcasting and Information Technology (IT) industries, noted that nowadays, with video and audio streaming over the Internet, “every one and anyone can be a broadcaster to a global audience.”

NIG stressed that if the technologies are converging, it’s just “natural that related institutions should converge,” hence it recommended that all the ICT related institutions converge under the same ministry which they suggested the name of ‘ICT ministry.’

Nweke’s optimism
During his first official visit to telecommunications operators in Lagos recently since assuming office as the Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr, expressed optimism that the merger would soon come to fruition and the federal government’s determination to move the industry forward would ensure that NBC and NCC become one organ.

He disclosed that the federal government is gearing up towards actualization of this dream due to convergence, although he was not specific on the date as at when the merger would be concluded, yet industry watchers had predicted that this would be before May 29, when the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected to handover power.

Adducing reasons for government’s plan while on a visit to Mike Adenuga Towers (MAT), Victoria Island, Lagos, Mr. Nweke Jnr, said the merging of NBC and NCC into an entity has become necessary following the similarity of concept and convergence of ICT.

In addition, he said the proposal would further strengthen the adaptation of technologies by Nigerians.

Equally, the Director, Information Technology (IT) unit at the newly restructured ministry of Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, while lauding the step by the federal government, said in Lagos, recently, that the emergence of the ministry is a political move, which is still in the papers as no actual implementation has taken place structurally.

She believes that the NBC and NCC merger has become imperative, even as computation of government process, would help stem corruption in the land and precisely in the public service sector and as matter of fact, it’s facing stiff opposition.

Anticipations
As being anticipated, the only thing left for this Obasanjo administration in the country is to correct itself in the understanding of what is ICT and Information and Communications aspect of the government.

This step would begin with the merger of NBC and NCC, followed by the redefining of the new agency roles, bearing in mind that there is a great difference between the evolution called ICT and government propaganda machineries known as ‘information’ ministry.

Although every tide seems to favour the NCC as the agency to absorb NBC, this, industry watchers, believe is based on the level of development NCC has brought to the lives of the ordinary citizens through its programmes and policies, even as this is expected to increase with the merger, especially on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

So, the earlier we realize this fact, the better for proper structuring of the government agencies and growth of the country technologically.

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Co-location is good, but ... ALTON

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said that it is not against any concept that could lead to co-location of infrastructure among players, but this must be structured to be viable.

ALTON is the umbrella body of telecom operators in the country with over 28 active members out of the over 40 operators currently existing nationwide.

Disclosing this at the end of its meeting in Lagos, recently, ALTON said that it is not against the co-location idea being suggested by some stakeholders and precisely by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

ALTON speaking through its chairman, Mr Gbenga Adebayo, said that the group is fully in support of the plan, but that it must adhere to technological feasibility and commercially viability.

“We reiterate our belief in co-location, but not via a commercially unviable and technologically unfeasible process,” he noted.

Mr. Adebayo also said that ALTON welcomes constructive dialogue, engagement and consultation with all stakeholders and request for an immediate cessation of the destruction and demolition of network infrastructure by government agencies.

ALTON equally called for a review and eventual abolition of illegal, arbitrary and punitive taxes and levies for network infrastructure and operation in the FCT and other states of the federation.

“We call for an industry driven co-location process supervised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),” he said.

ALTON chairman further said that the group plans to organize stakeholders’ workshops, where it plans to breakdown some pertinent industry issues and proffer solutions.

In addition, ALTON decried that no handset is currently being manufactured in the country despite the exceptional growth recorded in the last six years of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

“Handsets are not made here, exchange equipment are not made here, even the fibre optic cables are not made here, and the more we have this kind of difficulties in our operating environment, the more foreign investors will be scared away from coming to invest, even on those value added services or those other services that are required to grow telecom networks,” he said.

Mr. Adebayo urged Nigerians to see operators as drivers of the economy, adding that ALTON is trying all means possible to enlighten the government and populace on what its members are facing.

“We regard ourselves as the driver of the economy, as prime movers of the economy,” he said.

He pointed out that though everybody has the right to complain about the quality of service, but this is part of the challenges operators are going through on daily basis.

“Quality of service certainly is also a challenge to us as operators, but we’re also challenged by the fact that there are no adequate infrastructure in existence,” he said.

He lamented that, operators most of the time run their businesses on private generating sets rather than the public power supply, which has remained epileptic.

“Electricity supply is still a problem. Practically, we have to run cell sites and remote situations on generators on 24/ 7 basis,” he said.

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ITU, TSF strengthen emergency telecom

Given the high profile disasters that took place during the Tsunami episode alongside earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, forest fires as well as a spate of disasters in recent time, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Telecoms Sans Frontiers (TSF) have entered into partnership to strengthen availability of emergency telecommunications services.

This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last weekend between ITU and TSF in Egypt by the Secretary General of ITU, Dr. Hamadoun Toure and TSF President, Mr. Jean-Francois Cazenave.

The MoU, according to the Chief, Media Relations and Public Information at ITU, Mr. Sanjay Acharya, would open the door to greater coordination of efforts in this area, adding that the meeting which took place at Alexandria, Egypt, between April 14 and 17, 2007 was an assemblage of about 400 participants including senior government and telecommunication regulatory officials, United Nations agencies, NGOs, academics and the private sector.

He also said that the legacy of lost and broken lives, economic upheaval and sheer devastation has imposed long-lasting impediments to sustainable development and global efforts at poverty reduction, emphasizing that the poor, especially those living in remote and isolated areas, are the most vulnerable and disaster-prone, and international attention has inevitably focused on least developed countries and small island developing states.

“Access to information and communication facilities is essential for providing vital early-warning information as well as quick response for humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation in the aftermath of disasters,” he said, just as the partnership was aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the use of information and communication technology for disaster mitigation.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr. Toure lauded TSF, saying the group is doing excellent work in the field of providing assistance to disaster zones and ITU looks forward to the potential impact of the collaboration.

“TSF has demonstrated how telecommunications can be used to strengthen emergency response efforts and save lives,” he said.

Also speaking the founding President of TSF, Mr. Cazenave, said his organization is very proud to collaborate with ITU.

“We sincerely hope that this will encourage telecommunications operators to recognize the potential of their products and services to save lives. We welcome them to join us in this common cause,” he said, stressing that disaster has spelt havoc around the world, profoundly impacting its victims, their environment and livelihoods.

The conference was organized by ITU in collaboration with the League of Arab States; the Arab Ministerial Council of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Health and Environment; World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE), and the Arab Academy for Science & Technology & Maritime Transport. The conference was inaugurated by the Minister of Social Solidarity of Egypt, Dr Ali Al-Moselhi.

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Ugly midnight SMS resurfaces

Market Intelligence:

In the last two weeks, Nigerian telecommunications subscribers have been complaining of resurfacing of the Short Messaging Services (SMS) from telecom operators at midnights.

These SMS basically beseech subscribers to migrate from one platform to another.

This element has become disturbing that some of the subscribers have begun to ask “if there is anything wrong with the operating company or if migration is by force.”

For instance, Mr. Onyechi, a Lagos resident complained of receiving series of SMS’ from Celtel numbering over 13, between the night of April 12 and the morning of April 13.

Mr. Onyechi pointed out that his headaches, is not that the SMS are being sent, but at the time of the day when they were sent, which he described as “odd hours” when people are either gearing up to have their night rest or already in bed.

And for those who usually leave their mobile phones on in the event of any incident or emergency, so that they could be reached at ease; this phenomenon has become disturbing, just as this midnight SMS has not stopped the operating companies, especially Celtel Nigeria, from repeating the same message during the day time.

Investigations by Champion Infotel, showed that on April 12, by 11:40pm, Mr. Onyechi received an SMS urging him to save upto 51 per cent on migration to one of the unity tariff structures.

It read, “Save up to 51 per cent on simply special. Dial *141*701# to migrate. Charge N100.”

Our investigations also revealed that by 1:21am another SMS arrived at Mr. Onyechi’s mobile phone with the same message and by 3:01am, another SMS yet arrived.

Not yet done, at 4.42am, he got another SMS on the same migration request, so was 6:22am, 8:03am, and 9:59am as well as 11:24am to mention a few.

The disturbing part of this whole exercise has been that even the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had earlier warned operators on this, following complaints from subscribers at one of the Telecom Parliament sessions in Lagos.

And as it were, the operators seem to have gone on short break and then resumed this absurd again.

However, industry analysts informed that it would have happened out of automated system that has been programmed to deliver messages at a given intervals.

But the question, some subscribers are ardently asking “is there no way this telcos could curtail this midnight SMS, of which would entail thorough management?”

On the other hand, NCC through its Consumer Affairs Bureau has to really wake up by having a dialogue with operators, mostly Celtel in this regard to save Nigerians on its network from swollen eyes as they continue to interrupt subscriber’s night rest.

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Teledom redeems pledge to DASH PC, Akinsanya

IN redeeming its promise of supporting the three whiz kids honoured at the recently held Titans of Tech nite in Lagos, the broadband telecom wireless solution provider, Teledom International Group, has presented the cash prize of N150,000 to the trio.

It would be recalled that the Titans of Tech nite, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Teledom Group International, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, promised to support the two youngsters; Davidson Oseremen, 10 and Rilwanu Shittu, 11, who assembled Personal Computer (PC) under the name of Dash Computers as well as a 13-year-old principal of Asia-American Computer College, Lagos, Ms Mary Akinsanya.

Equally notable was that the youngest CEOs of DASH Computers and Ms Akinsanya emerged winners of the Revelations of the year at the event respectively.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony at its corporate headquarters in Lagos, Dr. Ekuwem, said that it is in fulfillment of the company’s corporate social responsibility to support growing of talents in the country especially in the areas of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

He also said that it is significant because his firm has decided to use two cheque leaves; one belonging to Zenith Bank Plc and ETB Plc in appreciation of these banks’ support to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria.

According to him, Zenith Bank has continued to support the industry in the areas of ensuring that Internet penetration improves, noting that its chief executive, Chief Jim Ovia, was the former President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG).

On the other hand, Dr. Ekuwem said that Globacom Limited which has ETB Plc as one of its subsidiaries, has greatly contributed to the economy by way of developing telecommunications infrastructure and growing the industry, which in the bigger sense brought about some unimaginable revolution in the industry.

He said that his company is supporting the three youngsters to enable them to grow and sustain their interests in the sciences and issued them with Zenith and ETB cheques in that order.

Dr. Ekuwem also commended the parents of the youngsters, saying that they have done well in bringing up these children and urged them to continue in that spirit, even as he counseled the teachers at Doregos Private Academy, where the Oseremen and Shittu were discovered, saying that their reward have started manifesting.

“As these boys go places, be sure that your names would not be forgotten as those who guarded them through,” he said.

The cheques of N100,000 and N50,000 were later presented to DASH team and Ms Akinsanya by the Head, Corporate Affairs at Teledom Group, Ms Uche Madubuike, who was accompanied by the Legal Adviser to Teledom Group, Mr. Ukeme Ekpongong.

Responding, the youngsters expressed thanks to Teledom Group for living up to its promise, as they assured that they would not disappoint.

Equally speaking, President, Joint Action Committee on ICT Awareness and Development (JACITAD), Mr. Sola Fanawapo, commended Teledom for redeeming its promise made barely two weeks after.

He called on other ICT companies in the country to take a queue from Teledom Group by supporting the youngsters, saying that ICT is the future and must be protected and invested upon.

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Oki, Gific to honour top resellers, unveil new products

COUNTRY distributor of OKI Printing Solutions, Gific Limited has concluded plans to honour its resellers nationwide who contributed in scaling up its market share, just as OKI unveiled latest range of printers in the market.

Managing Director, Gific Limited, Mrs. Ngozi Ukachukwu, who disclosed this at the unveiling of latest range of printers in the market, said that her company has all it takes to grow the OKI market share in the country.

She also said that Gific has plans to recognize its resellers nationwide who excelled by contributing outstandingly on entrenching the OKI products.

Mrs. Ukachukwu also said that personally, she used OKI printer solution and has found them satisfactory, stressing that the new printer series from OKI including ML 1120, ML 1190, C8600 and B2500 are expected to offer more optimal services.

She equally said that the highest market record by any of its resellers would be honoured, even as Gific has presence in all the six geo-political zones of the country including Abuja, in order to be nearer to the customers.

According to her, OKI printers was very useful to the political parties and their aspirants during the April general elections in the country, as the brand was used in what she described as hit-business, which has to do with basically produacing T-shirts and fez caps among other mass printing needs.

The unveiling, which was conducted by the Personal Assistant (PA) to the MD, Mrs. Joyce Igbine, also endorsed OKI brand of printers and asked Nigerians to embrace the product, because it is economical and cost effective.

Country manager, OKI Printing Solutions, Mr. Emmanuel Emenike, said that the brand has come a long way in providing fast, high quality printing with built-in simplicity and reliability.

“We believe that effective printed communications are fundamental to successful businesses,” he said, stressing that was the reason OKI focuses purely on understanding the diverse printing requirements.

He pointed out that through considerable technological resources affords OKI to develop fast, high quality, cost effective printing solutions that benefit businesses today and even long into the future.

He emphasized that it was the same spirit that overwhelmed Kibataro Oki to found Oki Electronic in 1881, which has since transformed into a global company.

Introducing the new printers, Technical Expert from OKI Europe, Mr. Martin Waller, said that the company has printing solutions that cut across the colour printers, mono printers, fax, dot matrix printers, noting that Oki colour-coded segments designed to help customers save time.

Mr. Waller also said that customers who are in search of printers to add to their businesses should look out for Oki brands.

“They should check out the latest advances in technology on our website, simply use our colour guide,” he advised.

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Cisco breaks new grounds in West Africa

CISCO Systems has continued to break new grounds in the West African region in the last 12 months of its operational presence in the sub-region.

Managing Director, Cisco West Africa, Mr. Maduka Emelife, while disclosing this said that after one year of setting up its West Africa office in Lagos-Nigeria, the firm has stepped up its drive to stimulate social and economic development across the sub region.

This came as Cisco warms up to enter Liberia, with a workshop billed to take off today, Wednesday, April 25, this year.

Mr. Emelife who spoke through the Marketing Manager, Cisco Nigeria, Mr. Owen Nwelih, noted for instance, that in Nigeria, the company has established a strong and growing presence in both the public and private sectors, stressing that as at today, Cisco has mutually rewarding partnerships with leading corporations across both sectors and helping to provide robust access as a vital catalyst for economic productivity and development.

He also revealed that on April 4, 2007, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced a partnership between Cisco and Federal Ministry of Education.

He said that under the terms of this arrangement, Cisco would be assisting the government in training and strengthening the skills of some 20,000 university graduates; converting them from otherwise unemployable graduates, to knowledge workers, who are immediately employable in the networking, telecommunications and Internet economy.

“The partnership will fall under the purview of the Cisco Network Academy, a global corporate social responsibility vehicle of Cisco whose objective is to assist students all over the world in building their knowledge and skill base in the area of information and communications technology,” he said.

Mr. Emelife pointed out that Cisco currently has over 10,000 academies across the world and these academies impart skills via a uniform global certification scheme covering different aspects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and spanning specific periods.

He added that Cisco’s certification is globally recognized and typically, people are more attractive to employers and potential employers when they posses the Cisco certification which are awarded by its academies.

“Some of the certifications are Cisco Certified Network Associate - CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Professional - CCNP and the ultimate certification in networking, Cisco Certified Internet Expert – CCIE,” he said.

Just as Cisco reiterated its commitment to bear about 84 per cent of the USD 34 million fee which the partnership is expected to gulp, with the Nigerian government bearing the balance of 16 per cent.

Mr. Emelife, was also quoted as saying that the Nigerian project is specially dear to Cisco and is just one of a series of efforts by the organisation to actively assist in the technological empowerment and in that way, the economic development of the West African sub region.

He further said that the Liberian workshop would be graced by the President, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, her cabinet members, legislature and the key parastatals in Liberia.

“The workshop would help to produce a clear and executable plan for the development of national communications infrastructure which will in turn drive the transformation of Liberia’s social and economic sectors,” he said, noting that Cisco plans to deploy its significant technical and business resources to assist the Liberian government in developing a robust roadmap for the transformation of country.

According to Emelife, Cisco’s chief executive, Mr. John Chambers “has made a definitive statement to the effect that the two main drivers of change in the world today are education and the Internet,” emphasizing that his firm desires to have this applied to Liberia as in elsewhere in the world and consequently, in the course of the workshop in Liberia.

“We will also be examining ways by which Cisco can assist the Liberian Government in addressing the knowledge and skills shortages in the country” he said.

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SAT launches new website

SOUTH African Tourism (SAT) has launched a new business tourism website at IMEX, the world’s premier, annual travel show for international buyers and sellers of business meetings and incentives offerings which recently ended in Frankfurt Germany.

Accessible via the www.southafrica.net/businesstourism, the business tourism site is, as contained in a press statement endorsed by the General Manager, Business Tourism at South African Tourism, Ms Angeline Lue, said it is highly interactive with robust search functionality.

“It has been designed from the point of view of the prospective user. The users include meeting planners, professional conference organisers, in-house corporate meeting and event planners, government, destination management companies and association management companies,” Lue said.

The manager also said that the new site has been designed to meet the demand for current and relevant information and to equip the trade to better sell South African as a Business Tourism destination.

Lue equally said that the feature-rich website would be made operational in two phases, with phase one featuring product information through a search tool on a range of relevant elements including our world-class venues and accommodation choices, activities and attractions, news, events, testimonials and case studies.

As said by her, the first phase also would include details of the unique business unusual proposition that allows planners to include single or multiple elements of management concepts indigenous to South Africa with universal application to events and meetings.

She cited some examples to include using drumming as a team building exercise to pairing international captains of industry with their South African counterparts and/or using local cultural concepts like Ubuntu with respect for the dignity of all and an emphasis on partnerships.

Resources, she said, such as online brochures, presentations, activities and itineraries as well as the capability to customize itineraries.

Equally, the tools such as a currency calculator, e-brochures and maps, as well as events calendar and quarterly newsletters, industry contact information, and searches via three methods: keyword, location and an interactive map.

“We are very excited about the search optimisation and the easy-to-use navigation. Phase two will focus on the creation of easy-to-use wizards for professional conference organisers and meeting planners, and another wizard for incentive houses. These will provide them with a set of tools and guides to put together plans, itineraries and motivations for holding their meeting or event in South Africa. Phase two is scheduled for launch in September this year”’ says Lue

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Workshop calls for all-inclusive NEPAD

•On communications

A three-day communications workshop organized by the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) ended in the city of Accra, Ghana at the weekend with a call for an all-inclusive NEPAD.

The workshop in a communiqué made available to newsmen, outlined that mobilization of different stakeholders within the African continent should be advanced to prevail an effective participation in and avail Africans to holistically see NEPAD as their own.

In addition, participants at the workshop suggested the utilization of existing and new structures as well as networks to effectively communicate the NEPAD message.

The workshop attended by representatives of government, intergovernmental agencies, youth and the private sector, civil society organisations, as well as developmental partners, also called for development of an accessible and affordable communications infrastructure.

This, they said would accelerate progress in finalizing the integrated communications strategy, even as a second meeting of experts has been scheduled also in Ghana between May 3 and 4, 2007.

The communiqué equally noted that in spite of many NEPAD success stories till date, the African initiative is still not fully known or understood in the continent.

This misunderstanding, participants said, has often led to confusion regarding the role that stakeholders were expected to play in its implementation.

A press statement from NEPAD Communications Manager, Mr. Samuel Nganga, informed that in order to address this challenge and to develop a unified approach to communicating NEPAD, as well as develop a clear NEPAD brand for ease of communication, the secretariat convened a communications workshop in Accra, Ghana.

The participants resolved to work on existing opportunities to change negative perceptions and images about Africa by building on existing expertise and networks and by co-ordinating current communication efforts to collectively promote a common vision for the continent.

According to him, the workshop noted that while Africa has many untold success stories, the time has come to promote the continent using sports, arts and culture in an effort to reach out to all generations, with the FIFA 2010 World Cup presenting huge opportunities.

Participants further highlighted the need to reinforce ownership of NEPAD, secure buy-in and inculcate a sense of belonging by celebrating Africa’s regeneration and promoting Pan Africanism during the week of 25 May. which is Africa Day.

This, he said explained would be to affirm NEPAD as the foremost movement for socio-economic renewal in Africa.

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Gloword opens @ Tinapa, 33 others

Third Generation (3G) licensee, Globacom Limited has advanced plans to open its Gloworld at Tinapa Business Resort in Calabar and 33 other locations nationwide before the end of next quarter.

Managing Director, Gloworld, Ms Shade Boyede, said that arrangements have been finalized to open the telco’s hi-tech customer service and sales office, Gloworld, in 34 new cities including a second in Calabar at the newly opened state-of-the-arts business district in Tinapa.

According to her, the new Gloworld outlets would offer on-line services and real time connectivity with Globacom’s central customer database located at the headquarters in Lagos.

This, she said, would allow customers for immediate fault identification and resolution, stressing that it would make the network’s products and services readily available.

“Apart from the city of Calabar, Garki in Abuja, Enugu, Kaduna and Benin would also be getting additional shops while Port Harcourt would have two additional shops on Trans Amadi Layout and Aggrey road,” she said.

Ms Boyede also said that Globacom would open five more shops in Lagos, namely at Okota in Isolo, the Local Terminal of Murtala Mohamed International Airport, Mafoluku along Airport Road, Mushin and Ketu.

This, she noted, would bring the total number of outlets in the Lagos metropolis to 14.
“New Gloworld outlets and service centres will also be opened in Abeokuta, Yenagoa, and Ijebu Ode,” he said.

As said by her, other towns to play host to Gloworld offices are Oyo, Katsina, Ekpoma, Nsukka, Minna, Lokoja, Owerri, Zaria, Akure, Abakaliki, Okene, Badagry, Oshogbo, Ife, Gboko, Ondo, Shaki, Gombe and Dutse.

She stressed that these shops are in addition to the 35 Gloworld outlets that are already in operation across the country, noting that with these, Globacom leads in the number of customer care shops among its competitors.

She explained that Gloworld is the strategic retail business unit of Globacom consisting of outlets that offer subscribers a convenient and easy access to the network and other complimentary products and services in a world-class environment.

Ms Boyede pointed out that the first Gloworld outlet was commissioned in Abuja in September 2003, just a month after the telco commercially launched its services.

“Apart from its classy ambience and customer – friendly environment, the Customer Care staff manning the Gloworld shops are specially trained and well grounded in the art of providing the best services to Glo customers. The shops are also equipped with the latest telecoms technology and are connected to the company’s main switch in Lagos, all in a bid to give subscribers faster and better service delivery,” she said.

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Race Telecom unveils 7-Always-On

Lagos-based Value Added Service (VAS) company, Race Telecommunications International Limited, has introduced Seven Always-On Mail Enterprise edition into the nation’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market.

Chief Executive, Race Telecoms, Mr. Theo Manafa, said that Seven Always-On mail enterprise edition, enables users to keep in touch.

“Seven Always-On means that key people must be able to participate in the flow of information in real time wherever they are,” he declared, stressing that the solution extends business information as well as enterprise and private messaging out to mobile devices without any interaction by the users.

He explained that it helps managers to make better decisions faster, professional services people serve their clients better, sales people make more sales, and everyone communicate better.

“Seven Always-On Mail is designed around the user rather than the needs of technology, a principle which won it the prestigious award for Best Corporate Wireless Application in 3GSM World Congress in 2003 and a nomination for the same prize in 2005,” he said.

According to him, all technical details, including wireless connectivity, security and programme updates, are transparent and with real-time push technology.

“There’s no need for synchronization and no delays in getting the latest information and acting on it. Users can take their e-mail, Personal Information Manager (PIM) functions and desktop applications for granted and take them anywhere to use anytime, online or offline,” Mr. Manafa said.

He emphasised that Seven Always-On mail is a full mobile office offering for mobile operators and service providers, just as it delivers all the benefits of real-time enterprise and private messaging and with a very comfortable user experience and end-to-end security.

“It brings all the key components that users are familiar with when using Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, or Internet email on their desktop and provides access to them, over the air, from users’ Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or smart phone,” he said.

Mr. Manafa pointed out that Seven Always-On mail is offered as a managed service also known as licensed software integrated in the mobile operator’s network.

“Always-On Mail allows mobile operators to offer a complementary offering to BlackBerry, a True Push functionality for 3rd party devices, or as a competitive offering to BlackBerry with a full differentiation advantage from operator-branding, customisation and control,” he said.

As said by him, the unique technology powering Seven Always-On Mail enables the user to deploy the solution in minutes without entering a single configuration into the device, making it feasible for a non-technical user to enjoy the benefits immediately.

“Direct device installation also allows pre-installation by the device manufacturer or value added distributor, and distribution on memory cards, or on an operator’s mobile application portal,” he said.

He added that Seven as a brand, is the global leader in Push Email software, hence controlling about 70 per cent share of the mobile email market in most Asian countries including Japan.

“Over 115 top mobile operators are deploying Seven as their preferred push email solution around the world and in Nigeria, through Race Telecoms, most banks and large corporations are currently running trials of the enterprise editions, whilst some are already deploying the full versions to their mobile workforce,” Mr. Manafa said.

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TV firms urged to take part in Channel O bid

Pan African Digital Satellite Television (DSTv) music entity, Channel O, has urged Nigerian television production companies to take part in the channel’s proposals for a 13-part, 30-minute, weekly, original music show to be based in Nigeria and to focus on local artistes.

Public Relations and Communication Officer at MultiChoice Nigeria, proprietors of Channel O in the country, Mr. Segun Fayose, said that they look forward for an entertaining, exciting programmes with a distinctly West African flavour.

He also said that Channel O is encouraging producers who wish to submit their work to ‘break boundaries’ in terms of content and format design.

He said that TV companies interested in pursuing a working relationship with Channel O should submit their proposals to the channel.

“Each proposal should be no longer than 10 pages and should include a detailed creative treatment, a summary format document, a preliminary budget and a basic production timeline,” he explained.

Mr. Fayose added that bidding companies should keep in mind that the success of any production is dependent on the talent of its creative personnel, as all proposals to Channel O should also include detailed information on directors, producers, writers and production managers.

MultiChoice spokesman said that bidding companies should ensure they provide proof of the company registration, details of the members of the company, banking and auditing information, a list of programmes they have created in the past five years and two references.

He tasked bidders to ensure that the total budget available for the production is USD 60,000 and Channel O will allocate this budget based on the scope and scale of the selected new format.
Mr. Fayose further said that Channel O encourages producers to seek sponsorship, as the channel would like to work with Nigerian business to develop brand synergies and mutually beneficial partnerships.

He added that dependent on proposals, Channel O has plan to begin production on the new show in July this year for later screening.Mr. Fayose said that proposals must be submitted to Channel O before May 15 and could be electronic mail (e-mailed) to sndebele@mnet.co.za.

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VIA, HP take affordable PCs to China

Taipei-based leading chip technologies and personal computer (PC) platform solutions, VIA Technologies Incorporated and Hewlett Packard (HP) have teamed up to offer affordable PCs to the Chinese.

President and CEO, VIA Technologies, Wenchi Chen, informed that the PC known as HP Compaq dx2020, is a highly energy efficient commercial PC for the Chinese market powered by the VIA C7-D desktop processor.

Company sources informed that in recognition of the need to modernize the enterprising sector of the Chinese market, the rapid adoption of computer technology become imperative.

Hence the coming of the HP Compaq dx2020 PC meets the needs of businesses across the commercial spectrum, with the added assurance of HP’s renowned manufacturing quality for greater system reliability and lower maintenance costs.

“Environmentally sustainable computing is a key element of system design,” he said, stressing that with fully RoHS-compliant, the HP Compaq dx2020 features the power efficient 1.5 Gega Hertz (GHz) VIA C7-D processor, the world’s first carbon free processor with a maximum power of just 20 watts for much lower electricity use than traditional PCs, and has achieved certification by the CECP, the China Government’s key energy rating agency, for its highly efficient operation.

“It is vital that companies across China, not just in the largest cities, gain access to the vast productivity, efficiency and online resource benefits of IT and the Internet,” said Chen.

In addition, he said, the HP Compaq dx2020 represents a great opportunity for many more Chinese businesses of all sizes to upgrade their operations while minimizing their power costs and environmental impact, and we are delighted that HP have selected the VIA C7-D desktop processor to create this excellent value proposition.

He also said that it was designed from the ground up for reliable commercial performance, the HP Compaq dx2020 combines leading performance per watt with all the latest PC technologies, including DDR2 system memory, Serial ATA hard drive, and USB2.0 for 480Mb/s connections to bandwidth-hungry peripherals.

“The VIA UniChrome Pro II integrated graphics processor features hardware MPEG-2 video decoding acceleration for smooth DVD playback, multi-channel audio and 128-bit 2D and 3D graphics engines for an enhanced multimedia experience,” he said.

He highlighted that the stylish black chassis will fit into any smart office environment, with two Universal Serial Bus (USB)-2.0 ports located at the front for easy user access, while the inbuilt Ethernet port enables seamless broadband connectivity to company networks or the Internet.

He assured that with the key data security available through VIA StrongBox, an application that utilizes the power of the military-grade VIA PadLock Security Engine integrated within all VIA processors to encrypt the storage of confidential information, the HP Compaq dx2020 is compatible with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

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