The battle for Microsoft to buy Yahoo!’s search engine seems over, REMMY NWEKE reports that there is politics beneath.
Dead on arrival:
The much awaited Annual General Meeting (AGM) of acclaimed most trafficked Internet portal, Yahoo! Incorporated, has come and gone without any headway for the software giant, Microsoft Corporation to presently realize its dream of buying into Yahoo! search engine either as in whole or in part.
It all begun like rumour that Microsoft and Yahoo! would merge as at first quarter of 2007 and precisely in February, through a joint venture based on overture by Yahoo! according to Microsoft. Yahoo! promptly dismissed this claim in a press statement, saying it would consider Microsoft’s proposal, but described it as ‘unsolicited.’
But as the months go by the picture became clearer that Microsoft was actually making some advances to the owners of Yahoo! over its interest to buy over the search engine. This intensified to last for over six months yet un-ended, thereby dominating discussions among industry players ever since. Thus, affirming that there is an atom of truth in every of rumour.
By February this year, the chief executive officer at Microsoft, Mr. Steve Ballmer had raised the stake to $44.6 billion (about N5,226 trillion) to be divided into cash and shares for the offer.
Based on projections, Microsoft expects online advertising to double in the next three years, from about $40 billion in 2007 to $80 billion by 2010, therefore a merger or partial buy on Yahoo would ensure realization of these economies of scale.
True Prediction:
In December 2006, proprietors of ShoeMoney.com, predicted 10 reasons why Microsoft would seek to acquire Yahoo in 2007, to include that it is unheard of for the software giant to seat back while Google makes a display of how to take a search engine from level two to be reckon with as top 20 American companies.
Equally of note was futile shots at getting market share in the online advertising game by Microsoft which experts said would not be viable contest without acquiring Yahoo! and its number of Internet users.
In addition, analysts at ShoeMoney.com noted that the search algorithm owned by Microsoft – algo; is by far the single biggest challenge facing the company based on the fact that when there are no users using the search engine, as it were, tons of online adverts remain undisplayed on its platform. Stressing that if Microsoft were to acquire Yahoo!’s search algorithm it would be a giant step in getting users back into its fold.
Experts also said that Microsoft tried to broker an initial deal via a firm formally known as Overture for showing ads on msn.com search as most advertisers confirmed that Microsoft’s Adcenter has little volume from its search engine. Just as the Yahoo Publisher Network (YPN) is rated as the best contextual advertising network with great quality control team and real phone number (s) that real people answer.
Optimistic Microsoft:
The beat was up on Microsoft interest in Yahoo after the initial attempts failed for almost four months to make Yahoo to bow to its demands; from $20 billion (about N2,354 trillion) to $44.4 billion (about N5,226 trillion).
However, about a fortnight to the August 1 Yahoo! AGM, Microsoft in its desire began moves to re-open negotiations with the new board expected to emerge afterwards, with focused interest for partial instead of wholesome purchase of the search engine, according Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Microsoft, Mr. Chris Liddell, at the Financial Analyst Meeting 2008 held prior to the August AGM, just as inspired billionaire cum activist and Yahoo! shareholder, Mr. Carl Icahn was expected to uphold his threat to sack the current board of directors with Mr. Jerry Yang as the chief executive, over their refusal to yield to Microsoft deal worth $47.5 billion (about N5.59 trillion) at the last count.
“We took the view, and we still take the view, that Yahoo! is essentially a declining asset. … What changed was time, because ‘Time passed and value eroded’ and We don’t have a situation now where the initial offer that we made makes any sense any more from economics,” Liddell said.
Icahn as gladiator:
Investor Icahn known for raiding corporate entities withdrew opposition few days to the August 1 meeting and after promising Microsoft a successful bid. This action, observers said was blackmail on the incumbent board and management.
As indicated by his blog, IcahnReport.com, threat suspension was on realization that many shareholders do not really share his views, in spite of the campaigns. The fear was that Microsoft would eventually enslave most of the Internet or web users, especially advocates of the open source regime and to some extent diminish the high speed internet provider.
Part of Icahn’s blog revealed thus, “The proxy fight is over and it will not do shareholders or Yahoo any good to have the annual meeting turn into a media event for no purpose. Last week, (before AGM) I realized it was impossible to gain enough support from the large institutions to win a majority of the Yahoo directorships ....
“A few days ago, I met with both Jerry Yang and Roy Bostock and I believe both genuinely wish that we will be able to work together to enhance value. While we still disagree on many points, I have great hope ‘this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Out come of the AGM:
The AGM ended with all incumbent nine-man board of directors led by Mr. Bostock, returned ‘unopposed’ except for Robert A. Kotick who soon after resigned but was replaced by Mr. Carl Icahn. Others are Ronald W. Burkle, Eric Hippeau, Vyomesh Joshi, Arthur H. Kern, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, Gary L. Wilson and Jerry Yang.
For Yang, the company is at a unique point in history with the eyes of the world focused on Yahoo! and tracking its performance. “The value inherent in Yahoo!’s unique collection of assets is truly extraordinary, and the progress we’ve made on our initiatives this year signals our ability to capitalize on the underlying potential of these assets.”
Though the board was expanded by additional three seats, reportedly created to please Icahn, there names would be announced on August 15, 2008.
African views and beyond:
Although some Internet enthusiasts like Ms. Nnenna Nwakanma, a software expert, believes that bulk of the Microsoft revenue does not come from developing countries, so Africa does not have much to loose if the bid was successful or not. But opposing school of thought noted that Africa is obviously important, stressing that Microsoft depends on investment in developing countries to make good revenue through the government and people by selling its applications, which have more or less left these countries with the notion that without Microsoft solution they may be going no where with computing.
It was further argued that the popularity of Microsoft Windows on most Personal Computers (PCs) originally ever before Open Source titles is another point that could not be dismissed easily.
Equally others opted that Microsoft target was Facebook, which is also making waves now and as they vowed to delete their account if Microsoft succeeds. “Microsoft can’t do anything anymore; or at least anything that doesn’t involve company buyouts?” For them, integrating the search team at Yahoo! with Facebook would avail any formidable army to take on Google.
Another Internet enthusiast, Dan Bull lamented: “Microsoft is really hell-bent on taking over the internet,” which summarizes the people’s fear in developing countries of the world and open source community.
Now that the politics of search engine is over, who knows the next step of acquisition to be made by Microsoft?
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
WIN, SABI my priority – Ndukwe
Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe at the weekend in Lagos, declared that his priority in the next three years remaining in his tenure would be to ensure spread of telecom infrastructure through the Wire Nigeria (WIN) project and broadband via the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI).
He also promises to leave a legacy of very professional and strong regulatory body, and a robust telecoms network crisscrossing the entire nation before he quits the scene in 2010 when his tenure expires.
Fielding questions from newsmen at an interactive session, weekend in Lagos, to mark the 7th anniversary of launch of the acclaimed Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services in the country, Ndukwe said he believes that once the right processes are put in place, there will be no reason why things would not continue to move in the right direction, and that he would entrench those ideals within the one and half years left of his tenure.
Enumerating some of his priorities, Ndukwe said include massive expansion of telecom transmission infrastructure across the country through the Wire Nigeria (WIN) project, spreading broadband and Internet services to urban and semi urban location through the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI), and achieving a profound improvement in quality of services across the networks.
“Between now and 2010 this country will have even a more robust telecom industry. I will like to continue to develop the manpower of the Commission and set up the right processes.
“My major aspiration is to continue to develop the commission to be manned by very good people that will be able to sustain and maintain the reputation of the Nigerian Communications Commission even after I have left”, he said.
On the day the NCC boss was also decorated with the award of Icon of the Nigerian Telecom Revolution, at the ceremony organized by Telecom News magazine, he said Nigeria has a lot to celebrate on the 7th anniversary of the telecom revolution as Nigerian has become the leading telecom nation in Africa in terms of subscriber base, at more than 54 million lines as at today, and is one of the top ten countries in the world in the field of growth of the telecom industry.
According to him, the sector has witnessed surprised expectations with huge investments still coming, citing an instance with the buying of Multilinks by Telkom South Africa, the merger of four operators to form the bigger Visafone, the partial acquisition of Intercellular by Sudatel, and expansion of the investment base of Starcomms which has also gone to the stock market, as very significant in the attractiveness of the industry to telecom investments.
“Since January this year, the telecom network has witnessed steady growth which currently outstrips 1.2 million lines every month, which indicates the fact that the growth rate is still not abetted. This also shows that Nigeria has witnessed economic growth because there is a linkage between acquisition of telecom services and economic improvement”, he said.
Dr. Ndukwe also said Nigeria is proud to be playing host to other African regulators who are seeking to understudy the various processes and strategies adopted by the Commission to register the current successes. These countries include Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Liberia, Gambia among others.
He also said the Commission has been very active on the issue of quality of services across the networks with marginal improvements recorded against all odds. According to him, some of the measures taken in this direction include the imposition of compensation to the subscribers. He said this is the first time a telecom regulator in Africa, if not in any part of the world, would force the operators to pay compensation to all the active subscribers in their networks.
He said the reason for forcing the compensation was because the Commission believed that the subscribers would have lost some seconds and minutes as a result of the unacceptable quality of services rendered by the affected operators.
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He also promises to leave a legacy of very professional and strong regulatory body, and a robust telecoms network crisscrossing the entire nation before he quits the scene in 2010 when his tenure expires.
Fielding questions from newsmen at an interactive session, weekend in Lagos, to mark the 7th anniversary of launch of the acclaimed Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services in the country, Ndukwe said he believes that once the right processes are put in place, there will be no reason why things would not continue to move in the right direction, and that he would entrench those ideals within the one and half years left of his tenure.
Enumerating some of his priorities, Ndukwe said include massive expansion of telecom transmission infrastructure across the country through the Wire Nigeria (WIN) project, spreading broadband and Internet services to urban and semi urban location through the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI), and achieving a profound improvement in quality of services across the networks.
“Between now and 2010 this country will have even a more robust telecom industry. I will like to continue to develop the manpower of the Commission and set up the right processes.
“My major aspiration is to continue to develop the commission to be manned by very good people that will be able to sustain and maintain the reputation of the Nigerian Communications Commission even after I have left”, he said.
On the day the NCC boss was also decorated with the award of Icon of the Nigerian Telecom Revolution, at the ceremony organized by Telecom News magazine, he said Nigeria has a lot to celebrate on the 7th anniversary of the telecom revolution as Nigerian has become the leading telecom nation in Africa in terms of subscriber base, at more than 54 million lines as at today, and is one of the top ten countries in the world in the field of growth of the telecom industry.
According to him, the sector has witnessed surprised expectations with huge investments still coming, citing an instance with the buying of Multilinks by Telkom South Africa, the merger of four operators to form the bigger Visafone, the partial acquisition of Intercellular by Sudatel, and expansion of the investment base of Starcomms which has also gone to the stock market, as very significant in the attractiveness of the industry to telecom investments.
“Since January this year, the telecom network has witnessed steady growth which currently outstrips 1.2 million lines every month, which indicates the fact that the growth rate is still not abetted. This also shows that Nigeria has witnessed economic growth because there is a linkage between acquisition of telecom services and economic improvement”, he said.
Dr. Ndukwe also said Nigeria is proud to be playing host to other African regulators who are seeking to understudy the various processes and strategies adopted by the Commission to register the current successes. These countries include Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Liberia, Gambia among others.
He also said the Commission has been very active on the issue of quality of services across the networks with marginal improvements recorded against all odds. According to him, some of the measures taken in this direction include the imposition of compensation to the subscribers. He said this is the first time a telecom regulator in Africa, if not in any part of the world, would force the operators to pay compensation to all the active subscribers in their networks.
He said the reason for forcing the compensation was because the Commission believed that the subscribers would have lost some seconds and minutes as a result of the unacceptable quality of services rendered by the affected operators.
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Privacy Notice: Essentials of Mozilla Firefox version 3 (2)
1. LICENSE GRANT. The Mozilla Corporation grants you a non-exclusive license to use the executable code version of the Product. This Agreement will also govern any software upgrades provided by Mozilla that replace and/or supplement the original Product, unless such upgrades are accompanied by a separate license, in which case the terms of that license will govern.
2. TERMINATION. If you breach this Agreement your right to use the Product will terminate immediately and without notice, but all provisions of this Agreement except the License Grant (Paragraph 1) will survive termination and continue in effect. Upon termination, you must destroy all copies of the Product.
3. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Portions of the Product are available in source code form under the terms of the Mozilla Public License and other open source licenses (collectively, “Open Source Licenses”) at http://www.mozilla.org/MPL. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to limit any rights granted under the Open Source Licenses. Subject to the foregoing, Mozilla, for itself and on behalf of its licensors, hereby reserves all intellectual property rights in the Product, except for the rights expressly granted in this Agreement. You may not remove or alter any trademark, logo, copyright or other proprietary notice in or on the Product. This license does not grant you any right to use the trademarks, service marks or logos of Mozilla or its licensors.
4. PRIVACY POLICY. You agree to the Mozilla Firefox Privacy Policy, made available online at http://www.mozilla.com/legal/privacy/, as that policy may be changed from time to time. When Mozilla changes the policy in a material way a notice will be posted on the website at www.mozilla.com and when any change is made in the privacy policy, the updated policy will be posted at the above link. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the terms of the privacy policy ….
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2. TERMINATION. If you breach this Agreement your right to use the Product will terminate immediately and without notice, but all provisions of this Agreement except the License Grant (Paragraph 1) will survive termination and continue in effect. Upon termination, you must destroy all copies of the Product.
3. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Portions of the Product are available in source code form under the terms of the Mozilla Public License and other open source licenses (collectively, “Open Source Licenses”) at http://www.mozilla.org/MPL. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to limit any rights granted under the Open Source Licenses. Subject to the foregoing, Mozilla, for itself and on behalf of its licensors, hereby reserves all intellectual property rights in the Product, except for the rights expressly granted in this Agreement. You may not remove or alter any trademark, logo, copyright or other proprietary notice in or on the Product. This license does not grant you any right to use the trademarks, service marks or logos of Mozilla or its licensors.
4. PRIVACY POLICY. You agree to the Mozilla Firefox Privacy Policy, made available online at http://www.mozilla.com/legal/privacy/, as that policy may be changed from time to time. When Mozilla changes the policy in a material way a notice will be posted on the website at www.mozilla.com and when any change is made in the privacy policy, the updated policy will be posted at the above link. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the terms of the privacy policy ….
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Visafone lifts 200 Okada riders
Visafone flagged off its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at the Victoria Island Bar Beach last weekend with the presentation of some helmets and reflected jackets to some Okada riders.
According to Tolulope Ogunlesi of the Corporate Communications at Visafone, the event witnessed the presentation of over 200 protective helmets and reflective jackets to Okada riders drawn from Victoria Island – Law school and Eko Hotel Roundabout units.
Working in conjunction with Arrive Alive, an NGO committed to ensuring the safety of motorists and road users across Nigeria, the Visafone official said it launched the initiative as a means of contributing to the safety of road users as well as cushioning the traumatic head injuries suffered by okada drivers who usually drive without helmets while also providing reflective jackets for night time operations.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chike Nwaka, Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone II Head Quarters of the FRSC who was represented by Assistant Corps Commander, Mr. M. L Abdullahi commended Visafone for the initiative which he called a “timely and worthwhile venture that will reduce fatalities on our roads and protect the lives of both okada riders and their passengers.”
Explaining the rationale behind the CSR initiative, Visafone, Head, Communications at Visafone, Mr. Toni Kan Onwordi said Visafone has and will always “look beyond the bottom line as a responsible corporate citizen. As a wholly Nigerian owned company, we are committed not just to ensuring that Nigerians experience the joy of communication through our services, we also want them to experience a better quality of life by empowering them economically and ensuring safety of lives on our roads.”
According to the company, the Bar Beach event is a pilot scheme and will be replicated across the state and country in due course.
ITRealms Online recalls that the emerging leader in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators in the country, Visafone Communications Limited, rolled out in the ancient city of Kano.
Head, Corporate Communications, Visafone Limited, Mr. Toni Kan, said that Kano has joined the growing list of cities enjoying Visafone passport to connect the world.
During the launch, he said, the management team of the telco paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano.
The team led by the Northern Regional Head, Visafone, Mr. Taiwo Ogunkanmi, said the launch was on the heels of a test-run recently concluded in the city by the telco.
He also told the Emir that Visafone’s strategies are aimed at ensuring that Kano experiences to the fullest the joy of communications for which the company is known for.
While expressing gratitude to the monarch, Ogunkanmi said, Visafone was in Kano to help speed up economic growth and human capacity development.
Responding, the Emir of Kano said, he was aware of the company’s emergence and entrance into Kano as well as the progress the company was already making.
He promised to offer the company “any assistance you may require in Kano.”
In another development, plans are already in top gear for Visafone’s commencement of operations in the city of Zaria.
This launch is coming at a time the company is intensifying its resolve to cover the entire country with its network.
Mr. Kan, added “we are spreading the joy of communication to Zaria in fulfillment of our pledge to offer Nigerians a passport to reach the world. Zaria is strategic because it is a university town and Visafone is a very youth-centric brand.”
He recalled that Visafone launched commercial operations on February 22, 2008 in 12 states and over 100 cities.
The company has since grown its coverage area to 16 states and over 150 cities in the past 3 months in fulfillment of its promise to provide Nigerians with a veritable “passport to reach the world.”
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According to Tolulope Ogunlesi of the Corporate Communications at Visafone, the event witnessed the presentation of over 200 protective helmets and reflective jackets to Okada riders drawn from Victoria Island – Law school and Eko Hotel Roundabout units.
Working in conjunction with Arrive Alive, an NGO committed to ensuring the safety of motorists and road users across Nigeria, the Visafone official said it launched the initiative as a means of contributing to the safety of road users as well as cushioning the traumatic head injuries suffered by okada drivers who usually drive without helmets while also providing reflective jackets for night time operations.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chike Nwaka, Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone II Head Quarters of the FRSC who was represented by Assistant Corps Commander, Mr. M. L Abdullahi commended Visafone for the initiative which he called a “timely and worthwhile venture that will reduce fatalities on our roads and protect the lives of both okada riders and their passengers.”
Explaining the rationale behind the CSR initiative, Visafone, Head, Communications at Visafone, Mr. Toni Kan Onwordi said Visafone has and will always “look beyond the bottom line as a responsible corporate citizen. As a wholly Nigerian owned company, we are committed not just to ensuring that Nigerians experience the joy of communication through our services, we also want them to experience a better quality of life by empowering them economically and ensuring safety of lives on our roads.”
According to the company, the Bar Beach event is a pilot scheme and will be replicated across the state and country in due course.
ITRealms Online recalls that the emerging leader in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators in the country, Visafone Communications Limited, rolled out in the ancient city of Kano.
Head, Corporate Communications, Visafone Limited, Mr. Toni Kan, said that Kano has joined the growing list of cities enjoying Visafone passport to connect the world.
During the launch, he said, the management team of the telco paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano.
The team led by the Northern Regional Head, Visafone, Mr. Taiwo Ogunkanmi, said the launch was on the heels of a test-run recently concluded in the city by the telco.
He also told the Emir that Visafone’s strategies are aimed at ensuring that Kano experiences to the fullest the joy of communications for which the company is known for.
While expressing gratitude to the monarch, Ogunkanmi said, Visafone was in Kano to help speed up economic growth and human capacity development.
Responding, the Emir of Kano said, he was aware of the company’s emergence and entrance into Kano as well as the progress the company was already making.
He promised to offer the company “any assistance you may require in Kano.”
In another development, plans are already in top gear for Visafone’s commencement of operations in the city of Zaria.
This launch is coming at a time the company is intensifying its resolve to cover the entire country with its network.
Mr. Kan, added “we are spreading the joy of communication to Zaria in fulfillment of our pledge to offer Nigerians a passport to reach the world. Zaria is strategic because it is a university town and Visafone is a very youth-centric brand.”
He recalled that Visafone launched commercial operations on February 22, 2008 in 12 states and over 100 cities.
The company has since grown its coverage area to 16 states and over 150 cities in the past 3 months in fulfillment of its promise to provide Nigerians with a veritable “passport to reach the world.”
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Poor internet connectivity worries Rufai
MANAGING Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Mr. T. Ahmed-Rufai has decried the lack of internet connectivity at all levels of education in the country, reports CHARLES OKOH.
Mr. Ahmed-Rufai who spoke during a recent chat with newsmen wondered what kind of learning would be achieved in this age without connectivity to the world wide web.
"We have about 6,500 primary schools in this country and less than one per cent of them have access to internet connectivity; the same thing is happening to our secondary schools and universities. Now tell me, what learning will anyone achieve in this age without connectivity to the world wide web," he lamented.
On how NigComSat could create jobs, he said: "if you are going to create jobs, you first need to have to create skills and if you are going to create skills, you have to create a knowledge and learning base for the entire country."
He said Japan, Singapore, Korea, England and the United States achieved their present status because of knowledge and technological innovation.
"The US has the world largest oil reservoirs. They are followed by Canada but they are under lock and key till date, particularly the off-shore. They are not exploring, so, oil is not the basis of their position in the world economy. They got to that position from the day John F. Kennedy made the proposition that they were going to put a man in the moon," he said.
As a result of that, Mr. Ahmed-Rufai said, more than 20,000 small and medium scale (SMEs) engineering companies were formed to achieve excellence in all their various areas and that had a spill over effect on micro-electronic industries.
He also decried the poor quality of graduates from our higher institutions of learning, adding that NigComSat plans to set up internet centres in select institutions so that students could have affordable access.
Incorporated on April 4, 2006 as a wholly government-owned limited liability company, NigComSat Limited, is the first African satellite communications company to manage and operate the first geostationary communications satellite (NigComSat-1) in sub-Saharan Africa.
NigComSat was established to carry on business for profit, manage, operate and maintain in orbit communications satellites in respect of; satellite to satellite services, telephony (urban and rural), television, HDTV, DTH, teleprocessing, telepresence, tele-education, telemedicine, e-government, e-commerce, satellite radio, mobile and paging, broadcasting, broadband internet services, Real time monitoring services in shipping, petroleum pipeline, navigation, global positioning systems, and services or facilities, earth stations, terminals, antenna, frequency bands (C, Ku, Ka or L bands).
NigComSat 1 has two ground control stations for the orbit maintenance and network operation services of the satellite. These two stations are located in Kashi, China and Abuja, Nigeria, with the latter being the stations main station and the former servicing as back up station.
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Mr. Ahmed-Rufai who spoke during a recent chat with newsmen wondered what kind of learning would be achieved in this age without connectivity to the world wide web.
"We have about 6,500 primary schools in this country and less than one per cent of them have access to internet connectivity; the same thing is happening to our secondary schools and universities. Now tell me, what learning will anyone achieve in this age without connectivity to the world wide web," he lamented.
On how NigComSat could create jobs, he said: "if you are going to create jobs, you first need to have to create skills and if you are going to create skills, you have to create a knowledge and learning base for the entire country."
He said Japan, Singapore, Korea, England and the United States achieved their present status because of knowledge and technological innovation.
"The US has the world largest oil reservoirs. They are followed by Canada but they are under lock and key till date, particularly the off-shore. They are not exploring, so, oil is not the basis of their position in the world economy. They got to that position from the day John F. Kennedy made the proposition that they were going to put a man in the moon," he said.
As a result of that, Mr. Ahmed-Rufai said, more than 20,000 small and medium scale (SMEs) engineering companies were formed to achieve excellence in all their various areas and that had a spill over effect on micro-electronic industries.
He also decried the poor quality of graduates from our higher institutions of learning, adding that NigComSat plans to set up internet centres in select institutions so that students could have affordable access.
Incorporated on April 4, 2006 as a wholly government-owned limited liability company, NigComSat Limited, is the first African satellite communications company to manage and operate the first geostationary communications satellite (NigComSat-1) in sub-Saharan Africa.
NigComSat was established to carry on business for profit, manage, operate and maintain in orbit communications satellites in respect of; satellite to satellite services, telephony (urban and rural), television, HDTV, DTH, teleprocessing, telepresence, tele-education, telemedicine, e-government, e-commerce, satellite radio, mobile and paging, broadcasting, broadband internet services, Real time monitoring services in shipping, petroleum pipeline, navigation, global positioning systems, and services or facilities, earth stations, terminals, antenna, frequency bands (C, Ku, Ka or L bands).
NigComSat 1 has two ground control stations for the orbit maintenance and network operation services of the satellite. These two stations are located in Kashi, China and Abuja, Nigeria, with the latter being the stations main station and the former servicing as back up station.
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NiRA's 2nd AGM holds today
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) would today at the Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos host its second Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The event has as part of its agenda to receive the annual report and financial statement for the year ended May 31, 2008 together with the auditors report.
NiRA president, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu, equally said that the AGM would approve a business plan and budget for the period of the current financial year which began June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009.
In addition, the house would authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors as well as reviewing of the constitution.
ITRealms Online recalled that stakeholders in the nation’s Information Technology (IT) subsector recently commended the release of 14 policy-documents by the NiRA.
Equally the National IT Development Agency (NITDA) had in Abuja signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the take over of the Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) by NiRA, subsequently, the association put into the public domain 14 policy-documents seeking comments from the Internet community.
Commenting on the policy documents in a chat with newsmen, some stakeholders commended the releasing of the documents into the public domain, which they said positions NiRA as truly carrying stakeholders along and organised in an open-door policy.
Some of those who spoke on the documents included the Director, Licensing at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Mary Uduma, Registrar, Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Mr. Sekiru Shehu and industry enthusiast, Mr. Tope Fashedemi.
According to Mrs. Uduma who also is the Vice President of NiRA, the recent endorsement of dotted lines by NiRA and NITDA for a successful take over of .ng management followed by the release of 14 policy-documents would enable Nigerians and
Internet community precisely to contribute their quota from the beginning.
She also said that the take over would afford Nigerians to truly fly the nation’s flag on the Internet.
Nigeria, she said, has to ensure a secured but globally accepted standards for the local hosting of the ccTLD, “That is the only way to ensure transparency and stability.”
For the CPN registrar, Mr. Shehu, Nigerians must embrace the challenge posed by the long time controversies that trailed the .ng growth in the country by ensuring that they are part of the current revolution.
He also charged Nigerians and the nation’s media especially those in the core Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to be really and actively involved so as to make the success of the input being seek by NiRA to ensure they understand the relevant needs of the policy-documents so as to contribute adequately and rightly informed the public and Internet community accurately.
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The event has as part of its agenda to receive the annual report and financial statement for the year ended May 31, 2008 together with the auditors report.
NiRA president, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu, equally said that the AGM would approve a business plan and budget for the period of the current financial year which began June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009.
In addition, the house would authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors as well as reviewing of the constitution.
ITRealms Online recalled that stakeholders in the nation’s Information Technology (IT) subsector recently commended the release of 14 policy-documents by the NiRA.
Equally the National IT Development Agency (NITDA) had in Abuja signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the take over of the Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) by NiRA, subsequently, the association put into the public domain 14 policy-documents seeking comments from the Internet community.
Commenting on the policy documents in a chat with newsmen, some stakeholders commended the releasing of the documents into the public domain, which they said positions NiRA as truly carrying stakeholders along and organised in an open-door policy.
Some of those who spoke on the documents included the Director, Licensing at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Mary Uduma, Registrar, Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Mr. Sekiru Shehu and industry enthusiast, Mr. Tope Fashedemi.
According to Mrs. Uduma who also is the Vice President of NiRA, the recent endorsement of dotted lines by NiRA and NITDA for a successful take over of .ng management followed by the release of 14 policy-documents would enable Nigerians and
Internet community precisely to contribute their quota from the beginning.
She also said that the take over would afford Nigerians to truly fly the nation’s flag on the Internet.
Nigeria, she said, has to ensure a secured but globally accepted standards for the local hosting of the ccTLD, “That is the only way to ensure transparency and stability.”
For the CPN registrar, Mr. Shehu, Nigerians must embrace the challenge posed by the long time controversies that trailed the .ng growth in the country by ensuring that they are part of the current revolution.
He also charged Nigerians and the nation’s media especially those in the core Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to be really and actively involved so as to make the success of the input being seek by NiRA to ensure they understand the relevant needs of the policy-documents so as to contribute adequately and rightly informed the public and Internet community accurately.
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LASIMRA hosts summit on mast, towers
The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) has concluded plans to hold its maiden all-inclusive stakeholders’ summit in Lagos. The summit is scheduled to hold tomorrow, August 21st, 2008 at the Golden Gate Restaurant.
Disclosing this, head, Press and Public Relations Office, Mrs. Rahmat Alabi, LASIMRA, said the summit is designed to address the dangers associated with collapsed and abandoned masts and their implications.
She also said the event would be attended by top government officials, telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), banks, allied companies and all other organisations that transmit information through masts and related technology.
According to her, Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), is expected to be the chief host of the occasion.
Additionally, the summit would address the need to intensify awareness and emphasize the importance to adhere strictly to safety and maintenance standards prescribed for infrastructural facilities across the state.
As said by her, LASIMRA is worried over the rising rate of collapse masts in the state and the dangers associated with it, hence the need to address the issue at the forum, just as the summit seeks to promote a harmonious working relationship between the agency and its primary stakeholders.
Alabi further said that Lagos State Government has left no stone unturned in its unrelenting efforts to engender an orderly environment that is conducive to living, working, movement of goods and services and recreation in the overall interest of the entire citizenry.
While soliciting the active involvement and participation of all stakeholders in the telecom industry, banks, internet service providers, radio, television stations, and allied companies, in making the maiden summit a huge success, she revealed that the agency plans to make the summit an annual event that would continually address burning issues among stakeholders.
Alabi noted that there is need to canvass for the creation of information/enlightenment stands by interested participants at the venue of the event.
Equally expected at the event is the governor emeritus of Lagos State , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as special guest of honour. Guests of honour include chief executive officers of telecom companies, the 25 mega banks, ISPs, PHCN, NNPC Group, Lagos State Water Corporation, Gas/Oil companies and radio/television houses.
Corporate sponsors include 21st Century Technologies, Gaslink, Helios Towers , Multilinks, Globacom, MTN and Nokia Siemens Networks.
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Disclosing this, head, Press and Public Relations Office, Mrs. Rahmat Alabi, LASIMRA, said the summit is designed to address the dangers associated with collapsed and abandoned masts and their implications.
She also said the event would be attended by top government officials, telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), banks, allied companies and all other organisations that transmit information through masts and related technology.
According to her, Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), is expected to be the chief host of the occasion.
Additionally, the summit would address the need to intensify awareness and emphasize the importance to adhere strictly to safety and maintenance standards prescribed for infrastructural facilities across the state.
As said by her, LASIMRA is worried over the rising rate of collapse masts in the state and the dangers associated with it, hence the need to address the issue at the forum, just as the summit seeks to promote a harmonious working relationship between the agency and its primary stakeholders.
Alabi further said that Lagos State Government has left no stone unturned in its unrelenting efforts to engender an orderly environment that is conducive to living, working, movement of goods and services and recreation in the overall interest of the entire citizenry.
While soliciting the active involvement and participation of all stakeholders in the telecom industry, banks, internet service providers, radio, television stations, and allied companies, in making the maiden summit a huge success, she revealed that the agency plans to make the summit an annual event that would continually address burning issues among stakeholders.
Alabi noted that there is need to canvass for the creation of information/enlightenment stands by interested participants at the venue of the event.
Equally expected at the event is the governor emeritus of Lagos State , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as special guest of honour. Guests of honour include chief executive officers of telecom companies, the 25 mega banks, ISPs, PHCN, NNPC Group, Lagos State Water Corporation, Gas/Oil companies and radio/television houses.
Corporate sponsors include 21st Century Technologies, Gaslink, Helios Towers , Multilinks, Globacom, MTN and Nokia Siemens Networks.
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NCC calls for reduced interconnect rates
EXECUTIVE Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe has called for a change in the Short Messaging Services (SMS) tariff from prepaid customers.
He said a situation prepared subscribers pay more than their post-paid counterpart is unacceptable just as he advised operators to ensure that the interconnection rate is reduced to at least N5 for SMS.
Dr. Ndukwe said that the present practice of between N9 and N10 as interconnect rate is unacceptable, advising that operators should work out an appropriate rate that is uniformed to encourage the use of SMS as an alternative platform to voice in the country.
Speaking during the recent consultative forum with operators and consumers in Lagos, he said, that the commission consistent with its participatory regulatory principles, before arriving at major decision that will impact on the industry, has assembled concerned stakeholders to participate in deliberating on the need for a reduction of SMS tariff towards encouraging telecommunications subscribers to effectively utilize SMS platform for communications.
Dr. Ndukwe also said the commission refrains from price regulation, even though it has the right to dictate price because it believes in a competitive market but when the commission feels that the cost is too high it would intervene.
According to the NCC boss, the reduction in interconnect rate which would ultimately lead to reduction in charges on SMS would be good for the industry and for the consumers.
Dr. Ndukwe said the lower tariff on SMS will not only reduce the pressure on voice but also increase the utilization of SMS as medium of choice of communication for consumers.
On the disparity in rate between pre-paid and post-paid subscribers, he described it as man’s inhumanity to man, wondering why pre-paid consumers who are in the majority in the country should pay more stating that in places where post paid consumers pay more this may be understood but that since the operators make more money from prepaid consumers, they should not be treated that way.
"Let Nigeria take the lead from others by charging less on the prepaid because they are in the majority in the country," he said.
He expressed thanks to the operators present for their positive attitude and willingness to cooperate with the commission on the need for reduction of the SMS rates.
Some of the operators who attended the forum included, Zain, Globacom, Zoom, Intercelluar, Visafone, MTN, Multi-Links Telkom, Starcomms and Etisalat.
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He said a situation prepared subscribers pay more than their post-paid counterpart is unacceptable just as he advised operators to ensure that the interconnection rate is reduced to at least N5 for SMS.
Dr. Ndukwe said that the present practice of between N9 and N10 as interconnect rate is unacceptable, advising that operators should work out an appropriate rate that is uniformed to encourage the use of SMS as an alternative platform to voice in the country.
Speaking during the recent consultative forum with operators and consumers in Lagos, he said, that the commission consistent with its participatory regulatory principles, before arriving at major decision that will impact on the industry, has assembled concerned stakeholders to participate in deliberating on the need for a reduction of SMS tariff towards encouraging telecommunications subscribers to effectively utilize SMS platform for communications.
Dr. Ndukwe also said the commission refrains from price regulation, even though it has the right to dictate price because it believes in a competitive market but when the commission feels that the cost is too high it would intervene.
According to the NCC boss, the reduction in interconnect rate which would ultimately lead to reduction in charges on SMS would be good for the industry and for the consumers.
Dr. Ndukwe said the lower tariff on SMS will not only reduce the pressure on voice but also increase the utilization of SMS as medium of choice of communication for consumers.
On the disparity in rate between pre-paid and post-paid subscribers, he described it as man’s inhumanity to man, wondering why pre-paid consumers who are in the majority in the country should pay more stating that in places where post paid consumers pay more this may be understood but that since the operators make more money from prepaid consumers, they should not be treated that way.
"Let Nigeria take the lead from others by charging less on the prepaid because they are in the majority in the country," he said.
He expressed thanks to the operators present for their positive attitude and willingness to cooperate with the commission on the need for reduction of the SMS rates.
Some of the operators who attended the forum included, Zain, Globacom, Zoom, Intercelluar, Visafone, MTN, Multi-Links Telkom, Starcomms and Etisalat.
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ATCON advocates standard committee on ICT awards
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has expressed dismay over what it tagged “flagrant abuse of ‘Nigeria Telecom/ICT Awards’ by unknown fellows, just as it advocated for the setting up of “Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee” to harmonize the standards.
“… Even by organizations, groups and individuals who have no locus standi, experience, objectivity, expertise or link with the information and communications technology industry in Nigeria,” ATCON said.
A press statement signed by ATCON’s first Vice President, Chief Bayo Banjo and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. David Roberts, said the proposed committee would ensure a credible and internationally recognized and respected Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) awards in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all ICT professional associations and concerned industry stakeholders.
The umbrella body of telecom companies in the country equally proposed that the committee would be all-encompassing in its composition.
The group urged support for Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee expected to set the mandatory standards for credible awards selection processes for the sector.
According to the press statement, a panel composed of respected, principled, objective, relevant and experienced professionals “should be selected or constituted by the NCC and the body of industry associations to handle the evaluation and selection processes in accordance with the provision of the Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee.”
They noted that it is on record that the communications industry in Nigeria is currently ranked second only to the oil industry, thus undisputedly one of the world’s fastest growing markets for mobile communications.
Pointing out that the industry regulator, NCC, today enjoys worldwide respect for its principled, professional and transparent handling of telecom licenses auction processes.
“In fact, Nigeria has led the world in many aspect of telecommunications development since the deregulation of the sector in 1992. All these have brought a sense of pride to our nation and we should not fold our arms and allow self-seeking individuals of group mar these achievements,” the group said.
For concerned ATCON, the dangers posed by indiscriminate and in most cases, frivolous awards which often do not follow standardized and credible processes of selection of awardees, is fast becoming a kind of scam which, if not curtailed now, could further erode Nigeria’s image and credibility both at home and abroad.
“What impression would be created if two or three separate companies turn up at an international function all claiming to be the ‘Nigeria Telecom Company of the Year 2007’?” they asked.
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“… Even by organizations, groups and individuals who have no locus standi, experience, objectivity, expertise or link with the information and communications technology industry in Nigeria,” ATCON said.
A press statement signed by ATCON’s first Vice President, Chief Bayo Banjo and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. David Roberts, said the proposed committee would ensure a credible and internationally recognized and respected Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) awards in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all ICT professional associations and concerned industry stakeholders.
The umbrella body of telecom companies in the country equally proposed that the committee would be all-encompassing in its composition.
The group urged support for Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee expected to set the mandatory standards for credible awards selection processes for the sector.
According to the press statement, a panel composed of respected, principled, objective, relevant and experienced professionals “should be selected or constituted by the NCC and the body of industry associations to handle the evaluation and selection processes in accordance with the provision of the Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee.”
They noted that it is on record that the communications industry in Nigeria is currently ranked second only to the oil industry, thus undisputedly one of the world’s fastest growing markets for mobile communications.
Pointing out that the industry regulator, NCC, today enjoys worldwide respect for its principled, professional and transparent handling of telecom licenses auction processes.
“In fact, Nigeria has led the world in many aspect of telecommunications development since the deregulation of the sector in 1992. All these have brought a sense of pride to our nation and we should not fold our arms and allow self-seeking individuals of group mar these achievements,” the group said.
For concerned ATCON, the dangers posed by indiscriminate and in most cases, frivolous awards which often do not follow standardized and credible processes of selection of awardees, is fast becoming a kind of scam which, if not curtailed now, could further erode Nigeria’s image and credibility both at home and abroad.
“What impression would be created if two or three separate companies turn up at an international function all claiming to be the ‘Nigeria Telecom Company of the Year 2007’?” they asked.
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Nakande to open Convergence forum
The Minister of State for Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, would Friday this week, declared open the second IT Edge-organised West Africa Convergence Forum in Lagos.
The organizers said that participants would cut across the oil and gas, banking, legal, telecom and entertainment sector.
According to them, the high profile event has more than 30 speakers lined up, including Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as confirmed lead discussant in the five sessions IT Edge Convergence Forum.
Also, they said, discussions are expected to articulate the way forward on the future of the industry in sub-Sahara’s biggest telecom market with a combined active telecom subscription in excess of 78 million, as Nigeria leads the West Africa sub-region with over 56 million telephone subscribers.
Part of topics to be centred on include the rights infringement of intellectual property by content providers; and the provision of robust infrastructure to accelerate the growth of convergence.
The event with the theme “Infrastructural Challenges in the Converging environment” they said, would also have the United Nations on consultant on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), Ghanaian Prof. Clement Dzidonu who would be joining chief executive officers, namely the Ibadan-based ISP Skannet, Mr. Sunday Folayan on the opening session tagged: West Africa: The Convergence-Environment and Policy Implications. Dzidonu would be examining the ‘Implications of Convergence within the ICT4D space.’ He is to be joined in discussions by Folayan and Chris Uwaje, two leading private sector players pushing conduit services and content.
The Infrastructure session, they said, is to feature some of the industry’s chief executive officers and chief technical features of backbone providers including Dr. Kwame Boakye, CEO of Backbone Connectivity Network, Ola Popoola of Phase 3 Telecom, Gerald Ilukwe of Galaxy Backbone. They would be joined by Professor Boroffice Ajayi, director general of Nigeria Agency for Space Research and Development (NARSDA) among others.
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The organizers said that participants would cut across the oil and gas, banking, legal, telecom and entertainment sector.
According to them, the high profile event has more than 30 speakers lined up, including Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as confirmed lead discussant in the five sessions IT Edge Convergence Forum.
Also, they said, discussions are expected to articulate the way forward on the future of the industry in sub-Sahara’s biggest telecom market with a combined active telecom subscription in excess of 78 million, as Nigeria leads the West Africa sub-region with over 56 million telephone subscribers.
Part of topics to be centred on include the rights infringement of intellectual property by content providers; and the provision of robust infrastructure to accelerate the growth of convergence.
The event with the theme “Infrastructural Challenges in the Converging environment” they said, would also have the United Nations on consultant on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), Ghanaian Prof. Clement Dzidonu who would be joining chief executive officers, namely the Ibadan-based ISP Skannet, Mr. Sunday Folayan on the opening session tagged: West Africa: The Convergence-Environment and Policy Implications. Dzidonu would be examining the ‘Implications of Convergence within the ICT4D space.’ He is to be joined in discussions by Folayan and Chris Uwaje, two leading private sector players pushing conduit services and content.
The Infrastructure session, they said, is to feature some of the industry’s chief executive officers and chief technical features of backbone providers including Dr. Kwame Boakye, CEO of Backbone Connectivity Network, Ola Popoola of Phase 3 Telecom, Gerald Ilukwe of Galaxy Backbone. They would be joined by Professor Boroffice Ajayi, director general of Nigeria Agency for Space Research and Development (NARSDA) among others.
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Odey welcomes Zain
Minister of Communications, Chief John Odey, has welcomed the recent rebranding of Celtel to Zain.
At a session with officials Zain Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, led by the chief executive, Mr. Bayo Ligali, the Minister said, the government is at ease with the rebranding of Celtel in Nigeria and the introduction of the Zain brand in line with the leading global mobile operator on the continent of Africa and Middle East.
He also commended Zain for investing heavily in infrastructure development across various communities in the country, stressing that the telco’s massive expansion project has brought relief to many people especially rural dwellers in this part of the world.
In his remark, Ligali explained the reasons for the transformation of Celtel to Zain, saying that the brand identity change was in line with the leading international mobile operator strategy of unifying its brands into one big, strong, easily recognizable and acceptable global brand.
Ligali was also quoted in a press statement made available to Champion Infotel by the Public Relations Manager, Zain Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine as saying that the rebranding would bring a lot of benefits to customers of the company.
“Some of the benefits include more investment and infrastructure development in the country, access to One Network, Zain’s roaming charges-free service in numerous countries in Africa and the Middle East, improvement in service quality, greater synergy in terms of products and services developments and sharing of expertise and experience, among many others,” he said.
In addition, the Chief Executive said that customers of the company are now members of the over 52 million strong Zain family worldwide. He explained that the rebranding has not affected the management structure of the company, emphasizing that the management, board and owners structure under Celtel will remain in place under the Zain brand.
Just as Zain is currently pursuing an aggressive rural expansion and connection programme through the introduction of the most cost effective ultra low cost Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) handsets and rural distribution and entrepreurship programme, as well as the Rural Acquisition Initiative (RAI) that seeks to create wealth and jobs and involve communities in the maintenance, security of base stations and distribution of products.
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At a session with officials Zain Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, led by the chief executive, Mr. Bayo Ligali, the Minister said, the government is at ease with the rebranding of Celtel in Nigeria and the introduction of the Zain brand in line with the leading global mobile operator on the continent of Africa and Middle East.
He also commended Zain for investing heavily in infrastructure development across various communities in the country, stressing that the telco’s massive expansion project has brought relief to many people especially rural dwellers in this part of the world.
In his remark, Ligali explained the reasons for the transformation of Celtel to Zain, saying that the brand identity change was in line with the leading international mobile operator strategy of unifying its brands into one big, strong, easily recognizable and acceptable global brand.
Ligali was also quoted in a press statement made available to Champion Infotel by the Public Relations Manager, Zain Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine as saying that the rebranding would bring a lot of benefits to customers of the company.
“Some of the benefits include more investment and infrastructure development in the country, access to One Network, Zain’s roaming charges-free service in numerous countries in Africa and the Middle East, improvement in service quality, greater synergy in terms of products and services developments and sharing of expertise and experience, among many others,” he said.
In addition, the Chief Executive said that customers of the company are now members of the over 52 million strong Zain family worldwide. He explained that the rebranding has not affected the management structure of the company, emphasizing that the management, board and owners structure under Celtel will remain in place under the Zain brand.
Just as Zain is currently pursuing an aggressive rural expansion and connection programme through the introduction of the most cost effective ultra low cost Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) handsets and rural distribution and entrepreurship programme, as well as the Rural Acquisition Initiative (RAI) that seeks to create wealth and jobs and involve communities in the maintenance, security of base stations and distribution of products.
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MultiLinks introduces virtual recharge
Multi-Links Telkom has introduced virtual recharge to make life easier for subscribers on its network.
A press statement from the telco endorsed by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo said, that with the latest recharge option, subscribers on the Multi-Links Telkom could now enjoy a more flexible way of sustained and stable availability of recharge no matter where they are.
The virtual recharge solution enables customers to recharge their mobile handset credit account through the Internet without the need of having to purchase physical recharge cards.
The Chief Executive Officer, Multi-Links Telkom, Mr. Justin Ramayia, assured that the Internet recharge solution is one of the different valued added products being introduced to make the services of the company more dynamic and user friendly.
Justin expressed delight at the new offering which empowers the customers of Multi-Links Telkom to take ownership of the recharge process even right in the comfort of their domains. He assured that the customer-centric focus of Multi-Links Telkom has made it compelling for the company to proactively develop products that will always delight its customers.
Noting that this is the first phase of its electronic recharge rollout, the Multi-Links Telkom boss said all holders of Interswitch branded ATM bank card have been linked to the Internet recharge solution. And to access this recharge option, he said that Multi-Links Telkom subscribers can visit www.PrePaidNigeria.com site.
At the site, customers are expected to follow easy steps to purchase electronic recharge PINs in any denomination from the comfort of their home, office or cybercafé with the use of their bank’s ATM card.
He noted as well that the virtual recharging has entrenched security features which make it very safe and secure for all patrons of the new product.
The new product was developed for Multi-Links in partnership with Prepaidnigeria; a company renowned for e-Voucher purchase by individuals, groups and corporate institutions.
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A press statement from the telco endorsed by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo said, that with the latest recharge option, subscribers on the Multi-Links Telkom could now enjoy a more flexible way of sustained and stable availability of recharge no matter where they are.
The virtual recharge solution enables customers to recharge their mobile handset credit account through the Internet without the need of having to purchase physical recharge cards.
The Chief Executive Officer, Multi-Links Telkom, Mr. Justin Ramayia, assured that the Internet recharge solution is one of the different valued added products being introduced to make the services of the company more dynamic and user friendly.
Justin expressed delight at the new offering which empowers the customers of Multi-Links Telkom to take ownership of the recharge process even right in the comfort of their domains. He assured that the customer-centric focus of Multi-Links Telkom has made it compelling for the company to proactively develop products that will always delight its customers.
Noting that this is the first phase of its electronic recharge rollout, the Multi-Links Telkom boss said all holders of Interswitch branded ATM bank card have been linked to the Internet recharge solution. And to access this recharge option, he said that Multi-Links Telkom subscribers can visit www.PrePaidNigeria.com site.
At the site, customers are expected to follow easy steps to purchase electronic recharge PINs in any denomination from the comfort of their home, office or cybercafé with the use of their bank’s ATM card.
He noted as well that the virtual recharging has entrenched security features which make it very safe and secure for all patrons of the new product.
The new product was developed for Multi-Links in partnership with Prepaidnigeria; a company renowned for e-Voucher purchase by individuals, groups and corporate institutions.
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Globacom bags 3 awards
Globacom Limited weekend won three industry awards at the 2008 Nigeria Telecoms Awards, which held in Lagos.
A press statement from the Second National Operator (SNO), informed that Globacom was adjudged the Best Telecoms Company of the Year, The Best Mobile Company of the Year and Best Telecoms Investor of the Year.
Philips Consulting conducted the rating as part of the annual Nigeria Telecoms
Awards organised by Logica communication, publishers of Telecom News, an industry review magazine.
With the three awards, Globacom, which operates in the fixed, mobile, broadband and International Gateway communications sub sectors, sits atop the industry in terms of overall performance.
Globacom said the operator was named Telecoms Company of the Year because of its integrated operations, which have seen the company consolidating on its mobile and fixed services while laying optic fibre cables across the country to provide infrastructure for broadband data and voice communications. The infrastructure is already carrying traffic for other operators and the corporate sector. The fixed line arm of Globacom has commenced the connection of customers in both Lagos and Abuja while the switches in various other cities across the country are being completed.
Also as the Telecoms Investor of the Year, the organizer in the citation released said Glo was rated high for its recent international rollout in Ghana and Benin republic.
“Its submarine cable project running from Lagos to the United Kingdom through the West African coast was also listed in the consideration,” the press statement read.
On the best Mobile Company, Globacom was rated for its value-added services, fast rollout and quality of service, which is attested to by industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
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A press statement from the Second National Operator (SNO), informed that Globacom was adjudged the Best Telecoms Company of the Year, The Best Mobile Company of the Year and Best Telecoms Investor of the Year.
Philips Consulting conducted the rating as part of the annual Nigeria Telecoms
Awards organised by Logica communication, publishers of Telecom News, an industry review magazine.
With the three awards, Globacom, which operates in the fixed, mobile, broadband and International Gateway communications sub sectors, sits atop the industry in terms of overall performance.
Globacom said the operator was named Telecoms Company of the Year because of its integrated operations, which have seen the company consolidating on its mobile and fixed services while laying optic fibre cables across the country to provide infrastructure for broadband data and voice communications. The infrastructure is already carrying traffic for other operators and the corporate sector. The fixed line arm of Globacom has commenced the connection of customers in both Lagos and Abuja while the switches in various other cities across the country are being completed.
Also as the Telecoms Investor of the Year, the organizer in the citation released said Glo was rated high for its recent international rollout in Ghana and Benin republic.
“Its submarine cable project running from Lagos to the United Kingdom through the West African coast was also listed in the consideration,” the press statement read.
On the best Mobile Company, Globacom was rated for its value-added services, fast rollout and quality of service, which is attested to by industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
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MTN connects Mbaise
Telecommunications Company MTN Nigeria has again showed a willingness to give back to the society through her unwavering support of the culture of the Nigerian people by being the chief sponsor of the 2008 edition of the New Yam festival in Mbaise, held on 15 August, 2008 in Mbaise, Imo state.
The mobile telephone company which is committed to empowering Nigerians with access to communication that connects them to their loved ones has through its family and friends’ brand, XtraConnect brought a unique appeal to the 2008 edition of the Iri iji festivities of the Mbaise people of Imo state.
This unique communal development initiative is one which is highly welcomed and appreciated by the people and rulers of Mbaise as the telecoms company’s involvement has also been viewed as an attraction for the younger generation so that they can appreciate and understand the essence of the Iri iji festival.
Speaking on this, the Imo state Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment, Hon. Agunwa Okechukwu, who is also an indigene of Mbaise, applauded the effort and involvement of MTN in this year’s Iri iji festival. He further escalates that other industries should emulate the efforts of MTN because it is only in giving back to society those organisations can maximally and positively impact lives.
“Iri Iji Mbaise is a celebration of a bountiful harvests and the only communal festival which brings together the three main local governments of Mbaise, it is a celebration of an age old culture and MTN’s involvement is viewed as a contribution to the growth and development of the Mbaise culture and people and it is a welcomed development which we hope other organisations will emulate and inculcate,” he Said.
The weeklong celebration of Iri iji festival which is also a celebration of unity since it brings together indigenes of the three local governments in Mbaise, comprised a number of events such as a football match, a colloquium, a courtesy call to the Eze and a cocktail, with the Iri Iji festival as the grand finale.
The traditional ruler Royal Majesty Eze Joe Oleka Obioha appreciated MTN’s care and support of the Mbaise people. He further reiterated that such gesture was welcome in Mbaise. Having spent 25 years on the throne to celebrate this festival he was ecstatic that a corporate organisation could contribute to the Mbaise community in such manner.
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The mobile telephone company which is committed to empowering Nigerians with access to communication that connects them to their loved ones has through its family and friends’ brand, XtraConnect brought a unique appeal to the 2008 edition of the Iri iji festivities of the Mbaise people of Imo state.
This unique communal development initiative is one which is highly welcomed and appreciated by the people and rulers of Mbaise as the telecoms company’s involvement has also been viewed as an attraction for the younger generation so that they can appreciate and understand the essence of the Iri iji festival.
Speaking on this, the Imo state Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment, Hon. Agunwa Okechukwu, who is also an indigene of Mbaise, applauded the effort and involvement of MTN in this year’s Iri iji festival. He further escalates that other industries should emulate the efforts of MTN because it is only in giving back to society those organisations can maximally and positively impact lives.
“Iri Iji Mbaise is a celebration of a bountiful harvests and the only communal festival which brings together the three main local governments of Mbaise, it is a celebration of an age old culture and MTN’s involvement is viewed as a contribution to the growth and development of the Mbaise culture and people and it is a welcomed development which we hope other organisations will emulate and inculcate,” he Said.
The weeklong celebration of Iri iji festival which is also a celebration of unity since it brings together indigenes of the three local governments in Mbaise, comprised a number of events such as a football match, a colloquium, a courtesy call to the Eze and a cocktail, with the Iri Iji festival as the grand finale.
The traditional ruler Royal Majesty Eze Joe Oleka Obioha appreciated MTN’s care and support of the Mbaise people. He further reiterated that such gesture was welcome in Mbaise. Having spent 25 years on the throne to celebrate this festival he was ecstatic that a corporate organisation could contribute to the Mbaise community in such manner.
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Actualizing sustainable Internet society (3)
Now, feel the weight of all those next billion users bearing down on us. Most will likely expect to connect to the Internet through devices that require individual IP addresses.
IPv6 integration has enjoyed success in recent years through support from government or industry standards bodies. For example:
• The IETF’s IPv6 working group has decided that its IPv6 development was complete. IPv6 development now goes on in the IPv6 Management working group, whose future work will be tweaks rather than major protocol development work.
• In September 2000, Prime Minister Mori of Japan identified IPv6 as a critical part of the eJapan 2005 initiative and initially offered tax incentives to corporations. Now that the initial financial incentive has given Japan an impetus for deployment the follow-through has been left to market forces.
• The Asia Pacific region is among the leaders in IPv6 deployment as measured by the number of IPv6 allocations to ISPs and the amount of space allocated. In particular, a bit more than one-third of the IPv6 space that has been allocated in the Asia Pacific region.
• The Chinese government created and financially supports CNGI, an IPv6 backbone network designed to be the core of China’s Internet infrastructure.
• The United States Department of Defense mandated the integration of IPv6 in June 2003 to be ready by 2008, and procurement mandates are in place.
• NIST is developing profiles that will apply to all US government agencies, and they will become mandatory in the near term.
However, the support of these institutions will only be justified when the majority of commercial ISP networks offer IPv6 services as part of their standard packages. Indeed, support by commercial network operators is essential to maintain credibility.
A strong IPv6 deployment business case will not come from government support. It will come from cost savings, the potential for considerably larger networks, greater network stability and security, and the long-term potential for the creation of new and improved net-centric sets of products and services.
IPv6 can be used to solve real world problems that add value to organizations and have return on investment models attractive to management. Here are just three of the many very promising technologies where IPv6 will be a critical building block:
• Sensor Networks — A new concept, sensor networks can be found in manufacturing equipment, heavy machinery, security systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. But the concept of integrating all those proprietary systems into one communications system is still new. The use of monitoring systems to detect toxins and radioactivity in water systems, air filtration systems, or at airport or shipping terminals around the world has increased substantially.
• Product Tethering/Communities of Interest — Manufacturers would love to have relationships with their product once it leaves the factory. In a world where all things can be connected, the opportunity to create new value-added services is almost endless. Not only could the end users’ experience be enhanced, but manufacturers or their ISP partners could create new services not feasible in an IPv4 world.
• Ubiquitous Communications — With the increase in the number of mobile phone users, the expansion of Internet-related services through the cellular networks, and an increasing number of connection mediums — UMTS, WiFi, Wimax, UWB, and so on — there is a need for a uniform communications protocol that supports mobility and can handle a large number of devices.
Yet the need for increased communications, security and monitoring has to be offset against the cost of deploying and managing those systems. IPv6 offers a very stable and flexible platform that supports mobility, ad-hoc networking, and a large number of simple devices.
There remains a need for a coordinated effort to increase IPv6 awareness and advancement in three major areas:
• Strategic planning at the corporate level — the US Department of Defense is one example of a long term strategic planning by a large-scale organization
• Return on investment — the Chinese government, which has a 20-year plan to connect, is an example of long-term planning for ROI. Its entire industry, institutions and nations favoured by its central planning system
• Technical knowledge at a tactical level — 3GPP is an example of a Greenfield standard for next generation wireless with strategic thinking in terms of scale and dimension of the project.
The OECD is studying the risk-reward ratio of businesses moving toward IPv6 sooner rather than later. We expect it to find that the cost of supporting IPv4 and interim network extension measures will increase sharply once end-user demand for IPv6-enabled devices, networks, and operating systems is coupled with the increasingly scarce supply of IPv4 addresses.
The introduction of the IPv6 address space is becoming increasingly critical to a sustainable Internet. ICANN is addressing this issue in cooperation with the Number Resource Organization and the Regional Internet Registries to support IPv6 in:
• Backend server support (EPP, RPP, IRIS, and the like)
• Front end website support
• IPv6 glue records in zone files
• IPv6 enabled registration services
ICANN is also working with the IETF and other organizations to ensure that IPv6 is first-class citizen in DNS root zone — and to ensure that IANA/ICANN does everything it can to support rapid and universal IPv6 deployment.
Ladies and Gentlemen
The Internet is the most powerful and pervasive means of empowering individuals in recent human history. It is part of the glue which ensures a rapid unleashing of humanity’s knowledge and possibilities for all persons no matter what age, sex, creed, class, ethnicity and — at least to some degree — wealth. And it is radically reducing transaction costs and barriers to markets across a globalized economy.
It requires the continuing efforts of all stakeholders, from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the technical community to preserve and strengthen this model. By doing so, we can ensure its resiliency and utility — and guarantee the rapid and successful development of a secure, stable and globally interoperable Internet.
I would like to conclude with my strong recognition that effective participation will greatly and positively contribute to the Internet as a whole, bringing valuable and novel views to the dialogue from which the global community can benefit.
It’s always a pleasure to meet with colleagues to discuss the continuing evolution of the Internet. It has been my great pleasure to speak to you today, and I look forward to joining in your discussions throughout the rest of this conference. Finally, I’d like to extend special gratitude to our hosts, whose efforts brought about this important conference.
ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D
IPv6 integration has enjoyed success in recent years through support from government or industry standards bodies. For example:
• The IETF’s IPv6 working group has decided that its IPv6 development was complete. IPv6 development now goes on in the IPv6 Management working group, whose future work will be tweaks rather than major protocol development work.
• In September 2000, Prime Minister Mori of Japan identified IPv6 as a critical part of the eJapan 2005 initiative and initially offered tax incentives to corporations. Now that the initial financial incentive has given Japan an impetus for deployment the follow-through has been left to market forces.
• The Asia Pacific region is among the leaders in IPv6 deployment as measured by the number of IPv6 allocations to ISPs and the amount of space allocated. In particular, a bit more than one-third of the IPv6 space that has been allocated in the Asia Pacific region.
• The Chinese government created and financially supports CNGI, an IPv6 backbone network designed to be the core of China’s Internet infrastructure.
• The United States Department of Defense mandated the integration of IPv6 in June 2003 to be ready by 2008, and procurement mandates are in place.
• NIST is developing profiles that will apply to all US government agencies, and they will become mandatory in the near term.
However, the support of these institutions will only be justified when the majority of commercial ISP networks offer IPv6 services as part of their standard packages. Indeed, support by commercial network operators is essential to maintain credibility.
A strong IPv6 deployment business case will not come from government support. It will come from cost savings, the potential for considerably larger networks, greater network stability and security, and the long-term potential for the creation of new and improved net-centric sets of products and services.
IPv6 can be used to solve real world problems that add value to organizations and have return on investment models attractive to management. Here are just three of the many very promising technologies where IPv6 will be a critical building block:
• Sensor Networks — A new concept, sensor networks can be found in manufacturing equipment, heavy machinery, security systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. But the concept of integrating all those proprietary systems into one communications system is still new. The use of monitoring systems to detect toxins and radioactivity in water systems, air filtration systems, or at airport or shipping terminals around the world has increased substantially.
• Product Tethering/Communities of Interest — Manufacturers would love to have relationships with their product once it leaves the factory. In a world where all things can be connected, the opportunity to create new value-added services is almost endless. Not only could the end users’ experience be enhanced, but manufacturers or their ISP partners could create new services not feasible in an IPv4 world.
• Ubiquitous Communications — With the increase in the number of mobile phone users, the expansion of Internet-related services through the cellular networks, and an increasing number of connection mediums — UMTS, WiFi, Wimax, UWB, and so on — there is a need for a uniform communications protocol that supports mobility and can handle a large number of devices.
Yet the need for increased communications, security and monitoring has to be offset against the cost of deploying and managing those systems. IPv6 offers a very stable and flexible platform that supports mobility, ad-hoc networking, and a large number of simple devices.
There remains a need for a coordinated effort to increase IPv6 awareness and advancement in three major areas:
• Strategic planning at the corporate level — the US Department of Defense is one example of a long term strategic planning by a large-scale organization
• Return on investment — the Chinese government, which has a 20-year plan to connect, is an example of long-term planning for ROI. Its entire industry, institutions and nations favoured by its central planning system
• Technical knowledge at a tactical level — 3GPP is an example of a Greenfield standard for next generation wireless with strategic thinking in terms of scale and dimension of the project.
The OECD is studying the risk-reward ratio of businesses moving toward IPv6 sooner rather than later. We expect it to find that the cost of supporting IPv4 and interim network extension measures will increase sharply once end-user demand for IPv6-enabled devices, networks, and operating systems is coupled with the increasingly scarce supply of IPv4 addresses.
The introduction of the IPv6 address space is becoming increasingly critical to a sustainable Internet. ICANN is addressing this issue in cooperation with the Number Resource Organization and the Regional Internet Registries to support IPv6 in:
• Backend server support (EPP, RPP, IRIS, and the like)
• Front end website support
• IPv6 glue records in zone files
• IPv6 enabled registration services
ICANN is also working with the IETF and other organizations to ensure that IPv6 is first-class citizen in DNS root zone — and to ensure that IANA/ICANN does everything it can to support rapid and universal IPv6 deployment.
Ladies and Gentlemen
The Internet is the most powerful and pervasive means of empowering individuals in recent human history. It is part of the glue which ensures a rapid unleashing of humanity’s knowledge and possibilities for all persons no matter what age, sex, creed, class, ethnicity and — at least to some degree — wealth. And it is radically reducing transaction costs and barriers to markets across a globalized economy.
It requires the continuing efforts of all stakeholders, from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the technical community to preserve and strengthen this model. By doing so, we can ensure its resiliency and utility — and guarantee the rapid and successful development of a secure, stable and globally interoperable Internet.
I would like to conclude with my strong recognition that effective participation will greatly and positively contribute to the Internet as a whole, bringing valuable and novel views to the dialogue from which the global community can benefit.
It’s always a pleasure to meet with colleagues to discuss the continuing evolution of the Internet. It has been my great pleasure to speak to you today, and I look forward to joining in your discussions throughout the rest of this conference. Finally, I’d like to extend special gratitude to our hosts, whose efforts brought about this important conference.
ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D
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