Nigeria rated low in radio development

A global information society report has rated Nigeria the least in the development of community radios, in the West Africa sub-region.

The report published by the Global Information Society (GIS) Watch and made available to Champion Infotel, at the weekend stated that despite the avalanche of growth the nation has made in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that its still wanting in the development of community radios.

The report comes in series, examined the state of the field of ICT policy at local and global levels and particularly how policy impacts on the lives of people living in developing countries.

According to the report, out of the estimated 246 community radio stations in the sub-region, Mali leads the pack with 120, followed by Senegal with 44, Burkina Faso 27, Niger Republic 24, Republic of Benin 22, Ghana 8 and Nigeria taking the least with just 1.

This, the report added has affected adversely the efforts of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria and involvement of the underserved part of the country in the policy development.

The report anchored for the GIS Watch for Nigeria by Dr. John Dada of Fantsuam Foundation, noted that there is lack of holistic coherence and optimisation of resources in ICT for Development (ICT4D) initiatives in the country.

It went on to decry the inability of the government through the broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to effect optimal change, adding that on February 8, this year, 2007, NBC granted 28 new licenses with six given to tertiary institutions while the remaining 22 were licensed to commercial entities.

The benefiting institutions included Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Madonna University, Okija both in Anambra State, the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The report noted that the near absence of the voice of the Nigerian civil society in the nation’s policy development processes has deprived the nation of much-needed robust consultation and discussions in this regard.

While describing the civil society as the most vocal advocate for sustainable ICT for development, the report pointed out that given the nation’s recent military dictatorship, “it may be understandable that acquiring a culture of consultation and inclusive democratic governance is slow.”

The report, however, tasked the civil society organisations in the country on the challenges to face with the new government, suggesting that they should continue striving for the recognition of importance of community radio in this part of the world.

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‘FG should encourage quality software packaging’

Chief executive, Connect Technologies Limited, Chief Chris Uwaje, has urged the Federal Government to encourage the development of quality software documentation and packaging.

Chief Uwaje who spoke in Lagos at a one-day session on Finance and Information Technology (IT), said that this encouragement is important to enable conformity of local software development to the international standard.

“Toward this end, there is need for professionals to focus on specialised areas,” he declared.

For him, software is a lifeblood of information society, stressing that software plays a fundamental role and should be seen as a backbone of modern wealth creation and national security.

He also called for the setting up of a national software development policy and awareness agenda, which is also against the backdrop that building software capacities presents immense economic opportunities for nation building.

Chief Uwaje, who is the first vice president, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) disclosed that Nigeria could earn about $10 billion in foreign exchange annually from the software industry.

He said that the impact of unregulated foreign software operations and incursions in the Nigerian technology and knowledge domain is immense.

He defined indigenous software as “all types and versions of software developed in Nigeria by a company or companies and its Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) owned by Nigerians, in Nigeria, where funds repatriation out of Nigeria is not required.”

He pointed out that the future of all national development lies in information systems bequeathed to the country, hence software is the heart of development in this century.

He lamented the level of software development in Nigeria, saying that it lacks in the areas of research, design and development platform and technology incubation.

“Nigeria is at best, described as light years away from mastering heavy industries as experiences in the industrial revolution has portrayed,” he said.

This, he highlighted, makes Nigeria as a country incapable of manufacturing such common technology products as an automobile, airplane or even a simple motorbike or bicycle.

“Above all, importation of foreign software currently costs Nigeria more than $1 billion in foreign exchange, some of which constitute a colossal waste and national security issues.

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Yahoo! Photos winds up in 63 days

Market Intelligence:

If you are among those who have in the year’s back, that is before 2006 created a Yahoo! photo album, then this message is for you and you have less than 63 days to migrate your album to Flickr or other platform else it would be deleted.

Champion Infotel market intelligence reports that since the purchase of Ludicorp Research and Development, the company behind the popular photo-sharing site Flickr.com by Yahoo! in March 2005, the migration has become imperative until October 18, 2007.

The good news, though, is that hitherto users of Yahoo! Photos album, do not need another identification for the migration, just click a button and in few minutes later the transfer is done.

Equally, on completion of the migration, an email is sent to the owner of any such account with Yahoo!

According to the company, since Flickr is now a Yahoo! company, moving of photos is easy by simply signing in with the same Yahoo! ID and password you use on Yahoo! Photos.

“Or, if you’d like to take your photos to another service you may now download your favourite photos back to your computer,” they advised.

However, an email from Yahoo! cum Flickr.com to you would read like this:

“Dear Remmy, thank you so much for using Yahoo! Photos. Before we go, we can help you move your photos to Flickr.

“You must decide what to do by October 18, 2007, because any photos still here after that date will be deleted.”

But if you are not ready yet, Yahoo! says that for now that’s ok and you can keep using your Yahoo! Photos account until October 18, 2007.

However, if you have taken the decision to move your Yahoo! photo album, Woo! Yahoo would be delighted to move all your photos from Yahoo! Photos to Flickr.

“We’ve started the import process for you, and we’ll send an email to alternative email address you provided while signing up for the Yahoo! photos, when we’re all done,” they company said.

On how to commence the migration, Yahoo! said that when the account owner clicks “Import from Yahoo,” the Yahoo! photos account will be placed in a queue; It may take a little while for the transfer to complete, depending on the length of the queue. It will probably be pretty quick.

While promising to send the user an email to let him or her know when the move is finished, Yahoo! informed that photo stream on Flickr is sorted by the date the migrated photos will just be slotted into the photo stream using that same date.

Flickr.com also promised to do its very best to use as many information about the migrated photos as possible such as in their titles and descriptions, or whether they belong in an album.

Additionally for more information, Flickr invite subscribers to review its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about what will happen when photos arrive.

Above all, users of Yahoo! mainly in developing countries of the world based on investigation showed that much information was not passed for this migration and requested that much campaign should be implemented.

Relatively, industry observers said that why Yahoo! seems quiet about the move is to limit the number of those migration, which in other words suggest that Yahoo! may after all be regretting its free online photo album, after all, it has achieved its aim of engraving Yahoo! in the minds of millions of Internet enthusiasts globally.

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Odey leads FG delegation to ATCON‘s energy summit-07

The newly appointed minister of Information and Communications, Mr. John Odey, is to lead the federal government delegation to this year’s energy and power summit being put together by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos.

The summit scheduled for Friday, August 24, this year, according ATCON President, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, would have Mr. Odey presenting a keynote address at the occasion.

He also said that the event to be presided over by the Minister of State for Energy (Power), Mrs. Fatima Balarabe Ibrahim, would be graced by the Minister of Science & Technology, Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhre and Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr. Henry O. Ajumogobia, both would be attending as special guests and are expected to deliver goodwill messages to the participants.

He also informed that a good number of key players in the energy and power sector as well as operators in the telecommunications sector and other important economic sectors of the national economy are being expected to participate in the event.

In addition, he said, other dignitaries billed to make special presentations include the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chief Executive, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Ransome Owan and Chief Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ahmad Farroukh.

Equally on the line-up of special presenters are the Managing Director, L M Ericsson Nigeria, Mr. Lief Edwall, Mr. Maduabuchi Uche of NetTel@Africa Nigeria Group and Managing Director, Orun Energy Limited, Mr. Kwabena R. Smith.

Dr. Ekuwem explained that providers of alternative energy and power solutions who have already indicated interest to participate in the summit would equally make technical presentations.

“There will also be a mini exhibition of alternative/renewable energy and power solutions at the summit,” he said.

As said by him, a panel of selected experts will lead discussions on the technical papers presented by the resource persons and those invited on the panel include Mr. Chioke Ogugua, Chairman, GSM Association Nigeria; Chief Chima Onyekwere, Chairman/CEO, Linkserve Limited; Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telephone Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); and Engr. Sam Adeleke, President, Internet Services Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN).

Other panellists, he said, would include Mr. Lanre Ajayi, President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG); Dr. Chris Nwannenna, the immediate past President, Nigeria Computer Society; Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Cyberschull; and Engr. Adebayo Banjo, Chief Executive Officer, Disc Communications Limited and first Vice President, Association of telecom companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

He recalled that recently the House of Representatives held a Public Hearing on quality of GSM services in Nigeria, the poor state of Nigeria’s energy and power sector was identified by telecom operators and even the NCC as a major factor militating against quality service delivery by telecom operators.

“This event is therefore very crucial to every player in the telecom industry in Nigeria, and in deed other economic sectors, as the summit seeks to proffer lasting solutions to the problems posed by expensive energy and epileptic power situation in Nigeria,” Dr. Ekuwem noted.

He stressed that every stakeholder should be very concerned about this common problem, which has the potential of crippling every sector of our national economy if urgent solutions are not put in place.

“It is common knowledge that the telecom as well as energy and power sectors pool a good number of engineers whose expertise should become very useful at this time when the federal government of Nigeria is showing the political will to tackle the energy and power crisis with seriousness of purpose to save our national economy from total collapse,” he said.

He urged for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the energy and power crisis is checked within the shortest possible time.

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LG, Starcomms offer free phone services

In their continuing efforts to ensure full customers’ satisfaction for LG Electronics and Starcomms embarked on free-phone-repairs partnership in Lagos State, reports Kayode Ajiboye.

The two firms organised service camps in Victoria Island, Apapa, Surulere, Ikeja and other parts of metropolitan Lagos where subscribers trooped in their numbers to repair their phones free of charge.

General Manager, Mobile Communications, LG Electronics, Mr. S.K. Park informed that the company extended the offer to its customers as part of after-sale services.

He also disclosed that the gesture was part of the company reward scheme born out of the management passionate commitment to customers which informed the decision to offer them (customers) after sale service.

During the free repair service programme, LG-trained professionals were deployed to the designated centres to help customers rectify their various telephone problems such as bad screen displays, faulty charges and keypad troubles.

One of LG customers who benefited from the scheme, Mr. Abiodun Alabi commended the partnering companies said that his phone which had had screen display problem for some times was promptly repaired.

He urged other telecom operators to emulate the gesture, adding “these are some of the services we look forward to from all operators in the telecom industry.”

Park further explained that with a full range of wired and wireless solutions, LG Electronics was rapidly establishing a global presence and growing its international market share in 3G handsets.

According to him, LG would also build a foundation for future growth through its WCDMA HSDPA expertise, while not losing focus on providing 3G phones to major carriers.

He also added that LG would continue to build on the success of its Black Label series, the premium handset brand that features LG Chocolate and LG share.

Also in the LG brandstock is the PRADA phone which was created through a partnership between LG and the Italian fashion house, PRADA.

Mr. Park also promised on behalf of LG that the company would achieve operational excellence by focusing on global platform strategy; which according to him, is an effective way to maximize profits with fewer models.

LG’ shipment goal for the year 2007 stands at 78 million units, which represents a 21 percent increase on that of 2006.

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NiRA offers 2 domain names for N5000

Any Nigerian planning to register a domain name at this time would benefit from the offer of two domain names per individual registrant, for just N5000.

A domain name is the text name corresponding to the numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address of a computer on the Internet. Thus, a domain name must be unique and affords Internet users access to their website using domain names.

Disclosing this, President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Mr. Ndukwe Kalu, said that in view of the on-going drive to encourage Nigerians to hook onto the .ng domain name, NiRA board has approved this decision.

“The board would also want to inform Nigerians that for the transition period the subsisting policy of free domain registration would continue, but with a modification to allow for two domain per individual,” he said.

Mr. Kalu who also is the chief executive, Amsco Telecom Limited, added that the final policies on this would be made known in a latter date.

He therefore urged Nigerians to take advantage of this two-for-one domain registration and fly the nation’s flag on the Internet.

“We therefore call on Nigerians to take advantage of this and be truly Nigerian with .ng,” he said, stressing that the current membership price of N5,000 is subsisting.

Hitherto, he said, the domain registration services, were being handled by a tripartite arrangement between Mr. Randy Bush, the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) and Skannet Nigeria Limited led by Sunday Folayan.

“First we would want to thank all those who have made personal and other sacrifices to sustain this process,” he declared, without forgetting the laudable roles of the late director general of NITDA, Prof. Gabriel Olaleye Ajayi, just as he did not left out Aminu Ibrahim of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Demola Amao of Simbanet to name a few.

He pointed out that with the birth of NiRA early in the year, following the successful general election of its first executive board, the association has stepped into a new era.

“While this is so we realize certain realities and the fact that it would take NIRA sometime to fully get into the state of meeting the enormous expectations on it,” he said.

This is coming as NIRA has gotten an office to meet administrative and technical demands, which he said, is located at 14 Ahmed Onibudu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which is being manned by a full time Administrative Secretary.

“This office would act as physical point of contact for general correspondence, domain registration services and membership services,” he said.

According to him, the office would shortly publish all contact details including phone numbers, electronic mail (email) address among others, even as he advised the public to channel all enquiries to the temporary office.

“We are working to ensure very prompt and courteous response at all times,” he assured.

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HP printers top demand @ TD’s win-a-car promo

Series of Hewllett Packard (HP) printers including Deskjets and Laserjets as well as colour Laserjets, MFP/AIO printers, are the most sought after products at the on-going Win-a-card on IPG promotion being organised by Technology Distribution (TD) Limited.

Product Manager IPG/PSG at TD, Mrs. Adesuwa Igho-Orere said that other products on hot demand in the IPG promo include HP digital cameras, photosmart printers, imaging and printing accessories and scanners.

She also said that the promo expected to come to an end with a raffle draw on Friday, September 7, this year, has witnessed “feverish purchases from resellers trying to increase their chances of winning the star prize of Hyundai Elyantra.”

According to her, to qualify for the draws, customers must record purchases in excess of N500,000 of printers, cameras, scanners and toners.

She equally said that each purchase of N500,000 gives the customer a raffle ticket, meaning that the customer could get as many tickets as possible.

The resellers, she said, should understand that the car is real and is up for grabs hence they are striving to out-purchase each other

The product manager, therefore called on TD resellers to be patient, stressing that all order would be treated on first come first served basis.

Mrs. Igho-Orere emphasised that the trend in the performance of the products in the IPG market to a number of factors.

“The printers are doing well in this promo because they were a vital part of the computer chain in the growing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) penetration,” she said.

Mrs. Igho-Orere also explained that the performance of the camera at this time may be attributed to the bubble of administration change, the summer holidays and the fact that the camera is fast becoming a vital part of leisure.

The toners and scanners she said would always remain part of the automated environment.

Mrs Igho-Orere urged the resellers to push up their stakes through more purchases, pointing out that TD, has lived up to her positioning as the bulk ICT distributor that deliberately helps Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to grow.

This, she said, would be the second car that TD would be giving out this year, noting that the first was targeted at consumers of APC UPS, a purchase of up to N300, 000.00, earned one a raffle ticket to draw for a Kia Picanto.

She further explained that draw has been held and the car was immediately delivered to the winner, Aret of Africa.

The third car, she said, is targeted at resellers who buy HP servers, server accessories HP racks, HP storage works, and HP ISS accessories worth N500, 000.00.

TD, she said, has over the years proved itself mettle as the number one distributor of ICT products in Nigeria and West African sub region.

Currently TD has offices in Ghana, Gambia and Sierra Leone, and leads the pack in the penetration of the market with high quality products from reputable global ICT brands such as HP, Cisco, Microsoft, Zinox, and APC.

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Channel IT introduces special offer for August

The regional master distributor for Dell in Nigeria, Channel IT, has introduced a special offer on Dell hardware for the month of August.

The Corporate Sales Director, Channel IT, Ms. Marcelle Riz’Imoisili disclosed this to Champion Infotel and said that it’s a super promotion specially introduced for the month of August only.

She also said that the offer comes with proven and guaranteed Dell systems at unbeatable prices.

Ms Riz’Imoisili explained that today business demands that Information Technology (IT) infrastructure must be seen to add value not only by maximizing return on IT investment, but also by being responsive to growth demands of the businesses.

She stressed that IT infrastructure also should be seen as a tool to drive sustainable competitive advantage in any business platform.

She emphasised that it was in response to this demand, that Dell has developed hardware to enable business that are based on flexible systems and built on open standards.

“This means that customers have access to infrastructure solution ranging from servers, storage, desktops, notebooks through to networking and network management that are supported locally,” she said.

According to her, partnership on Dell brand via Channel IT means a focus on organisational resources on growing business.

“Partnership with Dell solutions through Channel IT means you can focus your resources on growing your business knowing your infrastructure will provide the required support,” she said.

This offer, which began August 1, would end on 31 August this year, she said and would enable customers to buy the likes of notebooks from N99,999 up to N195,00 depending on the configuration.

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TrustVeriSign hits Nigerian market

An independent Internet security and intelligent services provider, TrustVeriSign, has entered into the nation’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) market.

Managing Director, TrustVeriSign, Mr. Davids Awenebi who disclosed this said that via the company’s website seal programmes, customers are allowed to display the seals once they have been evaluated and confirmed to meet the programme requirements.

According to him, the company is here to market its reliability and privacy seal programmes to promote trust and confidence on the Nigerian Internet airwave.

Mr. Awenebi added that the TrustVerisign reliability seal on a firm’s website confirms that its a registered and approved member of the programme and that it has been reviewed to meet trust in advertisement guidelines and follows good customer service practices.

He explained that the Internet offers a huge base of potential customers at a global scale, stressing that since they may not be familiar with the firm, most customers would need assurance from a trusted third party that this firm does what it says it does and would not just run away with customers money.

Quoting reports from recent surveys, he said, that online shoppers feel more confident buying from a website displaying a reliability sign.

As said by him, an online survey by GBN Live revealed that over 90 per cent of online shoppers recognize and would be more confident buying from a website that has the TrustVeriSign reliability seal.

“The seal on a firm’s website tells potential customers that the business is committed to high levels of ethical business practices and customer satisfaction,” he declared, adding that his firm has been in business for over a year, and has a satisfactory record with TrustVeriSign.

“It also means it is committed to work with customers and the TrustVeriSign to resolve disputes that might arise,” Mr. Awenebi said.

TrustVeriSign reliability seal, he said, adds value to a merchant’s website whether or not the business sells product online, pointing out that many consumers use the Internet nowadays to gather information before making a traditional transaction by phone, fax or in person at retail outlets.

Mr. Awenebi further explained that the TrustVeriSign seal tells potential customers that the business will deliver on its promises in the real world and the virtual world, noting that for online shoppers, trust is everything and for consumers shopping online, privacy is a major concern.

“The first sign that tells the customer you value their privacy is through an easy to understand and easy to find privacy policy,” he said.

He listed some of the customers already on the programme to include, Promohost, World Paypal, Nigeria Location, and Your Investment Expert, GBN Live, Sky Decoded and First Voice to name a few.

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ReltelWireless gets unified license

Acclaimed Coded Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, ReltelWireless, has announced the acquisition of a Unified Access Service (UAS) license from the telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This is coming after a successful payment of over N600 million, both for the license itself and frequency.

Disclosing this at the new corporate headquarters of the company, the Group Managing Director, ReltelWireless, Chief Tony Okonkwo, said that it’s a leap forward for the telco to once again assume its one-stop telecommunications solution provisioning.

“Our license covers a wide range of telecommunications options, including national digital mobility service, which allows subscribers to roam,” he declared.

Chief Okonkwo accompanied by the telco’s chief commercial officer, Mr. Fabian Uzor, chief information officer, Mr. Douglas Kuit, Head of Marketing, Mr. Usman Amodu-Shuaibu and Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Oge Udeagha, also said that ReltelWireless believes the latest development will stand the telco out in actualising its long-term mission of being telecoms service provider of choice for Nigerians.

“Offering faster services and affording our numerous subscribers all over the country the opportunity to enjoy our trademark excellent voice and data services as well as wide coverage at the best competitive rates,” he said.

He recalled that ReltelWireless, had earlier secured the nation-wide spectrum to cover the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory, Abuja.

“Thus making us one of the few telecoms operators in Nigeria and definitely the first CDMA operator to be so licensed.

ReltelWireless, he said, had resisted the urge to join the initial frenzy for UAS license because it believed in practical implementation, which informed the telco’s decision to first of all embark on a very aggressive roll-out plan that has seen it in 12 cities.

These cities, he said, include Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Onitsha, Umuahia, Owerri, Asaba, Aba, Awka and Nnewi, adding that these were achieved in the first phase.

According to him, the next phase would see ReltelWireless rolling out in the South-South and Northern regions and exhibits commitment of the company, it has mapped out at least four new cities for roll-out before the end of this month, including Kaduna, Zaria, Kano and Benin.

Chief Okonkwo reassured that these cities are actually up, but the telco is currently carrying out a test run to ensure optimisation as the final test is conducted and commercial launch commenced.

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Emir applauds Celtel investment

The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, has applauded the mobile operator, Celtel Nigeria for bringing its investment closer to the people of the state.

Giving the applause, the head of Bauchi traditional institution, said the mobile network operator has helped to raise the income level of his people, stimulating business activities and growth, creating jobs opportunities and facilitating communication.

Welcoming top members of Celtel Nigeria to his palace, the Emir commended Celtel for relocating its regional head office to the town, noting that the move would further boost the economy of the state, reduce the level of unemployment among his people and endear the brand to the hearts of the people.

Accompanied by some key members of the Bauchi Emirate Council, Alhaji Adamu also assured the operator that its product would be well received.

“On behalf of myself and the people of Bauchi, we welcome you all to Bauchi. It’s interesting to know that some of you travel from far away places such as Port Harcourt , Lagos and Ibadan to visit us in Bauchi. I have no doubt that your products and services will be well received in the state,” the Emir declared.

Public Relations Manager at Celtel, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine, in a press statement, quoted the Emir as equally assuring the visitors of security of the company’s facilities in the state, adding that the people see themselves as partners in progress.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Commercial Officer (CMO) at Celtel Nigeria, Mr. Mike Foley, expressed gratitude to the Emir and the people of Bauchi for their support for the company since it commenced service some years ago.

Mr. Foley who was accompanied by the Marketing Director, Mr. Norman Moyo, General Manager, North East Region, Mr. Segun Agoye, Customer Care Director, Mr. Ifeanyi Obiora-Okafor, Acting General Manager, North West Region, Mr. Babatunde Ayoola and Director, Payphone and Distribution, Mr. Bamidele Folorunsho,, also informed the Emir and his council members that Celtel has commenced expansion of its network in the state and in the entire North East region with the aim to providing telecom services to more communities in the area.

The overwhelming support from the people of the state, he said, has encouraged Celtel to commence another wave of investment in the state including the relocation of the regional head office to Bauchi, opening of new retail outlets, rollout of payphones and initiation of other new projects.

Also, the Emir was informed that Celtel is working with the local people to deliver service to the people in the region because of the company’s desire to create economic wealth for many people, provide jobs directly and indirectly for many youths and empower more communities to communicate and offer better services to customers in the area.

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GloFirst cashcard excites students @ UNILAG

An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cash card known as GloFirst, designed by First Bank of Nigeria Plc and Globacom Limited, at the weekend attracted lots of excitement and patronage among the students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

This is coming as students and staff of the university trooped out in large numbers to watch the Glo Campus Storm, thus embracing the product.

The event which held at the car park of the university’s Sports Centre, saw the students who queued up to get the GloFirst card expressed joy that Globacom, since inception in 2003, has continued to delight Nigerians with innovative products.

One of the excited students, and a year one student of the Department of English Language, Martins Odekunle, said that he found the product very fascinating especially as he did not have to open an account with the bank to enjoy the service.

“This GloFirst cash card is one innovation that has distinguished Globacom from any other network. I subscribed to the Glo M-Banking and I enjoy the facility. The Glo First cash card has come to make life easy for students as any of us using it can safely put his money in the card and get cash at any ATM machine. I think this is nice”, he said.

Another student from the Faculty of Agriculture, Tobechukwu Andy, said “the GloFirst card will help reduce the high incidence of theft in the hostel and I think every student should embrace the card and use it because it is far safer than carrying physical cash around or keeping cash in the hostel”.

Officials of Globacom, explained that GloFirst is a pre-paid debit card, which allows users who do not have bank accounts to perform electronic transactions like bank account holders and debit card users via the Glo Mobile network.

This service has been widely commended because this is the first time non-bank account holders will be able to use a payment card.

Unlike existing debit cards in the market, GloFirst is available to both bank account holders and the non-banking public.

The new product, Glo officials said, is a boost to the country’s electronic payment system that could be used for a variety of transactions, including withdrawing cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and day-to-day purchase transactions in outlets with point-of-sale terminals (POS).

According to Globacom’s sources, through Glo M-Banking, GloFirst users could have swift and easy access to their bank accounts from their mobile phones and perform certain transactions such as checking account balances, transferring funds and ordering cheque-books.

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ALTON expresses concern over quality of service

Umbrella body of the nation’s telecommunications operators, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators (ALTON), has expressed concern over the continued deteriorating quality of service in the country.

ALTON expressed this concern in a communiqué after its general meeting held in Lagos.

The communiqué endorsed by the chairman and secretary, Messrs Gbenga Adebayo and Damian Udeh, respectively said that ALTON is concerned about the issues and challenges of network quality of service, stressing that its members are working hard to ensure that the problem is fully resolved.

ALTON pointed out that the key challenge has been that of high cost of providing alternative power supply by the telcos.

“We, therefore, call on the federal government for urgent intervention in the area of public power supply, which has had significant impact on the quality of service,” he said.

Another mitigating factor against good quality of service is the continuous vandalisation of telecommunications infrastructure by unpatriotic Nigerians.

“We call on the federal government to improve on the state of security of lives and property in Nigeria,” the group urged.

While expressing concern about the general state of insecurity of lives and property across the nation, ALTON pointed that the situation has significantly impacted in the movement of telecommunications personnel and equipment for access to network infrastructure areas for installation and network equipment updates.

Additionally, ALTON said it is concerned about the problems of multiple taxations particularly by different tiers of government which has seen a number of agents of local government authorities across Nigeria, demanding huge sums of money as one form of levy or another from telecom operators, which sometimes result in major delay of access to telecom infrastructure for maintenance services.

The group further called on the government to declare telecom infrastructures as important to national development and henceforth prevent ALTON members from state and local government interferences.

Just as ALTON assure the public that its members will continue to do everything possible to guarantee good quality of service.

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ITAN names Ya’u, secretary general

The National Executive Council of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) has named Mr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u of Cybertec Venture Limited (CVL) as its new Secretary General.

The council said the appointment of Mr Yau was unanimous as he is expected to overlook the secretariat of the association for the next two years.

President, ITAN, Chief Jimson Olufuye, while revealing this at the weekend, said that Mr. Ya’u was born in 1960 in Katagum Local Government of Bauchi State. He attended Government Secondary School, Azare before enrolling at Bayero University Kano (BUK), where he studied Electrical Engineering.

He later went to ABU to read Telecommunications, and was also a guest researcher in 2002, 2003 and 2006 at the Department of Political Science, Stockholm University, Sweden.

He started lecturing from 1984 at BUK until 1999 when he resigned to join AITEC (UK) as an ICT consultant.

According to a press statement made available to Champion Infotel, since then, Mr. Ya’u has been working as Chief Executive Officer, Cybertec Venture Limited (CVL), Kano and is the founder of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), a non-governmental organization focusing on the promotion of ICT for development based in Kano.

He was the founding Secretary of the Kano Branch of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) and is also the Chairman, Grassroots Empowerment Committee of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) as well as a member of the board of trustees, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA).

He has served as a member of the NuNet Committee, Bayero University, Kano, Kano State ICT Policy Drafting Committee, Committee for the Establishment of the Ado Bayero Computer College, Consultant for the establishment of the Kano State ICT Park and to several other organizations such as the CODESRIA, MacArthur Foundation, the Centre for Research and Documentation, among others.

He has authored and edited eight books and 20 contributed chapters among several journal articles.

As a writer, he has run many columns on IT and currently is a columnist with the Daily Independent newspapers.

ITAN is the association of major IT companies in the country with peculiar focus on local hardware development.

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NSN signs deal with Tunisie telecoms

The Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has signed a deal with the Tunisie Telecom, the country’s leading operator.

The deal, according to the Head, Communications, Middle East and Africa region at Nokia Siemens Networks, Hala Kassir, will extend Nokia Siemens Networks services to the areas of Ennasr, Jardin du Lac and the Industrial Zone Kheireddine.

This, NSN informed was in the bid for the telco to live up to its vision of connecting 5 billion people by 2015.

“Nokia Siemens Networks aims at tapping on three of the most inhabited cities in Tunisia to provide them with its top of the line xDSL technology, becoming one of the leading network suppliers for Tunisie Telecom,” Kassir said.

Also, NSN said the deal underscores continuous commitment to the deployment of low-cost broadband Internet access to further enhance coverage in Tunisia, while making optimal use of the existing infrastructure already in place.

In addition, the extension will see the adoption of the MSAN Surpass HiX solution, which would be integrated into the Time Division Multiplex (TDM)-based shelters.

“This technology will enable broadband access for residential customers and thus accelerate the cost-effective introduction and provision of value added services,” the NSN official said.

Speaking on the deal, Chief Technical Officer (COO), Tunisie Telecom, Nizar Bouguila, said that by deploying the latest technologies available in the marketplace, the telco is improving its competitive position and is better yet able to serve its customers through its enhanced services.

“We’re confident that Nokia Siemens Networks is the best in class MSAN platform and the exceptional expertise of the team will help us meet the growing demand for low cost internet broadband access in Tunisia,” Bouguila said.

The COO, explained that the MSAN platform has a high bandwidth flexibility that delivers Triple Play services, stressing that such services include voice, data and video offerings providing new opportunities to operators, such as Tunisie Telecom, for generating new revenue out of their existing wire line infrastructure.

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Netcom bags double honour @ Nigeria Telecom awards

Netcom Africa has bagged double honours at this year’s Nigeria Telecom Awards held in Lagos, at the weekend.

The marketing manager at Netcom, Mrs. Lolade Shonubi, who disclosed this said that the company emerged the “Best Internet Service Provider (ISP) of the year” and “Best broadband company of the year” at the awards ceremony.

The Nigeria Telecoms awards tend to recognize leadership, innovation and excellence as well as services in administering judgement on which company emerges the most unique to the telecommunications industry, just as prominent individuals in the society were also been honoured.

Reacting to the double awards, Mrs. Shonubi said that her company is delighted to be recognized by the industry and receive not one, “but two additional prestigious awards this year.”

She also said that as an Internet Protocol (IP) communications provider based on satellite and wireless products, Netcom is determined to continue to lead the market with innovative solutions that meet the challenging criteria of its customers and the public at large.

Mrs. Shonubi described the awards as a great honour to Netcom’s customers and employees whose dedication, loyalty, hard work and expertise are the main reason the company excels.

“To emerge as the winners of the ISP and broadband company of the year awards is a great feat that reflects Netcom’s commitment to quality, as the company continues to strive to deliver world class service,” she said.

She recalled that last year, Netcom won the Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) company of the year at the telecoms awards ceremony.

She stressed that winning two awards this year is an indication that the company has broadened the products and services, enhanced the strength of value added products with the ability to reach more consumers in the last one year.

Netcom Africa Limited prides itself as a leading communication infrastructure provider of satellite and wireless broadband solutions in the West Africa region with world-class communications product suite that uses the latest generation technologies, just as its supported by 24/7 by some of the most experienced customer support and technical engineers in the industry.

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HiRest offers broadband solution to corporates

Growing Internet Service Provider (ISP), HiRest Africa Limited, has said its offering specific innovative broadband solutions for corporate organisations in the country.

Chief Executive, HiRest Africa, Mr. Igho Mrakpor, while disclosing this, informed that the offer is coming with sophisticated solutions for corporate organizations using its state-of-the-art technology.

He also said that the solutions would ensure seamless integration within and between organizations, thereby providing an all round robust Internet access to customers.

“We have unique corporate Internet access solutions tailored towards the needs of corporate institutions that will help them maximize the advantages inherent in the use of the Internet,” he declared.

He equally reiterated HiRest readiness to confront the market with cutting edge technologies that offers incomparable services at a reduced cost.

“Many companies already recognize the importance of conducting their businesses using the Internet because of its cost effectiveness,” Mrakpor said, adding that what is missing presently is a way to make the Internet work for them.

“A way to turn the Internet into a truly competitive advantage, a way to add value that provides the organizations with solutions and not just access,” he said.

Mr. Mrakpor further said that it was in order to help these companies use the Internet effectively, that HiRest has decided to go the extra mile to bring satisfaction to the day to day business activities of its existing and prospective corporate customers.

He explained that as a wholly indigenous owned ISP providing first class Internet services to its customers, HiRest which is barely 12 months old has spread its tentacles to Abuja, where it has its international office and Port Harcourt, its West and Central Africa office; from this location the company tackles the African market.

“Within the short time of existence we already have a significant customer base spread all over the nation made up of Federal and State government institutions, multinationals, educational institutions, corporate organizations as well as Small Office and Home offices. We also have customers in other African countries,” he added.

Speaking on the challenges currently facing the industry, Mrakpor observed that there has been a lull in the data segment of the telecoms industry, which has led to the closure of some ISPs.

However, he said, that in the daunting face of competition, which has stirred and led to the closure of some Internet service companies in the country, “HiRest stands out and is not only waxing stronger but expanding beyond comprehension.”

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UNICEF partners OLPC in Nigeria

Nigerian chapter of the One Lap Top Per Child (OLPC) initiative has been given a boost with the support from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and some members of the corporate organisations the country.

Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), OLPC Nigeria, Mr. Tomi Davies informed that the non-for-profit initiative is

building an all inclusive and broad-based organization that will promote and propagate the idea in Nigeria.

He also said that OLPC team in Nigeria has opened discussion with the Universal Basic Education (UBE), NUT, NCC, IBM, EFCC and other relevant bodies to ensure the project is successful while corporate Nigeria such as First Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA, MTN, Celtel, Globacom, Oando, Shell, Chevron, Agip, Total, and the World Bank are ready to partner witth the project.

“We have opened discussions with some corporate organizations and some are ready to join us. The aim is to start a national debate on digital literacy for Nigerian children so the country can be an active participant in the emerging global knowledge economy for which the use of computers is taken for granted much like access to television and telephones have become fundamentals of today’s information age.

“Mr. M.K Ibrahim, Director IT of EFCC has joined the board of EFCC while we are working with UBE and NUT being the two primary school stakeholders.

“The vision is for the Nigeria of the future to be a leader in the contribution of digitally based intellectual property as a means of capital value creation and competitive advantage in the world. Our children are the future and they are here now!

We cannot wait until everything from the past ( i.e. Classrooms, Teachers, Books, Pens etc) is in place and available to all before we start addressing the future (i.e. Laptops, Connectivity, Content, Security etc) or else the digital divide may become a digital chasm that is too wide for the next generation of Nigerians to bridge,” he said.

Recently the OLPC Association Inc test run the project with the distribution of OLPC XO machines to primary school children at Galadima Village, Abuja.

In the same vein the Legal Counsel to OLPNC, Mr. Ayo Kusamotu said that Growing Business Foundation led by Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien who is also Director of Strategy at NCC financed power generation at the Galadima L.ASchool so that the pupils will have constant power to

use their OLPC XO machines.

Kusamotu explained that other members of the board of the organization include Khalifa Galadanchi of IBM, Biola Ige (Education Specialist) and other prominent Nigerians that will soon be part of the Nigeria team is a crop of volunteers headed by Tomi Davies.

“OLPC PROJECT in Nigeria is a reality. A not for profit company OLPC LTD/GTE is being formed by Tomi Davies to take over the role of TEAM Nigeria and implement the OLPNC project in Nigeria. Discussions are on going about structure, form and membership. The guiding philosophy of OLPC ( Nigeria) is digital literacy for every Nigerian Child,” Kusamotu explained.

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... Nokia Siemens too

The Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), was weekend nominated in the category of Best Hardware Vendor at the just concluded Nigerian Telecom Awards.

Confirming this, External Communications Officer at Nokia Siemens Networks, Nada Chammas, noted that as a network infrastructure provider operating in over 150 countries globally with over 600 customers, NSN brings an innovative and differentiated offering to Nigerian operators called Village Connection.

This, Chammas said, provides an easy and affordable concept of building rural connectivity village by village, to enable an innovative franchise-based business model between an operator and local village entrepreneurs.

“The solution helps provide affordable telecommunications services in rural communities, thus boosting economic development. It is capturing the attention of operators as it allows them to reduce their Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and also to achieve their end goal of reaching Nigerians far and wide with the best and most affordable access to mobile telecommunications,” the officer said.

The current focus on telecommunications in Lagos, for instance, Chammas said, highlighted how this industry is contributing to driving economic empowerment in Africa as more and more people’s lives are impacted positively once they gain access to mobile communication.

Chammas also said that the event presented a perfect platform for business such as Nokia Siemens Networks to dialogue with government and leading socio-economic thinkers, to continue boosting the socio-economic impact of their corporate activities in the development and lives of Africans.

Delivering a lecture at the event on “Telecommunications Development as a tool to good governance in Africa” Head, Marketing, Middle East and Africa region, Nokia Siemens Networks, Mr. Shahzad Abid, was quoted in a press statement made available to Daily Champion, as saying that NSN is actively committed to driving innovation in Nigerian telecommunications and to connecting the Nigerian people.

“Telecommunications infrastructure plays a crucial role in the overall economic development of nations. Further developing telecommunications systems not only helps grow businesses, but also has great potential to help improve basic life needs such as health care and education,” he declared, adding that it could also ease access to banking services including micro-payments, and makes access to information easier, thus enabling people to take part in decision-making and development of the communities.

He pointed out that the NSN commitment is to enable communications in communities across the world.

“Advanced and energy-efficient communications technology can play a significant role in creating a sustainable future, maintain opportunities for economic welfare and growth, and reduce adverse environmental impacts. Nokia Siemens Networks’ environmentally sustainable business approach has a key role in its network products and solutions,” he said.

Mr. Abid further said that NSN believes that the future of the communications industry lies in understanding and uniting communities.

“By 2015 we expect five billion people will be connected by wire and wirelessly from one end of the planet to the other, and the clear majority of these people will come from new growth markets in Asia and Africa, “ he asserted.

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eNNOVATE-07 begins tomorrow in Lagos

The three-day annual edition of eNNOVATE expo, beginning tomorrow in Lagos, would have music and entertainment via technologies at its centre stage.

eNNOVATE Project Manager, Adewole Ojo, who disclosed this, said that the annual expo and conference series dedicated to stimulating greater public awareness of technology and its applications, would commence tomorrow through Saturday, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

According to him, music and entertainment will be a vibrant sub-theme for the expo and participants will be examining the impact of technology on the music and entertainment industries, within the context of priming industry practitioners and entrepreneurs cum investors with the wherewithal to continue to thrive in the fast-changing industry.

Mr. Ojo also said that the conference would examine such key issues as why the music recording industry is shrinking in size whereas the music industry as a whole, globally, is fast growing.

“Other issues such as digital broadcasting, and Internet Protocol-based Television (IPTV) among others would be analysed,” he said.

Mr. Ojo added that top industry practitioners have been lined up to discuss these issues, including the chairman, Storm Media and Entertainment Group, Mr. Obi Asika, Mena Ajakpovi of Abraham & Partners, Remi Ogunpitan of Storm Media and Entertainment Group and Charles O’tudor, CEO of Adstrat, a firm of brand consultants, while the session would be chaired by the chief executive, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh,

He also informed that eNNOVATE-07 is expected to kick-off on Thursday, with a keynote presentation by the international research firm, International Data Corporation (IDC) of a Cisco-commissioned research report, Nigeria’s Broadband Barometer.

The report, he said, examined in detail, Internet penetration in Nigeria with the key contending broadband technologies, the penetration of each of these technologies, the pricing, the growth drivers of Internet penetration as well as the growth inhibitors.

“Very importantly, it also examines the key players in the broadband industry,” he said.

Mr. Ojo stressed that the expo, which is in its third year, targets a mass audience and consistently aims to demystify technology in all its ramifications and encourage mass adoption of technological tools and applications.

“It is the only expo that is promoted via a full web complement that includes a vibrant website, www.ennovate-expo.com and a blog as well.

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NSTB to hold inaugural meeting in Lagos

The Nigerian Software Testing Board (NSTB) would today, hold its inaugural session in Lagos, according to its President, Mr. Akinwale Akingbade.

He informed that the NSTB board of directors is determined to the local software applications to the next level of its developmental stage.

“The time has come for local applications to hold their place with their foreign rivals adding that this would be the policy that the organization would pursue,” he said.

Mr. Akingbade also said that the software testing board would facilitate a rapid development of local software experts and collaboration among industry products sooner than expected.

As said by him, the new board would have leading industry experts including the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Cleopas Angaye, Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu and Dean of Student at the University of Lagos, Prof. ABC Longe, as members.

He further said that software testing involves the process of certifying applications that meet the needs for which they are deployed.

He decried that several applications purported said to be good to have failed as a result of inadequate testing that they went through.

"The software testing industry holds a huge promise for Nigeria. The inaugural meeting of the board will mark a new era in the software industry as Nigeria would now begin to get proper classification of software products as is done in other countries," NSTB president declared.

Mr. Akingbade added that among the plans the board intend to put in place for the growth of software testing in Nigeria is the introduction of special courses on software testing in some higher institutions.

He equally said that University of Lagos would likely have a course on software testing for final year students in the next academic calendar.

“Software testing was a very lucrative aspect of computer science that required right skills and that Nigeria recently signed an agreement with the American Software Testing and Qualifications Board to help commence certification examinations on software testing,” he said.

Pointing out that the locally trained people who pass the board’s certification examinations would be awarded a certificate by the International Software Testing and Qualifications Board, the global body in charge of software testing.

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Mali leads West Africa in community radio development

Mali is leading the West African countries in the development of community radios, says the Global Information Society (GIS) Watch in its 2007 report.

The GISW 2007 report was launched for the continent at the just ended Third Annual SANGONeT "ICTs for Civil Society" conference and exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa and was the first in a series of annual reports which examines the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy at local and global levels and particularly how policy impacts on the lives of people living in developing countries.

Out of a total of 238 community radios in the West Africa sub-region, the report said, that Mali has 120, Senegal 44, Burkina Faso 27, Niger Republic 24, Republic of Benin 22, Ghana8 and Nigeria 1.

ITRealms Online gathered that the report was drawn from 22 countries in four continents including Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe as well as one report from Western Europe – Spain, just as most of the countries under review have some similarities between the countries, apart from Spain.

According to the report, excluding Spain, 21 others each showed obvious evidence of the “digital divide” which impacts on the majority of people negatively.

For instance, the report also presented an overview of ongoing and planned ICT initiatives in Nigeria, bordering on three key regulatory bodies, namely, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting
Commission (NBC).

In addition, the report decried the state of Nigeria as concerns community radio licensing and development in spite of achieving astronomical growth in telecommunications deployment.

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Globacom reiterates commitment to bigger, better products

The Second National Operator (SNO), Globacom Limited, has reiterated its commitment to make its future promotions and products bigger and better.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Globacom, Mr Mohamed Jameel, gave this commitment at a party held for winners of its recent promo on N750 Recharge Card.

According to him, Globacom would introduce more sophisticated value added service and “mind-blowing promos” in the next twelve months.

Mr. Jameel added that the party coincided with the 4th anniversary celebrations of the network, stressing that Glo was not only keeping its promise to deliver a quality network, but was also demonstrating a commitment to Nigerians by keeping its promises to promo winners.

He also commended the subscribers for believing in the Globacom right from launch four years ago, standing by the network and being a part of the success story of the only totally Nigerian network. “As you know, we came at a time when no one gave us any chance since we were coming two years behind the earlier entrants. But for the huge support we received from our subscribers and Nigerians at large, we would not be where we are today as a market leader in the industry”, he said.

Mr. Jameel emphasised that for this, Globacom was encouraged to do even better, adding that in the coming year, “we promise to empower more Nigerians through our promotions and by rolling out more innovative products and Value Added Services. The best is yet to come.”

Some of the winners who spoke to newsmen, commended Globacom for organising what they called an overwhelming night of excitement.

It was “wonderful and full of fun,” one of the winners, Tope Agunsoye, declared.

For another winner, the package of that night, “Glo is truly ruling the world.”

The night featured a live band and an array of dancers and musicians that drew standing ovations from the guests.

The stars of the night were Face whose Kolomental hit sent the audience wild on the dance floor and world Guinness Book of Records dancer Kafi.

Daily Champion recalled that 42 lucky subscribers won brand new Honda Accord i-vtec saloon cars each in the celebrated N750 Recharge Card promo.

Winners included secondary school students, undergraduates, house wives, professionals, military officers and the disabled, who were presented with their prizes in ceremonies held in the different zones of the country.

It was also gathered that the winners, along with their spouses and family members, came for the party from all over the country, with all expenses paid by Globacom.

At the party, the last set of two winners received their prizes along with other winners who were not available to receive their prizes at the various presentation ceremonies. They all received the 2007 model Honda Accord i-vtec.

The N750 Recharge Card promo was organised to reward the network’s subscribers during the end of year season, but the duration of the promo was extended owing to high demand by subscribers.

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Nigeria enters deal with American software testing board

Nigeria has entered into an agreement with the American Software Testing and Qualifications Board (ASTQB) to reposition its software industry.

President of the newly inaugurated Nigerian Software Testing Board (NSTB), Mr. Akinwale Akingbade made this disclosure in Lagos, adding that some Nigerian higher institutions would soon introduce software-testing courses in their curricula.

“Nigeria recently signed an agreement with the American Software Testing and Qualifications Board to help commence certification examinations on software testing,” he disclosed.

Mr. Akingbade also said that software testing is a very lucrative aspect of computer science that required right skills and that is the reason behind Nigeria’s agreement with ASTQB to strengthen this process.

According to him, the International Software Testing and Qualifications Board, the global body in charge of software testing, would award locally trained people who pass the board’s certification examinations a certificate.

Mr. Akingbade equally said that among the plans the board intends to set up a system for the growth of software testing in Nigeria, stressing that the introduction of special courses on software testing in some higher institutions.

In addition, he said, that University of Lagos (UNILAG) would soon commence courses on software testing for final year students in the next academic calendar.

He emphasised that NST board is determined to raise the stake of the local software applications to the next level of its developmental stage.

“The time has come for local applications to hold their place with their foreign rivals adding that this would be the policy that the organization would pursue,” he said.

He assured that the software testing board would endeavour to introduce rapid development of local software and relevant experts.

Part of the responsibilities of the board, he said, would include improving of software testing which involves the process of certifying applications that meet international standard.

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Globacom goes to Benin Republic

Determined to storm the West African telecommunications market, the Nigeria’s Second National Operator (SNO) Globacom Limited, was last weekend Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications operational license in the Republic of Benin.

This is coming as the firm has promised to rollout services for the network in the next 60 days.

Confirming this to Daily Champion, the Globacom Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mohammed Jameel, said the development is another major step in its quest to rule the continent telecommunications market in no distant future.

The company, he said, was granted the licence by the Beninoise government after it emerged top from among several telecommunications operators including Lab Green Networks of Libya.

Globacom, it was gathered was preferred ahead of the other bidders because of its technical superiority and ability to deliver.

Our sources also said the Beninoise government was greatly influenced by the company’s ability to commence services in the next 60 days, a key requirement of the country’s telecom authorities.

Daily Champion also gathered that Beninoise authorities recently suspended the licenses of two of the GSM operators, namely the MTN and Atlantique Telecom, over dispute on regulatory fees.

“The suspension of the licences prompted the government to hold a new round of bidding to award one more GSM licence in order to improve telecommunications services in the country,” the sources said.

Industry observers said the granting of licence to Globacom by the Beninoise government would boost the network’s efforts and dream to rule the African telecommunications market.

Globacom, which started operations in 2003, is today considered one or the fastest growing networks in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, with a subscriber base of over 13 million.

Glo also pride itself with a record of one million subscribers in less than nine months of operation in addition to covering over 40,000 towns, communities and villages in Nigeria.

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