Stakeholders back Champion 2007 lecture

As the date draws nearer for this year’s annual Champion Better Society Lecture, slated to hold on Tuesday, October 9, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, stakeholders in the nation’s Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, have thrown their weights behind the event, applauding the theme and choice of the speaker in the person of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe.

This is coming as telcos have extended their offices to Champion House in their bids to secure exhibition space and be actively involved during the event.

Some of the leading figures in the ICT industry, who spoke to Champion Infotel on sighting of their invitations for the event with the theme: ‘Telecommunications in National Development,’ included the President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Mr. Ndukwe Kalu, and Executive Secretary, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Godwin Morgan as well as President, IT Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Chief Jimson Olufuye.

They were in tandem that the theme and choice of the speaker is very apt.

For NIG President, Mr. Ajayi, it is an issue of a round peg in a round hole, declaring that the speaker, Dr. Ndukwe, is one of the most respected celebrity in the world of telecoms and has contributed immensely to the growth of the industry both locally and internationally.

Mr. Ajayi who also is the chief executive, PiNet Informatics Limited, an Internet Service Provider (ISP), stressed that the choice of Ndukwe is the best that could happen and brings home the theme of the lecture.

“… Engr Ernest Ndukwe, fits very well as speaker at the Champion’s annual lecture particularly when the theme is on telecomms. He is one of the most respected personalities in telecoms sector in the world. He has done excellent jobs as a regulator of the telecoms industry in Nigeria and he will be in the best position to give his insight into the subject of discussion.”

In addition, he looks forward to a very exciting lecture on Tuesday.

In his capacity as the ALTON chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, who recently launched a book on ‘Telecom in Nigeria – A role in the call,’ described the theme as appropriate at this time of the nation’s development.

On the speaker, Adebayo eulogised Dr. Ndukwe, saying he is an engineer extra-ordinaire.

“ … The theme is appropriate at this time in our national development.

“The speaker, a worthy superior, an engineer extraordinaire, an administrator per excellence and indeed a man of many parts,” he said.

Also, chairman, NiRA, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu described the theme as interesting and “the most appropriate.”

Mr. Kalu, who also is the chief executive, Amsco Telecom, pointed out that the EVC has over the years been known for his thought provoking comments with interest of the nation at heart.

“… I know he (Ernest Ndukwe) would not disappoint us that day,” he asserted, expressing the hope that participants would leave the venue satisfied.

According to him, EVC would have some relevant thoughts for all in the sector.

Mr. Kalu, who is the vice president, ISP Association of Nigeria (ISPAN), advocated that the harmonisation of Dr. Ndukwe’s thoughts on that day, would benefit both the consumers and operators alike.

ITAN President, Chief Olufuye in his comment said that without any fear of contradiction, Dr. Ndukwe, is loved by many Nigerians, especially in the ICT-private sector, because he has proven himself worthy of EVC position at NCC.

“He has proven himself to be a performer and we’re happy he is representing us well,” he asserted. Just as he described the theme as “very appropriate and relevant.”

The executive secretary, ATCON, Mr. Godwin Morgan, said that the theme is timely while Ndukwe is the most eloquent personality to talk on the development so far in the industry.

He added, the lecture would afford Dr. Ndukwe the needed opportunity to share his insight into the nation’s telecommunications, even as he enjoined members of ATCON not to be left out at the event by taking active part.

Apart from the exciting lecture eagerly being awaited by industry players, the event promises value added exhibition by industry-related companies of their products and services.

Champion Infotel reliably gathered that telcos are now queuing up at Champion House to secure exhibition space.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Fake SMS promos still awash

Market Intelligence:

Despite the current ban on promotions within the Communications sub-sector by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), subscribers of Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) are still awash with Short Messaging Services (SMS) calling for participation.

Champion Infotel recalls that NCC had on Friday, July 6 2007, issued a directive to all telecom operators including specifically the GSM operators in the country to put a stop on new promotional activities likely to further affect quality of services.

According to NCC spokesman, Mr. Dave Imoko, they “should not embark on and also discontinue any promotional activities that could directly or indirectly degrade the Quality of service on the networks for a period of ninety days in the first instance.”

But Champion Infotel investigations revealed that some fraudulent elements in the society are still busy disturbing the privacy of unsuspecting subscribers.

One of such fraudulent SMS was the one purportedly sent on behalf MTN Nigeria.

It reads, “Yello! Congratulations U have won 1 million Naira Ur code is 18352. Please call MTN staff Rimi on 0703-199-9994 now for your bank details. MTN … Everywhere you go!”

Responding to the news, the External Communications Manager at MTN Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Okeleke, disclosed that currently there is no on-going promo from the telco and suspected fake SMS.

On what MTN is doing to arrest the situation and culprits along with the law enforcement agencies, Mr. Okeleke said that the telco has in recent past initiated sensitisation of the public through the press at different times and had had an average of eight radio stations running the campaigns twice weekly.

“There is also radio advertisements on it currently running on major radio stations across the country. And most importantly, we are not running promo,” he said.

Further investigations also revealed that all MTN staff numbers start with 0803200 …, while the one quoted in the fraudulent SMS was 07031999994.

The onus is now between the telcos and NCC as well as law enforcement agents to harmonize their strategies by ensuring that perpetrators of fraud are brought to book as a deterrent for those still contemplating such fraudulent activities.

Also subscribers must listen to news and read newspapers to know what is currently obtainable in the industry.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

NIPOST privatisation: Courier operators, govt gear up for showdown

Courier operators in the country may be warming up for a showdown with the government over the recent consultancy awarded to The Netherlands Post in preparation for the privatisation of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).

The award facilitated by the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE), have angered further some courier operators who alleged, it placed The Netherlands Post in undue position over others who may be interested in buying over NIPOST, when its eventually privatised.

According to the allegations, The Netherlands Post is interested in buying NIPOST and thus contrary to best practises to have them as consultants to the entity they anticipated to buy over in the near future.

Also, it was alleged that by the award, tendencies are that The Netherlands Post would play down on the assets of the company in order to probably have it sold at unattractive price, like what another Netherlands firm, Pentascope, did sequel to the privatisation of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

One of the key courier operators in the country and chief executive of Tradeways Express, Mr. Larry Chinekezi, who spoke on the subject, called for all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to cushion the effect of any misgivings.

Speaking at the first-ever African Technology Congress (AfriTECC-07) in Lagos at the weekend, Mr. Chinekezi, described as unfortunate that BPE is joining forces with The Netherlands Post to deprive Nigerians what really belonged to them, especially as it affects courier operations.

According to him, an enlarged stakeholders meeting, would afford courier operators in the country to harmonise their views on the post and courier industry specifically with regard to the proposed privatisation of NIPOST.

Although he also pointed out the need to reform the nation’s postal sector by evolving an independent regulatory commission, Chinekezi said that this would enhance the rational development of the sector.

In addition, he said, independent regulation of the postal sector is needed to ensure viable competition, which must start with the alignment of the legal and regulatory framework to the actual level of sector.

“This would correct market failures and protect both consumers and investors interests,” he declared.

He stressed that the emergence of independent commission would translate to safeguarding of consumers interests and protecting their rights with respect to cost, supply and quality of services.

Mr. Chinekezi further said that by safeguarding the conditions favourable to the financial viability of companies operating in the sector would make the sector gain more trust from the customers and peers globally.

This, he said, would not be achieved with the ‘invasion’ of The Netherlands Post as consultant to BPE on evaluation of NIPOST in preparation for its privatisation.

“They are biased and is being rumoured to have interest in NIPOST,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the session and Senior Assistant Post Master General, Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), Dr. Simon Emeje blamed courier operators for whatever challenge that has bedevilled the sector, mostly on NIPOST.

He noted that it would be difficult to organise another stakeholders meeting in respect of the on-going consultation on NIPOST privatisation.

He noted that the initial meeting was poorly attended while all the stakeholders were invited to the event.

Dr. Emeje disclosed that the implementation of the consultancy awarded to The Netherlands Post would come in phases, which includes the phase on reformation of NIPOST.

“As at May this year, they have collected several views and discussed them to best practises and International Postal Union (ITU),” he said.

He emphasised that the only option left for any aggrieved courier operator is to target when the bill on NIPOST reformation would get to the National Assembly.

“I’m sure that at the National Assembly, there will be public hearing and whatever other positions would be heard,” he submitted.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

TD boss advises resellers on 10-yr plan

Managing Director, Technology Distributions (TD) Limited, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, has advised resellers in the country to develop a 10-year business plan as a means of keying into the current reforms based on Information Technology and aligned with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Speaking at the end of five-month promotion of her company in partnership with Hewlett Packard (HP) Nigeria, Mrs. Ekeh said that the business plan would form a window to enable them leverage on the project 2020 of some sectors of the nation’s economies, especially on IT.

The event also saw to the emergence of two resellers who went home with star prizes of Hyundai Elantra cars, which was won by the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) in the server category and the Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) category was won by Alhaji Nasir, an Ibadan-based bulk buyer.

“Resellers should resolve today to develop a 10-year business plan as a means of keying into the current reform environment in the country and as a guide into the continental market,” she said.

Mrs. Ekeh who spoke through the General Manager Marketing at TD Limited, Mrs. Chioma Chimere, elucidated that the purpose of the draws were to provide mobility, healthy competition, and companionship among resellers, even as it was supervised by the Managing Director of HP Nigeria, Dr. Lloyd Atabansi

She emphasised that the draws were in line with the TD key objective to facilitate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) among its resellers.

According to her, the vision of TD is to build globally recognised Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“Our vision is to build a globally recognized ICT company and to become the key drivers of the ICT revolution across Africa,” she said.

Mrs. Ekeh further said that as TD strategies towards ensuring the achieving its vision, through flexible marketing options based on affordable prices, domiciliation of payment, and contract financing.

“All aimed at creating immense opportunities for TD’s resellers,” she declared.

Mrs. Ekeh added that TD has a firm focus to serve its customers through a proactive relationship with the resellers.

“Collectively TD and her partners must remain focused to recognize and seize the opportunities as they come knocking,” she noted, and urged them to project beyond the short-term challenges and solutions.

“Look beyond the weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports and projections, and begin to make long term plans that match the fast pace of developments in technology with the high expectations of nation building,” she said.

Mrs. Ekeh equally outlined some upcoming events expected to throw up immense opportunities to IT equipment vendors.

Some of these, she enumerated to include the 2011 general elections, that would encourage politicians to fulfill their promises to the electorate by evolving more computers in schools and at homes; 2014 would be Nigeria’s centenary and there would be a renewed sense of urgency that could invest funds in the IT sector; 2015 is the year set aside by the United Nations for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs.

She emphasised that on e-governance, e-commerce, e-health, e- agriculture among others offer huge IT opportunities as the attainment of the MDGs would signal the kick off of the knowledge economy in most developing countries like Nigeria amidst others in the sub-region.

These windows, she pointed out add to the build up to year 2020.

TD, which commenced business in 1999, was last year named the Computer Distributor of the Year 2006, and had offices in Nigeria, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom (UK) and is currently the West Africa ’s No 1 distributor of hardware, software and consumables for leading global brands such as Hewlett Packard (HP), Microsoft, APC, Epson and Zinox.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Senate to hold public hearing on drop calls

The Nigerian Senate has concluded plans to hold a one-day public hearing on the increasing rate of drop calls, tomorrow in Lagos, according to the Senate President, Dr. David Mark.

Speaking at a two-day session of Africa Technology Congress (AFRITECC-07) in Lagos, he said that the Senate was concerned over the increased rate of drop calls among all the telecom operators in the country and particularly on the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) networks.

Senate President who was represented by a legislative consultant, Mr. Davidson Oputteh in his address to the occasion said that the public hearing would be at the old Senate chambers, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan Lagos on October 4, this year.

He also said at the event organised by ITWorld International that every stakeholder in the nation’s telecommunications sector is encouraged to take active part in the forthcoming public hearing.

This, he said, would help in addressing the increasing drop calls and charting the way forward in ameliorating the situation.

While commending the organisers for putting up the event with the theme: Enabling the Information-based economy” the Senate President noted that the public hearing has become necessary because of turn of events.

He pointed out that these events – increased drop calls; were contrary to government’s intentions and people’s expectations as some undesirable consequences of privatisation are seen as emerging trends.

He outlined some of the trends to include persistent fraudulent activities, minimal involvement of indigenous contractors, poor Quality of Service (QoS) and high tariffs among others.

To this end, Senate President said that the National Assembly and indeed the Senate is keen in providing relevant legislative actions to change things for good.

The Senate, he said, would soon embark on a systemic overhaul of the present legal and regulatory framework of the industry to make policies and programmes implementation relevant to the people and align with government intentions.

“The overall objective will be to ensure better regulatory mechanism, international best practices, better legislations, expansion of telephony, technology transfer, development of indigenous technology, increased local content etc,” he declared.

Also speaking, the Head, Courier Regulatory Department of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and chairman of the session, Dr. Simon Emeje, commended the Senate for its interest in the development of the entire Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) industry.

He also used the occasion to remind the Senate president of the importance of having a well articulated regulatory framework for various sub-sectors that made up of the current ICT sector in the country, including the postal services.

He called for expedited action on the proposed Courier Regulatory Commission bill now with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and expressed hope that the Senate would not disappoint Nigerians on the outcome of the bill.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

‘Baxter Peak’ brings Intel, NSN together

Baxter Peak, the Intel Corporation brand of WiMAX has become the centre of interface between Intel and Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN).

This, Intel said was in an effort to ensure that mobile WiMAX products work well together with other products globally.

Announcing this collaboration at the just concluded WiMAX forum in Chicago at the weekend, the companies said that they were testing interoperability across Intel’s forthcoming WiMAX silicon for laptops and mobile Internet devices, Nokia WiMAX devices and Nokia Siemens Networks WiMAX infrastructure equipment.

Just as Nokia reiterated it will use Intel’s WiMAX silicon product, codenamed “Baxter Peak “ and designed specifically for mobile Internet and consumer electronic devices, in its soon to unveil Nokia Nseries Internet Tablets.

The Internet tablets will be among the very first WiMAX-enabled open Internet devices expected to ship in 2008.

General manager, Intel’s Mobile Wireless Group, Raviv Melamed, noted that WiMAX enables the mobile Internet and makes it possible to get content on a variety of new mobile devices at broadband speed, and ‘Baxter Peak’ solution was designed specifically for these exciting new devices.

“Intel, Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks all recognize our collective responsibility in ensuring that people can take full advantage of WiMAX. Simply put, the infrastructure behind the networks and the devices that access those networks must work together seamlessly,” Melamed said.

Mobile WiMAX is a broadband wireless technology that provides multi-megabit speed, great throughput for accessing large amounts of such data as movies and multi-media content, and wide range to access the data over long distances.

WiMAX devices and equipment that have been tested for compatibility with each other will help make it easier for consumers to roam from network to network with their Internet devices wherever they go for an always-connected, mobile experience.

Also speaking, Vice President, Nokia Multimedia, Ari Virtanen, said that WiMAX would translate into people being able to take their favourite Internet experiences, be it watching videos, streaming music or doing research on the Internet, “on the go without compromising on quality.”

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

ExpertEdge introduces Oracle Siebel CRM

Subsidiary of the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), the ExpertEdge Software and Systems, has introduce the Oracle Siebel-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions into the market.

Revealing this, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager at CWG, Ms Morenike Popoola, said that ExpertEdge Software and Systems, which is an Oracle Advantage Partner has all it takes to offer resourceful deployment of the application.

She also explained that Siebel CRM is the process of managing detailed information about individual customers with the aim of maximizing customer loyalty.

She noted that in the face of increasing competition, there is a need to manage customers’ information better in terms of understanding their needs and developing value propositions that better meet their expectations.

Hence, organizations are leveraging on such solution as Customer Relationship Management software to deliver these needs.

“These technology software solutions are designed to help companies maintain a database of all their customers to enable them execute customer strategies like reducing the rate of defection, increasing the longevity of the customer relationship and enhancing the growth potential of each customer,” she said.

A press statement from CWG endorsed by Ms Popoola quoted the Product Manager, CRM, Mr. Charles Okoronkwo as extolling the unique features and functionalities of the Oracle Siebel CRM suites.

According to him, Oracle Siebel CRM technology slides away from the generic, one-solution-fits-all platform to industry-specific CRM solutions.

He explained that CRM needs of financial service company like a bank would differ from the CRM needs of a telecommunications company.

“The business processes in banks are different form those of the Insurance as well as products and customer value metrics,” he said, adding that with industry-specific solutions from Oracle Siebel CRM, the need for much customisation is eliminated thereby reducing total cost of ownership of the solution as well as reduction in implementation timelines.

Mr. Okoronkwo equally said that Oracle Siebel CRM solution is a comprehensive CRM solution combining the operational, collaborative and analytical CRM to gather customer data and analysing the data to create actionable programmes.

“Oracle Siebel CRM facilitates data gathering and analysis for customer profiling and planning,” he declared, stressing that it involves two ways.

namely the resources that interact with customers, whether they are called centre representatives, field agents, or web pages, “they are enabled to gather important customer transaction, preference, and profile data through data capture fields and processes.”

Mr. Okoronkwo pointed out that the second part involves once the data is captured, analytical engines segment and analyze it to identify trends in customer behaviour and preferences.

“These trends and preferences can be exploited to yield cross-sell and up-sell opportunities and to gain a better understanding of how to serve customers more profitably - Customer Portfolio Management,” he said.

The product manager further said that historically, operational and analytic systems have not operated in a coordinated fashion.

The separation of operational and analytic systems, he said, have prevented many firms from gaining valuable insights from operational data, and creating actionable programs using those insights.

“The next evolution of CRM, called the collaborative enterprise, combines operational and analytic CRM with more versatile analytics software to get a true 360-degree view of the customer,” he said.

In addition, Mr. Okoronkwo said that this approach enables firms to act upon their insights.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Nigeria @ 47: ICT grapples for stability

Features of the week:

On Monday, October 1, Nigeria turned 47. REMMY NWEKE reports that some progress were made in the last one year, but challenges persist, including the raging poor Quality of Service (QoS).

Preamble:

In the last one year, Nigeria as a nation has undergone lots of restructuring in the polity especially within the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT).

With the last quarter of 2006 heralding the era of Blackberry entrance into the market, it was a season for some members of the stakeholders to get judgement on the case with the Lagos State government over regulations of telecommunications led by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

The case, which was decided in favour of ALTON was on whether or not the Lagos State government should regulate telecommunications, which is contained in the exclusive list of the Federal Government (FG). This means that it’s only the federal government that can adjudicate on any telecom issue, mostly pertaining to regulations.

Then came the time for election by the umbrella of telecom companies in the country, known as the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), which saw the emergence of the Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem-led executive after the gruesome murder of its former president, Chief Alaba Joseph of Mobitel.

Mubadala and co …

A unique license was granted Mubadala Development Company (MDC) of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) by the telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), followed by the agitation by Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators for concession over their bid to get free Third Generation (3G) licenses and frequencies.

The regulator, insisted that any operator interested in getting the 3G license must adhere strictly to its initial directive, however, did not grant this plea for free 3G.

And like the ‘Mber wind that comes every last quarter of the year, the communications sub-sector began to yield to cracks of deteriorating quality of service (QoS) which subsisted till date.

The sense in the uniqueness of Mubadala license was that it contained both the GSM and 3G and was facilitated as part of international diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and UAE.

As matter of fact, reports have it that the erstwhile president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, invited Mubadala through the UAE authorities and in order to prove how serious he was on the collaboration, the license was given to Mubadala with no much ado, although they were made to pay for it accordingly.

Additionally, the management of Zenith International Bank Plc led by Jim Ovia bought over former Cellcom as well as another new license in his kitty and is being touted to deployment services under Visa Telecom.

The first quarter ended with mass exodus from the Misfires Wireless by its management team, which was regarded as a big blow to the telco still fighting the battle of its life after the attempt to kill its former chief executive, Mr. Raymond Aggrey.

New Leadership:

New leadership emerged at various stakeholders meeting in finding a lasting solution to the hosting and registration of domain names in the country, especially in boosting its country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) under the aegis of Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA) led by the chief executive of Amsco Telecom Limited, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu, precisely in May 2007.

Barely five months after, NiRA management prides itself as having registered over 3,000 from less than 1,000, just as the group targets 1 million by 2009.

And as if the first quarter would not pass the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) by, the group got a new leadership headed by the immediate past vice president, Chief Jimson Olufuye, who emerged President unopposed.

In June this year, Prof. Charles Uwadia took over mantle of leadership at the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) from the chief executive, Condata Systems Limited, Dr. Chris Nwannenna at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and international conference of the society cum election, held in Imo Concorde Hotel Owerri, capital of Imo State.

Also a group of over 26 companies, mainly Internet Service Providers (ISPs) pooled resources into what is known as NaijaWiFi Consortium and planned to take services via the Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) to 42 cities and towns before the year runs off, even as NCC has granted the Consortium license.

Self-assessment:

Champion Infotel went to town to ask some pertinent questions regarding the ICT sector and the nation’s independence.

Our questions revolved around the last one year - what do you make out of Nigerian ICT industry; has your expectation be met since the last independence celebration and the way forward? While respondents included the chief executive, PiNet Informatics Limited, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, chairman, ALTON, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo and President, Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Chief Jimson Olufuye.

ALTON chairman, Mr. Adebayo, noted that the sector has faced a number of challenges in the areas of customer satisfaction and quality of service.

“We have also been tasked on the demand for high quality and uninterrupted service: However industry operators and players have lived up to these challenges and have moved the sector forward,” he declared.

Mr. Adebayo added that the expectation has been met by industry operators are on top of issues that were as threats to stability and network development.

On the way forward, he advocated for government active involvement, saying that it must provide better support for the industry, while addressing energy and security. “Government must ensure that multiple taxation on operators is completely eliminated,” he said.

Telecom infrastructure, Mr. Adebayo said, should be classified as national infrastructure and government should ensure adequate protection for telecom and ICT infrastructure generally in the interest of national development.

For Mr. Ajayi, the telecommunications sector of the ICT industry has continued to witness phenomenal growth with more investors entering the industry and number of telephone users continuously rising.

He regretted, however, that the same level of growth was not witnessed in the core IT sub-sector of the industry.

“We have not seen remarkable increase in the number of software companies or any spectacular investment in software industry,” he said, adding that the Internet penetration has been growing at a snail speed.

“Internet access is largely limited to the cities while the rural areas are still in information darkness. The broadband statistics is dismal. By extension, Nigerians are not able to fully enjoy the bounties broadband offers which include eLearning, eHealth, video streaming, music download, to name a few,” he asserted.

Mr. Ajayi, who also is the President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), noted that there is an urgent need to get broadband Internet into Nigerian homes, so as to avoid the country lagging behind the rest of the world in this area.

NIG president equally smiled on the new initiatives of NCC such as the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI) “to address this challenge,” stressing that its most desirable that Nigeria accelerate any initiative and policy that could quicken the deployment of broadband within the reach of Nigerians.

NCC, NITDA yet to converge:

And for ITAN president, Chief Olufuye, there are fundamental issues beguiling IT and these issues are still with us. Some of these issues, he said, comprised of the mismatch of policies and expectations at the both Executive and Legislative arms of the government.

For example, he pointed out that in the Executive, there is clear desire to streamline IT development viz–a-viz technology convergence yet there is disjointed focus on the key agencies.

He noted that these key IT sector agencies are NCC and the National IT Development Agency (NITDA), saying that they should be operating pari-pasu with same strategic focus and complimentary implementation strategies, which are currently lacking.

“NCC is in the ministry of Information and Communications, while NITDA is in Science & Technology,” he lamented, emphasising the need for the creation of a unified Ministry of Information Technology.

This, he said, would solve the issue of divergent policy implementation in the sector.

Absence of Science & Tech Committees:

With regard to the Legislature, Olufuye who is the chief executive of Kontemporary Komputers, said there is no serious attention paid to IT going by the absence of IT Committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“If we truly agree that IT will power us into the Vision 2020 then policies and expectations must match,” he said.

He cited an instance with the snail speed approach with which NITDA has been operating, decrying the passing of NiTDA bill in May this year, over six years after its establishment.

Conclusion:

So far, the current state of QoS has forced NCC to had earlier quashed all promotional activities in the industry pending when the telcos improve their networks. Of course, Globacom, accidentally breached this directive given on July 6 thereby attracting the wrath of NCC with a fine of N5m, which has since been cleared and confirmed by the commission.

Just as NCC is not relenting and has already outlined a compensatory package for the subscribers beginning this week with N50 per subscriber to N175, depending on the level of threshold of congestion a given subscriber may have assumed to have suffered.

As Nigerians look forward to having improved telecommunications infrastructure, better service, experts have projected that more inroads would be achieved with focus on Value Added Service (VAS) and the next level of competition, that is, if by December 31, the nation has made great marks on its broadband diffusion. After all, 2007 was declared the year of broadband in Nigeria.

Till then, God bless Nigeria.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

N50 compensation in order – ALTON

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said that the recent compensation of N50 per subscriber imposed on its members by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over persistent poor quality of service (QoS) was in order.

Champion Infotel recalled that last weekend, NCC raised yet another ‘Notice of Intention to Issue Direction’ on poor and unacceptable level of quality of service among the three major Global System for Mobile (GSM) operators, namely Celtel, MTN Nigeria and Glo.

Just as the commission recommended that telcos compensate subscribers as long as the poor Quality of Service (QoS) subsisted, which must take effect from this month, October.

According to NCC, there shall be N50 per subscriber monthly compensation where there was 2 to 5 per cent traffic channel congestion and 5 to 10 per cent would attract N100 per subscriber per month and congestion level over 10 per cent, equally would attract compensation of N175 per subscriber.

Commenting on the penalty on QoS, ALTON chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, said that although some Nigerians may say that the amount of compensation is not much, it is something very significant and it’s a welcome development.

This measure, he stressed showed that NCC is not sleeping on its responsibility and amounts to a huge sum when collectively matched against the over 35 million subscribers across the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) networks.

“We welcome NCC penalty to operators on QoS. NCC is working in accordance with international standards and Nigeria cannot create her own standards,” he told Sunrise daily on Channels Television at the weekend.

He also said that the N50 when calculated against about 15 million subscribers on a given GSM network would amount to about N750,000,000 m.

He equally pointed out that Nigerians must not forget so soon where we were coming from and the position of NCC, noting that operators in the country are daily striving to build a network.

Rates, he said, should be considered alongside available capacity and ability to deliver, noting that call rates are basically commercial issues that should be left to market forces.

He also noted that frequency of technology evolution largely affects the kind of service delivery and rate that consumers get at the end of the day.

Noteworthy is that a letter to compensate subscribers addressed to the operators and dated September 19 and 20 respectively, signed by the commission’s secretary, Mr. Felix Odeoye, stated that NCC has been inundated with complaints from subscribers on the issue of poor and unacceptable level of quality of services across the telcos.

NCC, therefore, required the telcos to pay compensation to the subscribers on their networks on monthly basis as long as the quality of service lasted beginning this month.

The commission, further said, it would consider more sanctions if the congestion above this threshold is found to persist for extended period of time without being corrected to the satisfaction of the regulator.

The compensation, NCC said would take effect from Monday, October 1, 2007 and must be paid before October 7, but subsequently in the event of the telcos not being able to meet the Quality of Service (QoS) guideline, NCC may invoke more sanctions.

NCC maintained that its position was in accordance with the provision of Section 53 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Ozowalu emerges MTN millionaire

The fourth season of the MTN sponsored Who Wants To Be A Millionaire television show commenced at the weekend with an administrator with a non-governmental organisation, Mr. Okechukwu Ozowalu, going home with 1 million Naira.

Commenting on his adventure on the programme, Mr. Ozowalu said he had one mission, to close the new season by hitting the jackpot.

Champion Infotel recalled that the jackpot of the show powered by MTN is N10m. But Mr. Ozowalu, who works for Mobility Aid and Appliances Research and Development (MAARDEC), said he wanted to win the money and invest in property and agriculture.

“I wanted to win the money, go into Abuja, buy a particular house for N3.3m and use the rest to farm in Adamawa State,” he declared.

Although Mr. Ozowalu broke a record time for responding to questions on the programme as the fastest ever to emerge a millionaire on the show within a short interval.

Remarkably, the Geography graduate answered all questions speedily until he hit roadblock mounted by the presenter, Mr. Frank Edoho with the question on “Which year did Chad changed its capital to Njamena?

Mr. Ozowalu, who decided to walk away with his 1 million Naira cash rather than continuing on the hot seat, said he hoped for more.

“I was hoping for more. My idea was to close the show for the people. My brothers were not happy as we were going away,” he said excitedly.

“I was good for N5m. I came here to take the whole N10m. I wanted to close the show for that day but I am still thankful to God for what I got,” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

38th Gloworld goes to Abeokuta

Second National Operator (SNO), Globacom Limited, has taken its 38th Gloworld to Abeokuta, capital city of Ogun State, just as the telco reassured on the plans to have more outlets in all major towns nationwide.

Managing Director, Gloworld, Ms Sade Boyede informed at the commissioning that the telco targets 50 Gloworld centres within the next few months.

She also said that these centres were geared towards bringing world class telecommunications services to the doorsteps of its teeming subscribers in the country.

The company, she said, has resolved to remain the most customer-centric network provider to ensure not only that calls were made not just at the lowest tariffs but also see to it that customers stopped needless trips to transact business with the network.

“With Gloworld, Abeokuta, subscribers in the city and its environs do not have to travel to either Ota or Ibadan for SIM replacement, unblocking and other services that the Gloworld provides,” she asserted, adding that Gloworld was a one-stop shop where information is also obtainable on all the products of Globacom.

In his remarks, special guest at the occasion, Mr. Adesina Rosiji of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said he was impressed with the atmosphere of the centre and the potentials for customer satisfaction that it promises.

He advised other service providers to emulate Globacom, noting that the telco had shown its belief that the Nigerian people deserved the best services available in other nations of the world with the opening of the centres.

Equally speaking, chief executive of Megastores Abeokuta, Mr. Mr. Ayoyinka Akinyosoye, pointed out that Globacom had always shown interest in the welfare of Nigerians as it pioneered the Per Second Billing (PSB).

“With the intention to bring your services closer to your subscribers with the opening of Gloworld in all major towns of the country, you have successfully displayed that you are the market leader,” he affirmed.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

MTS offers independence package

Telecommunications operator, MTSFirst Wireless Limited, is offering its subscribers special package in commemoration of the nation’s 47th Independence.

The telco said that starting from yesterday, Tuesday, any customer who walks into any of its customer care centres would go home with Kyocera 2255 handheld for N2,000.

In addition, MTS said that those who dare visit its customer care centres at Ikeja or Ikoyi, would be rewarded with N1000 worth recharge cards and would get additional reward of 5 per cent off any denomination of airtime bought.

Also, MTS said, it has slashed the price of its table-top phone, Dowtel FWT 4000 to just N7, 000 from about N10,000.

Customers, equally would benefit from purchasing a N1, 000 worth of N250 recharge cards.

Even as new subscribers have the privilege of sharing in the on-going free and unlimited on-net calls from 7pm to 6:30am, Monday through Friday and free on-net marathon service at weekends.

Public Relations Officer at MTS, Mr. Omor Bazuaye, said the promotional sales offer is in line with the organization’s corporate philosophy to create easier access to flexible, dependable, and affordable telecommunications services in the country for the benefit of everyone.

He also said that MTS is delighted to join every Nigerian on the occasion of the nation’s independence anniversary, and would continue to hold its teeming loyal subscribers in high esteem.

“Since independence comes with liberty and freedom, it is imperative to empower Nigerian citizens with the freedom to communicate without inhibitions. This is exactly what MTS has come to achieve and there is no better time than now to express our sincere appreciation to all our subscribers who have over the years demonstrated a sense of unflinching loyalty to the MTS brand,” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Seriki gives recipe for branding PCs

Chief executive of Omatek Computers Limited, Mrs. Florence Seriki, has given recipe for branding of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products in the country.

Mrs Seriki who was specific on branding of Personal Computing products, said that the only acceptable language when it comes to certified branding is its quality.

She made this assertion at the one-day summit on IT Future for chief executive members of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN) in Lagos, according to Highway Africa News Agency (HANA) reports.

She said that any body both individual or organisation itching to have a certified brand must equally be consistent through conscious efforts to improve on a given product.

Mrs. Seriki who dwelt on “How to create your own certified brand?” told participants at the forum that attention must be focused on the quality if the product is expected to be of world class.

“Quality is the only language that is understood when it comes to building a certified brand,” she said.

She pointed out that the process of branding should not be seen as a one-stop attempt but continuous.

“That is to say that by extension your product does not become a certified brand from day one but you build it over time,” Mrs Seriki advised.

According to her, the process of building own certified brand must begin with the builder having a vision of what he or she really wants to create.

This, she said, is very crucial because without which the dreamer could get discouraged, especially when faced with some challenges.

In addition, she said that building certified brand requires the creation of a highly unique identity for the organisation in question, which must include the name, its product or services, company logo and even colour, “are all important in building a certified brand.”

Equally very important, she said, is the determination of the visioner to promote the created image because the world needs to know about the brand.

“Our story I believe is a familiar one to most of us but it was a small beginning and today we are one of the certified locally made computers in the country,” she said, adding that Omatek as a brand is making concerted efforts to be the best that it could but nothing less than the world class.

She emphasised the importance of partnering with other world-class companies and bigger organisations and individuals in order to have adequate finance so as to effectively build the desired quality brand.

“You must be a master of the industry you are going into because knowledge is power,” Mrs. Seriki warned.

Omatek, she recalled began as a Omatek Ventures Limited and has since transformed into other subsidiaries, which commenced business in 1988 as a major reseller for Compaq, IBM, Acer, Apple and host of other world recognised names in computer manufacturing.

“The company has done so much in moving these products to the extent of being appointed a premium partner for Compaq, senior partner for IBM, Apple and Microsoft to name a few.

“To date it still polls up to $1 million turnover for these products annually,” she said, stressing that it is a process that showed that branding is on-going.

“Today, Omatek Ventures Limited, still remains a reckoning force in the provision of computer products and services to a number of banks, oil companies and government agencies.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

418,000 SMS’ for Big Brother Africa-2

Household name in Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) on the continent and South African pay TV, DSTv has continued the tradition of availing Africans the opportunity to interact with the acclaimed great reality show, the Big Brother Africa which is in its second edition.

This, has resulted in a total of 418,000 messages to Big Brother Africa 2, which have been on screen strap line ever since.

MultiChoice Africa, the proponent of DSTv in the country said that the M-Net-based reality show has been consistent in its cutting edge interactivity via television by availing its teeming African viewers the opportunity to have their say on the programme.

According to the Public Relations Assistant at MultiChoice Nigeria, Ms Gloria Ngozi Adeshi, Africans across the continent have sent over 418,000 messages to Big Brother Africa 2’s onscreen strap-line, thus allowing their thoughts, comments and opinions about the activities in the Big Brother house to be played out to audiences in 47 African countries.

The show, she said, is building a community of pan-African TV viewers, who communicate directly with each other on a daily basis, thanks to the wonders of Short Messaging Service (SMS) and a network of participating mobile operators.

She pointed out that the 98-day reality show is proving that technology could be applied on a continental scale to give African TV a fresh new dimension.

“Behind the 12 housemates, and the 28 cameras and 48 microphones, which have been set up throughout the Big Brother house, it’s a technological triumph that keeps the Big Brother phenomenon rolling,” she said.

She emphasised, that the interactive technology viewers of Big Brother Africa 2 enjoy is part of leading pay-TV operator, MultiChoice Africa’s unparalleled technology offering.

“In providing the dedicated DStv channel 37 for the express purpose of screening Big Brother Africa 2, MultiChoice Africa’s ability to provide additional channels for special events translates directly into more value-added viewing,” she asserted.

Adeshi noted that Channel 37 has a built in data application which allows audiences the opportunity to access housemate profiles, key information and updated news for the show’s duration.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

ALTON, ATCON endorse Champion 2007 annual lecture

The umbrella bodies of the nation’s telecommunications operators and allied companies, under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), have endorsed the annual Champion Better Society lecture, holding this year with the theme: Telecommunications in National Development.

Speaking on the lecture, chairman, ALTON, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo said that the event scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 9 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, is a suitable especially with its theme: Telecommunication in National Development to be delivered by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Chukwuka-Anene Ndukwe.

Paying tribute to the speaker, ALTON chairman portrayed him as an extra-ordinaire telecommunications engineer.

“ … The theme is appropriate for this time in our national development.

The speaker, a worthy superior, an Engineer Extraordinaire, an Administrator per excellence and indeed a Man of Many parts,” Mr. Adebayo declared.

Also speaking, the President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, informed that the group would do everything possible to support the event, mostly as it has for this year’s theme: telecommunications in national development.

He did not leave out the speaker, who he described as a close friend and patriotic in his leadership of NCC in the past seven years.

Equally adding his voice, the Executive Secretary of ATCON, Mr. Godwin Morgan, said the theme is proper, stressing that Dr. Ndukwe is largely the best disposed in the industry to discuss such a theme and gave kudos to Champion management for the initiative.

He enjoined members of ATCON to make sure they did not miss out in this offer availed by Champion Newspapers management, mostly the exhibition to showcase their products and services.

ATCON, an umbrella body of registered telecommunications companies and service providers within the sector in the country was founded on December 10, 1993 and serves as a platform for cross-industry exchange of ideas and experiences through annual Nigerian International Communication exhibition and conferences (NICOMM).

Following the practical deregulation of telecommunications sector in year 2000, the body has been very active in terms of taking part in charting a new future for stakeholders, even as acting as a voice for the sector as well as helping to shape the policy framework of the regulations aspect of the industry, even as ATCON tends to educate its members towards rapid growth of the sector.

ALTON has over 28 memberships currently whereas ATCON has over 50 telcos in its roll call.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Ndukwe bags NUJ Man-of-the-year award

Chief regulator of the nation’s telecommunications sector and Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, has bagged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu Zonal headquarters esteemed ‘Man-of the Year’ award for 2006.

Announcing this, NUJ in a letter signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the zone, Messrs Ossy Ogboso and Mike Okoh, respectively, said Dr. Ndukwe’s tenure as EVC so far has undoubtedly put the nation in the map of emerging Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) nations in the continent and the world at large.

“Your tenure in office as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put Nigeria in the world map as the fastest growing ICT country has not escaped the NUJ, the watch-dog of the society,” they stated.

They added that the award is in recognition of Dr. Ndukwe’s track record of achievements over the years in the service to the nation vis-à-vis the growth, development and stability of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector of the economy.

The telecommunications sector, NUJ said, has recorded a phenomenal growth both in terms of subscriber-base and infrastructural development in the country ever since 2001.

“Connected telephone lines have increased from 450,000 lines in May 1999 to over 38 million lines by July 2007, boosting teledensity growth from 0.4 to 24. Investment in the industry has also increased from about 50 million US Dollars before 2001 to over 9.5 billion US Dollars at present,” the group stated.

Equally, NUJ noted that with this development the socio-economic impact of the telecommunications revolution has been positive especially with the significant number of new jobs in the economy.

“The Commission is widely acknowledged as a model telecommunications regulatory institution in Africa and its initiatives like the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) has been recognized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as an innovative and effective mechanism for resolving the complaints of consumers,” the letter informed.

Confirming this, Head, Public Affairs, Mr. Dave Imoko said that the award ceremony has been scheduled for Protea Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu on Friday, October 5, 2007 and was being organised as part of the activities marking the celebration of the NUJ week by the Enugu Zonal headquarters.

Just as the event would have a special lecture by the Director, Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) Business School, Prof. Emeka Okpara, by 6.00pm.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

MTN gets N249.8bn facility from 21 bank consortium

Leading telecommunications company in the country, MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, yesterday in Lagos got a facility of US$2 billion, about (N249,800,000,000) from a consortium made up of 21 foreign and Nigerian banks and financial institutions.

At a formal signing ceremony held in Lagos Wednesday, MTN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ahmad Farroukh, reaffirmed the telco’s resolve to continuously be a player in fostering Nigeria’s economic growth and development through provision of excellent telecommunications and allied services.

He noted that the facility is another vote of confidence on MTN and its Nigerian operation particularly.

“The loan represents a strong vote of confidence in our operation and our organisation. We see this as a demonstration of the confidence that particularly the Nigerian financial sub-sector has placed in MTN to deliver value to both our customers and the Nigerian economy with 80 per cent of the facility being Naira denominated. We are also thankful to the millions of MTN customers across Nigeria whose loyal patronage has helped to make this possible,“ he asserted.

Mr. Farroukh also said that the facility, which is the largest loan syndication to any individual telecommunications company in Africa.

The facility coordinated globally by the Standard Bank Group of South Africa, he said, has been subdivided into a US Dollar denominated segment comprising $400 million, a Naira denominated N142 billion mid-term facility and another Naira denominated N63 billion-revolver facility, respectively.

“IBTC Chartered, Nigerian subsidiary of Standard Bank, is the local lead arranger,” he informed.

Chief Executive, IBTC Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mr. Atedo Peterside, said that the timing in concluding this particular deal and the announcement is important to us as a newly formed entity resulting from the successful merger between IBTC Chartered and Stanbic Bank Nigeria.

“We are delighted to be part of the Standard Bank Group and to be working with the leading telecommunications operator in Nigeria,” he declared.

Also speaking, the Director Telecoms and Media Africa at Standard Bank, Heloise Smith, said that given the vast experience of Standard Bank in advising and funding telecommunications projects across the continent gave the boost for them to embrace the opportunity to once again partner with MTN to facilitate further growth in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.

With a presence in all of Nigeria’s 36 states and Abuja, MTN’s coverage currently spans some 89 per cent of Nigeria ’s total landmass. It has installed in excess of 2,800 base stations, 45 mobile switching centres and over 50 base station controllers across Nigeria.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Zain Group launches WiMAX in Bahrain

The parent company of Celtel Nigeria, Zain Group, has launched Zain@home, its brand of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) in Bahrain, Kingdom, Middle East.

WIMAX is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a standard-based technology that enables delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).

Zain said that the technology liberalises the fixed telecommunications market in the Bahrain Kingdom for the first time and means customers at home could bundle together high speed broadband internet connectivity of up to 2 Mega bytes per second (Mbps), fixed line voice and mobile services without the need for a land line.

The Zain@home service is also nomadic, according to the telco, meaning that customers could change residence without changing phone numbers.

Disclosing this at a Ramadan festive event, the chief operating officer, Zain Bahrain, Dr. Ahmed Al Shatti, said the product epitomises the telco’s focus on enriching the lives of customers.

“Our success lies in interpreting technology so that it impacts our customers in a way that improves their quality of life,” he said.

He also said “The WiMAX service is a fine example of our philosophy - not only have we harnessed a cutting edge technology to create a dynamic new market, we have launched our Zain@home packages of tailor-made options with a full stack of generous offers so that our customers can reshape the way they stay connected and interact.”

He said that with target on residential market, Zain@home offers customers “double play” offering with a fixed line voice service and high-speed Internet access in one package, which provides a complete broadband service via a wireless network.

Also speaking, director of broadband services at Zain Bahrain, Mr. Mahmoud Abu Zannad, said the package gives customers a real technological advantage as well as excellent cost benefits.

“Customers can choose a variety of bundled services that leverage the company's well-established mobile phone services,” he declared.

He also said that customers signing up for the package before December 31, 2007 will have their set-up fee waived.

“They will also get their wireless unit at 70 per cent off the listed price upon signing a 12-month contract and up to 85 per cent off if they take up an 18-month contract,” he explained.

With effect from September 8, this year, Zain became the new corporate master brand name for the group formerly known as MTC.

The company operates under the Zain brand in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and Sudan, while in Iraq it is currently known as mtc-atheer, whereas in Lebanon as mtc-touch and in 14 sub-Saharan countries in Africa as Celtel, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D