Broadband penetration: Nwokolo advocates direct import clearance

THE regulatory officer at Zain Nigeria, Mr. Osondu Nwokolo, has advocated for direct import clearance of broadband devices and equipments as the nation warms up for the broadband boom before the end of 2010.

He also solicited the inclusion of ducts and a declaration in the Nigerian Communications Act that makes it mandatory for States to protect these ‘critical infrastructure’ in their domains, whenever the review comes up anytime soon.

Speaking at the 2010 Broadband summit organized by e-Business Life in Lagos, Mr. Nwokolo, who dwelt on ‘Policy and Regulatory Imperatives for Optimal Broadband Deployment in Nigeria’ noted with dismay some of the challenges affecting telecommunications operators in the country, warning that if these challenges are not remedied, they may form a ‘Berlin’ wall for the much anticipated broadband boom before the end of this year.

Nwokolo said at the forum presided over by the president of Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem that frequent fibre outages due to cuts caused by road construction and vandalization, has become top in obstruction of telecom services of late.

In addition, he said that delays or denial of right of way (RoW) for fibre deployment is another hiccup as well as multiplicity of regulatory authorities in the three tiers of government, namely Federal, State and Local government.

This, he said, has resulted in a confused operational environment, which is inimical to investment, highlighting the fact that some restiveness in communities due to lack of employment, has made roll-out a hazardous attempt in some parts of the country.

He underscored lack of ascertainable taxation regime, including import duties, inadequate power, and import clearance delays to name a few.

He, however, went further to suggest some remedies if the broadband boom must be a success, saying that by ensuring the inclusion of ducts in all new roads, and a declaration of telecommunications infrastructure as ‘critical infrastructure’ that requires government protection, would go a long way in encouraging investors in this regard.

Nwokolo equally, called for the establishment of clear acceptable regime for issuance of right of way (RoW), which he believes would see to possible reduction of attractable fees of today.

He also called for regulatory harmonization among federal government authorities.

“Address overlap of regulatory authority, either through legislation, policy statement or via memorandum of understanding,” he said, citing an example with the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as well as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

As said by him, an accelerated power reform, allocating of diesel directly to operators, provision of incentives for own power generation, would pave the way for improved quality of service.

Harmonize tax laws, including empowering Joint Tax Board via specific legislation, Nwokolo pointed out is crucial for the anticipated boom to take root effectively, while creating an enablement that would prioritise import clearance for broadband related equipment cannot be over-emphasised.

He maintained that most emerging markets will continue to lag behind in global competitiveness unless broadband internet connectivity is given a priority attention in the scheme of things including Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and infrastructure.

In her presentation, the chief executive of MainOne, one of the submarine cable companies in the country, Ms Funke Opeke, was optimistic that MainOne cable would land as planned in June and she does not see anything wrong in having several submarine cables apart from hers and Glo-1 which reportedly landed in September 2009.

According to her, the future looks bright with the landing of these cables, especially MainOne, which is expected to crash the cost of Internet access in the country and enthrone improved quality in the sector.

Chief executive, e-Business Life, Mrs. Ufuoma ‘Daro said the summit was spurred by predictions of 2009 by experts and her entity thought it wise to began the year with the summit so as to equip stakeholders with relevant information in order to make informed decisions.


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ICT: Shaky start, glorious ending (5)

2009 in retrospect:
For the nation’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, 2009 started on a shaky note but ended gloriously, reports REMMY NWEKE in this review.

And for NIG … it’s applause for NCC

Before then, the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) applauded NCC over the three licenses on 2.3 GHz, and described the process as ingenious, according to the President, NIG, Mr. Lanre Ajayi.

He also said that for NCC to have been able to peg the price for this frequency and yet conduct a transparent sale is inventive and deserves commendation. NIG noted that auctioning is an easier process because the spectrum, which is a limited resource but desired by many, will simply go to the highest bidder. But this may drive broadband Internet out of reach of many Nigerians.

Alternatively, Ajayi said, pegging of the cost was more challenging, because it was more difficult to select who should have it out of many contestants. “Pegging the cost of spectrum is certainly a way of lowering the cost of broadband Internet to Nigerians and guaranteeing deeper broadband penetration in the country,” he said.

Recalling that NIG had always been in the forefront of advocacy for low cost of spectrum for broadband Internet to accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria.

The group maintained that the process was ingenious, explaining that if NCC had allowed it to linger into auction, highest bidders would pick the licenses but at a high cost, which would be translated eventually to the end-user.

“We applaud the outcome of the process. With this development, Nigerians should braze up for explosive e-Education, e-Health, e-Commerce, e-Government, and other e-Services which ride over Broadband Internet” NIG president said.

They group argued that with this development, Nigerians should braze up for explosive e-Education, e-Health, e-Commerce, e-Government, and other e-Services which ride over Broadband Internet.

September date for Mobitel:

Despite the cancellation that thrilled the 2.3 GHz, the returnee Mobitel Nigeria Limited, announced its readiness to roll out of 40,000 fixed lines by September 2009, just as the telco also announced its preparedness to offer alongside 1,400 free minutes on voice for each of its subscribers.

The company said that as at August 2009, it has invested over $300 million.

Additionally, Mobitel said it expended over $100 million to return to the active table in the industry, by engaging some 600 employees. Yet, $37 million contract was awarded to VocalTec, Alvarion, Main One Technologies, HIS, Helios Towers in the sum of $6m, $8m, $23m respectively.

While the telco signed on Phase3 for its national transmission, even as Gateway Communications was given some contracts too before the latest announcement.

Mobitel, a pioneering provider of telecommunications services in Nigeria is wholly acquired by a consortium led by Omni Ventures in 2008 and offers fixed and wireless voice, data and value-added services focusing on small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and high-end consumers across the country.

Access banks on Cisco, Weco:
Systems integrators, Weco System International is partnering with Global inter-networking service provider, Cisco Systems and Oracle Corporation last year delivered contact centre solution to one of the nation’s leading bank, Access Bank plc.

According to the Managing Director, Cisco Nigeria, Mr. Richard Edet the decision by the bank to go for a full scale multimedia internet protocol contact centre was to re-position itself for the challenges ahead and create a competitive advantage through excellent customer service delivery.

This, he also said, has enabled the bank to focus on wholesale business, while harnessing opportunities in the retail banking market segment in the nation’s financial industry.

A contact centre is a central portal in an enterprise from which all customer contacts are managed and is flaunted generally as part of an enterprise’s overall Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

He explained that typically this kind of CRM is equipped with software that allows contact information, enquiries or service requests to be routed to appropriate people, contacts to be tracked and data to be gathered.

Although he noted that Cisco does not deploy its solution directly to customers’ sites, it, however, has relevant local partners like Weco Systems to deliver this solution at the door steps of the customers.

Weco, he said, was recently awarded the highest Cisco certification for the sub-Saharan Africa, hence they were at home with what they have been doing for the industry.

Edet said this explained why Cisco was confident that Weco could deploy and deliver the right solution to assist the Nigerian financial institutions including Access Bank to achieve global relevance.

Computer Forensics training debuts:
Equally within the period under review, chairman, Certification Board, Computer Forensics Institutes Nigeria (CFIN), Dr. Peter Olayiwola assured that the recent launch of the online training programmes of the institute was a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for technological development.

Also Olayiwola said that the nation will be the greatest beneficiary of the programme, noting that through this initiative, the door is open for all Nigerians including those in Diaspora to take advantage of what digital forensics has to offer in terms of knowledge, skills, expertise, experience, employment and consulting opportunities, wealth creation and digital computer security.

Dr. Olayiwola who spoke at CFIN national secretariat in Lagos, recently, noted that CFIN, a professional organization approved by both the Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Ministry of Justice is about to develop digital and computer forensics experts who will be equipped to contend with the challenges of digital-crime of different dimensions.

He called attention to the fact that since the organization began in 2008, it had opened offices in Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna, with plans to appoint state coordinators for each of the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) country.

Annually, he said, CFIN conducts research and development into new and emerging technologies as well as methods in the science of computer forensics, stating that the certification offered by CFIN is the Chartered Computer Forensics Examiner, which is the result of CFIN’s desire to increase the level of professionalism and advancement  in the field  and science of computer forensics.

“The Certification board maintains a fair, uncompromised process for certifying the competence of computer forensics examiners and sets high forensics and ethical standards for digital and computer forensics examiners. CFIN administers the Chartered Computer Forensics Examiner certification to both law enforcement and non-law enforcement digital and computer forensics examiners who must not at first be computer science graduates,” he said.

Recover N1.1bn or face 7-day ultimatum:
Obviously plagued Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) workers under the aegis of the Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC) had in Abuja gave the management of First Bank Nigeria Plc seven-day ultimatum within which to clear a $7 million debt (about N1.1billion) owed the organisation or face the wrath of the workers who were poised to prevent the bank from carrying usual statutory services to its customers.

A letter addressed to the Managing Director, the workers were left with no option than to issue a seven day notice to the bank to clear the matter for both parties interest to avoid crisis, as said by the President and Deputy President of the Association, Comrades E.Y. Kazzah and Gabriel Abah

The group maintained that the process was ingenious, explaining that if NCC had allowed it to linger into auction, highest bidders would pick the licenses but at a high cost, which would be translated eventually to the end-user.

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Spio-Garbrah leads speakers @ USPF consultative series

The Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation (CTO), Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, would be speaking alongside his counterpart at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and the Executive Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Mr. Funso Fayomi, at the first-ever consultative forum on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with the theme ‘ICT for all consultation’ series by USPF.

Head, Corporate Services, USPF, Mr. Okoh Aihe, made the disclosure, weekend, saying that the forum is a major interface with the Nigerian public in form of series of consultations to engender capacity building for stakeholders.

He also said the forum which holds today, Wednesday in Ibadan would move to Yola next week and would be held across all the geo-political zones of the country.

According to him, the series tagged ‘Stakeholders Consultation Forum and Capacity Building,’ the Consultation series, have been planned to afford various stakeholders, who are the beneficiaries of USPF projects, financial institutions, ICT entrepreneurs, community-based organisations, opinion leaders, network operators and other development partners, the opportunities to suggest ways of improving implementation of ICT programmes of USPF.

Thus, he said, it is a major quest by the agency to actualize its vision of “ICT Access for all” as well as meet the objectives of the Federal Government on ICT access to the unreached and disadvantaged people in far-flung parts of the country.

In achieving this, he said, USPF is taking ICT access to the populace, even as they are partnering CTO to make it a success.

Therefore, he pointed out that the consultation would provide channels for frank talks and above all, learning in order to take USPF to a new level of performance.

Other issues expected to be addressed during the first two series, he said, would the presentation of USPF mandate and strategic Plan 2007 – 2011, Key Issues impacting Rural Connectivity, Rural Connectivity Finance, Financial Models for Rural Connectivity, Appropriate Technologies for Rural Communities Off-the-grid, Available Rural Connectivity Solutions, and a host of other issues.

He explained that USPF was prepared to hear from representatives of selected communities who will speak about their community needs and priorities in ICTs, assuring that information received from the forum would assist these communities to better articulate those needs.

He enjoined Nigerians to take advantage of the consultations series and come out with more creative ways that could help USPF to be more relevant to the country, especially for local dwellers.

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Microsoft opens new office,reiterates commitment

Microsoft Nigeria, last weekend, opened its new office in the highbrow area of Ikoyi-Lagos, reinstating its commitment to play its role in strengthening the nation’s economy.

The general manager, Microsoft for West, East and Central Africa (WECA), Mr. Hennie Loubser, made this commitment known while declaring open the new office at the renovated NNPC building.

He assured that Microsoft would continue to do its bit in supporting the country through genuine products so as to make a meaningful contribution to the economy.

Welcoming guest earlier, the country manager, Mr. Emma Onyeje said the need for a new office was due to the need to adequately accommodate its increasing staff strength and to service its customers better.

ITRealms Online recalled that Microsoft set up the company’s first office in Nigeria in 2000 with just three staff members and 10 years later there are two established offices situated in Abuja and Lagos, with a network of over 1000 Microsoft partners, actively contributing to ICT and the broader Nigerian economy.

Onyeje also said Nigeria is a thriving market and an attractive destination for many international businesses looking to establish a presence on the African continent as well as tap into nation’s incredible pool of talented people.

“Today’s event is a reflection of Microsoft’s continued commitment to the Nigerian market place and its people,” he declared.

In his comment at the occasion, the chief executive officer AlliedSoft, Mr. Chuma Ofoche, noted that as a Microsoft partner, it is heartening to see the company make this kind of commitment to Nigeria.

“This demonstrates that Microsoft is in Nigeria for the long term and committed to growing its network of partners across this country,” he said.

The occasion was graced by partners and industry stakeholders with employees organizing a guided tour of their offering including Xbox, Windows Live, Windows 7, Office 2010 and Windows Mobile work seamlessly together, allowing people to be more adaptive to technology.

Additionally, Microsoft also showcased the citizenship work it has done in the country in conjunction with the Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), especially on efforts to strengthen the local economy, enable access to IT and foster education.


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More villages, cities join Etisalat network

Etisalat Nigeria has announced the connection of more villages and satellite towns on the fifth Global System for Mobile communication network in the country.

Disclosing this, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Wael Ammar, said the new beneficiaries of the telco connection includes Okene-Eba, Inioziomi Layout and Idogi in Okene; Little Obokum and  Okuku in Calabar; Igoli, Ogboja, Ukpah, Odajie, Aragban, and Ekumtak in Ogoja; Alaoji motor spare parts market on the outskirts of Aba;   Oke Aregba, Ilugun, Idi Aba, Sokenu, Oke Mosan, and Ojusango in Abeokuta; Alafara, Idi Iroko, Adegbite, Idioro & Yidi (Agodi) in Ibadan; Bayeku in Ikorodu town; Rumuemene and Mile 4 areas of Port Harcourt city; Trans-Nkisi GRA in Onitsha; Uke in Nasarawa  and Mubi town in Adamawa.

ITRealms Online recalled that recently the 36 states capitals nationwide were covered on the network a fortnight ago, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This, Etisalat said was in furtherance of its commitment to world-class service delivery to customers.

According to Ammar, the company’s commitment to driving its network expansion programme by providing more subscribers with the opportunities of world-class services has become part of its global resolve.

“We are dedicated to connecting every nook and corner of the country to our network thereby availing more Nigerians the benefits of being on Etisalat network.  Our core commitment is to extend our customers’ reach without limit and our presence in all these locations in under a year and a half of commercial operations is proof that our customers are at the heart of all we do” he said.

The focus of this expansion exercise, he said, would be to deliver unmatched value offers to subscribers via our comprehensive portfolio of products and value added services.

In addition, Etisalat announced the coming life of its network in some key areas in the south-east and south south, as well as north central locations of Ohafia, Ahoada, Ikot Abasi, Abak, Ette and Essene town, Oturkpo, Keffi, Ajaokuta, Kabba and Orhunwhorun Town in Delta state are live on the innovative network. Other locations also recently covered on the network include; Katsina-Ala, Mkar, Yenegoa, Etinan, Odupkani, Itu, Otomewo, Vom, Magajin Gari, Dambuwa and Tsume amongst others.

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Microsoft collaborates with AbujaSchoolNet to train teachers

AbujaSchoolNet Nigeria in collaboration with Microsoft’s Africa School Technology Innovation Centre (STIC), recently organized a workshop to provide new skills for Partners in Learning (PIL) trainers and teachers at the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada, Abuja.

The training which focused on the latest version of the ICT skills for educators, One Step Further and the Innovative Teacher courses was aimed at equipping educators with technology tools and content designed to enhance teaching and learning and also to provide the trainers with insight on how to deploy the courses and materials to teachers throughout their areas of jurisdiction.

Public Relations Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Mrs. Victoria N’dee Uwadoka, said 25 participants drawn from Consultancy Support Services Nigeria, K-INET Ghana, the Federal Ministry of Education as well as government and private schools from Ghana and Nigeria attended the session.

She also expressed the hope that the workshop would strengthen the region’s entries into this year’s Innovative Teacher’s Forum competition, which global finals are to be held for the first time on the African continent.

The Deputy National Coordinator, SchoolNet Nigeria, Mrs. Ronke Bello, was quoted as saying that by working closely with Microsoft on programmes such as Partners in Learning, it would enable educators across Nigeria and Ghana to become more innovative thinkers and innovative doers in their classrooms and be equipped to match their peers across the world.

“Feedback from the participants showed that they felt ‘confident’ in running the PIL courses in their schools and states after the training,” she said.

One of the participants from Ghana, Issah I. Shaibu of the WA Secondary High School said, “The workshop was quite innovative, opening trainers up to lots of challenges, ideas and resources. It enriched me to go back and carry out training of teachers in Ghana.”

Also speaking on the training, Citizenship Lead for Microsoft Anglophone, West Africa, Dr. (Mrs) Jummai Umar-Ajijola, said as an industry leader Microsoft has a responsibility to help make technology more accessible and affordable to students and teachers.

“We developed the Partners in Learning initiative to provide a sustainable investment in technology and training to help students focus on learning and teachers focus on teaching,” she said.

According to her, since the launch in 2003, PIL has touched the lives of more than 135 million students, teachers and education policymakers in 110 countries.
She said through this programme, Microsoft strives to create educational experiences that remove limitations and bring students and teachers closer.

The workshop also saw the launch of the Africa version of the PIL network http://africa.partnersinlearningnetwork.com. This social network is designed to connect teachers throughout the continent and provide them with tools to communicate and share resources.

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Kenya grabs GSMA Leadership Award for Broadband Strategy

Remmy Nweke in Barcelona, Spain

Despite the views people may have of the ‘Obama’ country following recent security breaches near the capital, Kenya seems to be doing well in terms leadership in broadband deployment on the continent.

According to the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA), the Kenyan government has done well, hence, it attracted the recognition of the association.

The award received by the Kenyan Minister of Information and Communications Mr. Samuel Poghisio, is the mobile industry’s prestigious annual government award category.

GSMA said the leadership role played by Kenya through the promotion of mobile phones and information communication technology (ICT) equipment as well as in the early roll-out of mobile broadband.

Daily Champion recalled that in 2009, Kenya eliminated both import duty and sales taxes on mobile phones and other ICT equipment, thus making access for consumers more affordable.

Equally, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) had demonstrated an established and ongoing programme of modernisation of the telecoms sector in the country.

GSMA noted that CCK facilitated the landing of two fibre optic cables, TEAMs and SEACOM, which heralded a new era of abundant broadband capacity for Kenya and the East African region.

Just as CCK enabled the development of a vibrant mobile broadband market by licensing of new spectrum and launching of a number of ICT cum mobile projects aimed at promoting education and health in rural communities.

These programmes, GSMA pointed out will boost the Kenyan economy and improve the well-being and future prosperity of its citizens.

Chief executive officer, GSMA, Mr. Rob Conway, said the award affirms the pioneering leadership of the Kenyan government and resolve to improve the lives of Kenyans by making access to mobile broadband and ICT more available and affordable.

"Mobile broadband is a great enabler, and it is imperative that government and industry work together to realise its potential to positively transform society,” he said.

He urged African countries to emulate Kenya’s lead, by acknowledging the importance of eliminating short term taxation on mobile phones to increase affordability and driving medium terms gains in Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and the total tax contribution by the sector.

Additionally he advised African continent to make available harmonised spectrum for mobile broadband by supporting the investment in land-based and undersea fibre optic cables by liberalising the international gateway.

Accepting the prize, Mr. Poghisio, expressed delight that the great efforts and progressive policies of the Kenyan Government have been recognised by the presentation of this award.

“Kenya is developing and investing in the mobile and ICT technology tools that we need to deliver modern and innovative social and economic improvements for all our citizens,” he said.


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TD opens office in Liberia, slashes PC price

Nigerian IT firm, Technology Distributions (TD) Limited has opened its office in Liberia with a promise to slash the price of personal computers.

Speaking at the launch of TD Liberia Limited at Monrovia City Hall, the Managing Director of Technology Distributions, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, described the very high cost of IT products in Liberia as outrageous and unacceptable.

She identified high prices of IT products as one of the reasons limiting the participation of African countries in the knowledge economy.

She blamed the high cost of Liberian ICT market on grey market, saying that 90 per cent of these products come from grey market.

Ekeh promised that with the berth of TD in Liberia this would change as recognised resellers would be engaged to reach out to the populace.

“These resellers would be empowered through trade incentives, shared logistics, and LPO financing,” she said, assuring that. Liberians could look out for a new era in which ICT products would be available and affordable.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Ebenezer A. Adigun said that the adoption of ICT products is playing a central role in the development of the global knowledge driven economy. He also said that as a result the African Union in its most recent meeting in Addis Ababa directed the African Union Commission to set an African Digital Agenda that would see ICT products playing a prominent role in the development and integration of Africa.

TD coming to Liberia, Adigun said, was at the right time when the Liberian society, like many other African nations was opening up.

He expressed the belief that TD would meet the aspirations of the people of Liberia.

Welcoming TD to Liberia, earlier the Vice President, Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai traced the long cordial relationship between Liberia and Nigeria, reiterated the key role of ICT products in national development and expressed the willingness of the Government and people of Liberia to encourage foreign investment.

The Vice President emphasized that the peoples of Liberia and Nigeria are brothers and that TD would be at home doing business in Liberia.

He further expressed the hope that TD would help make genuine ICT products available and affordable not only in Monrovia but in other parts of the country.


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Nigerians raise N1.4m via Glo for Haiti victims

An estimated sum of N1,400,000 (N1.4m) may have been realised by Second National Operator (SNO) Globacom in the first phase of the campaign to support the Nigerian Red Cross in assisting the victims of Haiti earthquake, which took place over a month ago.

Head, Value Added Services (VAS) at Globacom, Mr. Samson Isa, made the disclosure at the weekend, saying that over 28,000 Nigerians have till date responded to the fundraising appeal by sending the word ‘Haiti’ to 33090; a special short code created for the purpose.

According to him, Nigerians from all walks of life responded positively to the fundraising appeal launched a fortnight ago by Globacom to help the unfortunate victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The response from Nigerians within the last two weeks, he said, has been very encouraging as it further confirms that Nigerians are compassionate and generous people who care deeply about fellow humans, especially those who are in distress or are victims of unfortunate situations.

“As we promised at the commencement of the project, the proceeds will be presented on a monthly basis on behalf of the Nigerian people to the Nigerian Red Cross which is already on ground in Haiti via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),” he said.

Mr. Isa, therefore called on more Nigerians to get involved and donate as many times as they wish to the relief effort by sending multiple Short Messaging Service (SMS) at the cost of N50 per SMS.

“The method of donation has been made very simple as Nigerians only need to use their phones to make donations as many times as they wish,” he said.

Also, he noted the campaign was being run through the social networks such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter; while Classic 97.3 FM has continued to help raise awareness through daily free promos and hypes on the popular radio channel.

Daily Champion recalled that while announcing the commencement of the fundraising programme recently in Lagos, Glo’s Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), Mr. Mohamed Jameel said, the fundraising appeal was embarked upon in order to ensure that Nigerians had an opportunity to contribute their own quota to the salvage and rehabilitation effort launched globally for the people of Haiti.

Described as one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent human history and more massive in repercussion than the Asian tsunami, the Haitian earthquake disaster has seen almost total destruction of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince and other major cities, the incapacitation of thousands of Haitians and the loss of at least 200,000 lives.


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CTO 2010: US advises Nigeria on technology security

The Commercial Section of the United States Embassy in the country has announced that the theme of its annual Computer, Telecommunications and Office Equipment (CTO) cum Networking with USA (NUSA) 2010 would centre on “Technologies to Secure Nigeria’s Future.”

Senior Commercial Specialist, at the Commercial Section, Mr. Anayo Agu, who is the coordinator of CTO 2010, confirmed to ITRealms Online that they are set to host the CTO-NUSA 2010, which date has been scheduled for May 10 through 14, this year.

The event billed to hold at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Center, Onikan, Lagos, he said, would focus on the technologies available to the private sector and government to enhance the cyber and physical security of all Nigerians.

The CTO-NUSA exhibition and conferences, he said, has become a market development tool of the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria that showcases the best technologies that U.S. companies and their Nigerian partners have to offer the region, which is on its 20th edition.

He noted that since commencement in, back in 1989, the show has a focus on encouraging office automation in Nigeria using computer and telecommunications technologies.

“It has since expanded to include the entire spectrum of high-tech U.S. products that often utilize a whole host of hardware, software, telecommunications, and remote sensing technologies to deliver business solutions that enhance all of our lives. It is the largest exhibition of its kind in West Africa,” he said.

CTO/NUSA 2010, Agu said, will feature an all-day seminar on May 10, focusing on leveraging technology to enhance security of the public and private sector in all aspects of their operations, ranging from protecting business and customer information in the digital age, confirming the identity of individuals through the use of biometrics, to preventing customs evasion through the use of remote sensing at ports and border entry points.

The exhibition and seminars, he said, are open to the public, but attendees younger than 18 years old are not permitted on the exhibit floor, except on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, when college and university students are permitted to attend.

The event, he said, helps professionals from both the public and private sector better understand the challenges they face and the array of technology-driven solutions available to successfully meet these challenges.

The seminars provide a unique platform for local and international experts to interact on critical issues, especially those related to technology diffusion, alliances and partnerships between firms, service delivery, and entrepreneurship.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria, therefore, invites stakeholders to attend and exhibit, just as exhibitors could either be U.S. or Nigerian companies that manufacture, sell, or facilitate the sale of U.S. goods and services. “It will provide a forum not only to reach Nigeria’s 145 million citizens, their businesses, and government, but also those of neighboring countries from throughout the region,” he said.

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Helios, Multi-Links enter deal on network management

Infrastructure sharing and services provider, Helios Towers Nigeria (HTN) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, Multi-links Telkom Nigeria, have entered a multimillion deal on full network management.

The contract recently signed in Lagos, would avail HTN the benefit of managing the network infrastructure of Multi-Links Telkom in the country. Multi-Links became a wholly owned subsidiary of Telkom South Africa in January 2009.

Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at HTN, Mr. Myke Ofili who confirmed this to ITRealms Online said that the new chief executive of Multi-Links Telkom Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey Hedberg and his counterpart at HTN, Mr. Fazal Hussain endorsed the contract.

Commenting on the deal, Mr. Hedberg noted that the decision to outsource the management of the telco’s infrastructure was aimed at growing the operational expenses of the CDMA operator, strategically.

For Mr. Hussain, Helios Towers has become successful as infrastructure managers comprising of fully managing tower sites, which reduce the capital investment, operating expenses and expediting the rollout.

“We have quickly become the leading shared infrastructure provider and the reference point for quality of service in the industry and is well positioned to remain the dominant provider of   infrastructure sharing and fully managed services in Nigeria,” he said, stressing the fact that his firm adapts business models to the specific requirements of the Nigerian environment.

As said by him, Helios managed services would leverage on the existing expertise to supply additional services to Multilinks, noting that under the managed services market within the telecom industry is in a high-growth phase as part of lean operator model and is characterized by agreements that vary in scope between managed services providers and a broad range of telecom operators. 

“With reducing Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and increasing degree of complexity, the operator can reduce the need to build network and services-related capability and lease this from Helios Towers which has expertise in managing this complexity resulting in Opex reduction,” he explained.

Also, he said that Helios Towers’ strength in telecom managed services lies in proven track record of managing over 1200+ BTS across Nigeria.  Helios Towers’ managed service is a third-party facilities management, monitoring and maintenance service offering to wireless network operators.

ITRealms Online recalls that Multi-links Telkom has been at the forefront of telecoms revolution in Nigeria in the past few years being the first Private Telecom Operator (PTO)licensed in 1996.

The company was awarded Unified license in 2006 for provision of full range of telecommunications services over a broad range of technologies. It offers an exciting bouquet of superior telecom services that encompasses the very best of voice, high speed data, internet and other innovative value added services to both individual and corporate subscribers.

Multilink Telkom had embarked on massive expansion of mobile telephone and broadband services to previously underserved areas which created a more favorable environment for businesses to operate, thereby creating jobs and contributing to economic growth of the country.

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Mimiko applauds MTN, Ericsson on MVP

Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has applauded MTN Nigeria and end-to-end telecommunications solutions provider, Ericsson Nigeria, for collaborating to economically empower rural dwellers in the state under the Millennium Villages Project (MVP).

MTN and Ericsson partnership on the project using cutting edge telecommunications of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) tagged the Millennium Villages Project (MVP).

The project, driven by the UNDP, the Earth Institute at Columbia University, and Millennium Promise, is aimed at combating extreme poverty in African rural communities by offering them access to cutting-edge technologies, clean water, sanitation, education and other essential infrastructure.

MTN and Ericsson collaborated to provide the cluster of villages with a comprehensive, end-to-end communication solution, using ultra-modern 3.5G mobile communications and Internet technology.

With this, both Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firms have jointly improve the quality of life for the residents of the clusters, thus allowing them to communicate for economic and social purposes, minimizing the costs, risks and inconvenience of travel.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by top officials of MTN, UNDP and Ericsson, Governor Mimiko thanked all the parties that collaborated for the success of the project, lauding them for taking up the challenge of joining government in developing the country.

“I note with satisfaction that MTN has provided the facility to enhance delivery of health services in addition to improving communication network in the cluster. On behalf of the good people of Ondo State, I sincerely say thank you to MTN Nigeria, Ericsson and the Millennium Villages network for this wonderful support,” he said.

The governor also called on high networth individuals and corporate organizations to emulate this good work and join hand with the state to improve the standard of living of the people.

In his speech, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, noted that the Millennium Village Project is consistent with MTN Nigeria’s commitment to positively impact its immediate sphere of influence.

“It presents a useful tool to combat poverty at the village level and is a sustainable model by which the African continent can easily realize the millennium development goals. That is why MTN Nigeria is very happy to be part of the project,” he said.

For the Managing Director, Ericsson, Mr. Gary Dewing, his firm was pleased to partner with the leading mobile telephone network in Africa and the Middle East, MTN, to launch the Millennium Villages Cluster in the Ikaram-Ibaram axis through provision of new communications network that will improve the quality of lives for residents of these clusters.

“With the 3.5G mobile communication and internet technology provided by our partner, MTN, we strongly believe that harnessing the power of communication will alleviate the myriad of problems facing the villagers and improve the quality of their lives”, Dewing asserted.

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Nokia Siemens makes first call on CPC

Telecommunications services joint venture, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has successfully conducted the world’s first call using a network technology known as continuous packet connectivity (CPC) reports CHARLES OKOH.

NSN said once incorporated into an operator’s High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+ radio access network, CPC will enable 3G users to enjoy significantly longer device battery life, a crucial issue as the use of smartphones for broadband services skyrockets.

CPC could mean up to 100 percent longer battery life when devices are used for data applications, and up to 50 percent during voice calls.

The CPC data call was made using network equipment from Nokia Siemens Networks and a device supplied by Qualcomm using the QSC6295 chipset.

According to the head of Network Systems product management at Nokia Siemens Mr. Tommi Uitto, in a press statement said it is focused on innovations that benefit operators and end-users.

“With CPC, subscribers will enjoy an improved mobile data experience, while operators will benefit from enhanced network capacity -- even with heavy smartphone use -- due to less interference in the radio connection, not to mention higher revenues due to increased usage of the service,” he said.

On his part, the chief executive officer of the analysis firm Signals Research Group, LLC, Mr. Michael Thelander said, “While a lot of attention gets paid to the higher data rates associated with HSPA+, 3G operators are actually placing equal or even greater emphasis on other key HSPA+ features, such as discontinuous data reception and transmission, which can dramatically extend the battery life and improve overall network efficiency.”

During extended HSPA data sessions, there are typically long periods of idle time between transmissions of data packets, during which a device continues to use its battery. The CPC feature of 3GPP Release 7 uses the “discontinuous transmission and reception” method to shut down the device’s transmitter and receiver during the idle phases to reduce power consumption. It has no effect on the actual data rates experienced by the end-user.

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ITU, smartBridges partner on disaster communication response

Global telecommunications regulator, ITU has signed a cooperation agreement with Singapore-based smartBridges Solutions, a leading provider of wireless broadband equipment, to provide WiMAX and WiFi systems to strengthen ITU’s on-the-ground disaster response capabilitiesm reports CHARLES OKOH.

Director of ITU’s telecommunication Development Bureau, Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid, in a press statement said the agreement will initially see the delivery of 10 carrier-grade WiMAX base stations and 40 customer premises equipment devices to Haiti, which will be used to set up 100 wireless hotspot locations in Port-au-Prince and other earthquake-stricken towns in Haiti.

The equipment is designed to provide fast wireless phone and Internet connectivity at 100 holding centres for internally displaced people.

The wireless network will help reinforce ongoing efforts to bridge the gap created by the collapse of terrestrial networks, which remain largely non-operational because of earthquake damage.

SmartBridges Solutions will also assign specialist engineers who will work alongside ITU experts to help get the network up and running as quickly as possible.

The cooperation agreement opens the door to future cooperation between ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau and smartBridges, covering all phases of disaster management, as well as creating opportunities for ICT project co-financing.

Mr. Al Morshid, said expressed gratitude to smartBridges Solutions for joining ITU in extending a helping hand to Haiti following the devastating disaster.

“I look forward to working with smartBridges Solutions, not only to help save human lives during emergencies, but to fully leverage the power of ICTs to drive the ongoing development of Haiti and other developing nations. I call upon like-minded potential partners to join us in this worthy cause,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman, smartBridges Solutions, Nimesh Parikh said they are pleased to join hands with ITU in extending ICT access to the humanitarian aid community and victims of the Haiti disaster through its wireless technologies.

“We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with ITU in future emergencies and for the general development of countries,” he said.

Speaking from Haiti, where ITU continues to oversee network restoration efforts, ITU Chief, Emergency Telecommunications, Cosmas Zavazava, praised smartBridges Solutions’ commitment in contributing state-of-the-art wireless technology, which he said is very much needed to support ongoing aid work.

ITU, he said, has already contributed 100 satellite terminals to Haiti to help rapidly re-establish basic communication links, as well as installing a Qualcomm Deployable Base Station complete cellular network to provide the reliable wireless communications essential to disaster relief and clean-up efforts.

ITU has also allocated a budget of over USD 1 million to strengthen the disaster response effort in Haiti, and last month launched an appeal to its members to help raise funds for long-term network rebuilding: www.itu.int/emergencytelecoms/index.html.


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Windows OS for mobiles debuts

Remmy Nweke in Barcelona, Spain

The Windows Phone 7 Series has been launched at the on-going Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, just as it got commitments from about eight major industry players in addition to engaging nine operators.

These include Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, HTC, HP, Dell, Toshiba and Garmin Asus, while the In addition, the company has signed up AT&T, Orange, T-Mobile, Telefonica, Sprint Nextel, Vodafone, SFR, Verizon Wireless, Telstra and l Italia.

The much-awaited latest version of Microsoft mobile operating system for smartphones, is a bet from the company which hopes to resuscitate its market support for the OS for handset vendors, mobile operators and developers.

Also, Microsoft said at a press session that it intends to push the platform's consumer credentials by showcasing its social-networking and content abilities, while downplaying its role as a productivity tool.

This, the company said, would be in effort to adequately compete counterparts which include Apple and Google-backed Android platform.

Chief executive, Microsoft, Mr. Steve Ballmer, noted that the first phones to run on Windows Phone 7 Series will hit market before Christmas 2010.

He acknowledged that Microsoft has faced rising competition in the OS market from rivals, particularly Android, which has increasingly supported leading handset vendors such as HTC, LG and Motorola in addition to mobile operators. Daily Champion recalled that during last year, Microsoft witnessed a slide in its share of the mobile OS market.

According to Ballmer, the need for change with the latest version of the OS is no question as they have to thrive towards the first seat.

“No question we had to step back... to recast our strategy and design approach,” he said.

Microsoft wants to see a greater consistency in how the OS is implemented by handset manufacturers to compete more effectively against rivals. It wants more consistency in areas such as hardware specifications and the user interface (UI).

Yet Microsoft is trying to woo back manufacturers who want to innovate with handset UIs themselves, creating a dilemma, assuring it will work particularly closely with AT&T and Orange.


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Only 18% mobile users backup – CelleBrite boss

Remmy Nweke in Spain

The co-chief executive officer of Isreali cell phone synchronization and management systems solution provider, CelleBrite, Mr.Yossi Carmil, has said that 18 per cent of mobile users globally back up their phone data.

Speaking at the on going 2010 Mobile World Congress in He Barcelona Spain, Mr. Carmil cited a recent research by his firm, stressing that several mobile phone service operators are missing out on this opportunity as users have expressed their readiness to pay for back-up service.

He noted that the research conducted in the United Kingdom with about 1,000 mobile users, showed that mobile retailers and device manufacturers are missing an important opportunity to increase user loyalty and revenue as well as the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) by their inability to effectively market a mobile data back-up solution to users at the point of sale.

As said by him, the research revealed that 18 per cent of users back up their mobile data in spite of the fact that 47 per cent had already lost a mobile phone. The research also revealed that 47 per cent of users were unaware of services offered by network operators in store to back-up and synchronize mobile data and 48 per cent of those expressed willingness to pay somewhere between £5 and £20 extra and wait up to 10 minutes to receive such a service.

Another significant finding, he said, was that only a minority of users about 16 per cent change handsets more than once a year.

“25 per cent of respondents admitted that the difficulty in transferring mobile data dissuades them from upgrading to a new phone. The survey also revealed that 27 per cent of users would change handsets more regularly if they could transfer their mobile content onto the new phone at the point of sale,” he disclosed.

Carmil pointed out that the 47 per cent who had hitherto lost phones admitted that recompiling the lost contacts and mobile data such as photos, music, text messages and videos could take up to six months and 24 per cent admitted that they never manage to fully recapture the lost data.

“Lost contact information will negatively impact on mobile usage and so indirectly affect not only the users, but also the operators themselves. Operators and device manufacturers need to grasp the mettle and educate and encourage users to back-up their data by offering it as a type of mobile data insurance policy as part of their customer insurance package offered at the point of sale,” he said.

Further, he said the research found out that contacts and content are equally important to users.

Some variations exist in terms of gender and age regarding the relative importance of content versus contacts: with 44 per cent of respondents claiming that contacts were more important than mobile content and 38 per cent rating content more important than contacts. Women were more likely to favour mobile content (47 per cent) like photos, videos and music over content (39 per cent) and men more likely to value contacts (48 per cent) over content (30 per cent).


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Mobile subscription to hit 5bn by Dec 2010 - ITU

Remmy Nweke in Barcelona, Spain

The 2010 edition of the took off Monday in Barcelona Spain with the global telecommunications regulator, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) predicting an increase in the mobile phone subscription worldwide to be five billion before the end of this year.

ITRealms Online recalls that in 2009 the record was about 4.6 billion as at December.
Making this prediction at the opening of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain on Monday, the Secretary General of ITU, Dr. Dr Hamadoun Touré, expressed confidence that the estimated growth is attainable given the indexes of recent past, especially 2009.

According to him, ITU expects the number of mobile cellular subscriptions globally to reach five billion in 2010, influenced by advanced services and handsets in developed countries and increased take-up of mobile health services as well as mobile banking in most developing parts of the world.

Touré also noted that despite the global meltdown there has not been decline in mobile uptake.

"… And I am confident that we will continue to see a rapid uptake in mobile cellular services in particular in 2010, with many more people using their phones to access the internet," he declared.

He pointed out that ITU expects to see the number of mobile broadband subscriptions exceeding one billion globally during 2010, having topped 600 million by the end of 2009.

He stressed that with current growth rates, web access by people on the move through laptops and smart mobile devices are likely to exceed web access from desktop computers within the next five years.

"Even the simplest, low-end mobile can do so much to improve healthcare in the developing world," he said.

Dr Touré equally cited instance with the avalanche of Short Messaging Service (SMS) through which patient's could be reminded by phone when they have a medical appointment, or need a pre-natal check-up.

"Even using SMS to deliver instructions on when and how to take complex medication such as anti-retroviral or vaccines. It's such a simple thing to do, and yet it saves millions of dollars and could help improve and save the lives of millions of people," he asserted.

On mobile banking, he said that rapid growth in mobile cellular subscriptions has paved the way and an indication that there are now large numbers of people worldwide, especially in developing countries, which have a mobile phone subscription but no bank account, which entails that increasingly, subscribers will be using their phones to access banking service.


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LTE: Operators reiterate commitment @ Mobile World Congress'10

Remmy Nweke in Barcelona, Spain

Following the acceptance of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) by global telecom operators, more and more operators have continued to pledge commitment to the latest technology.

Lately, LTE is known as a project name for the high performance air interface for cellular mobile communication systems and is anticipated to be the last measure toward the 4th Generation (4G) of radio technologies designed to increase the capacity and speed of mobile telephone networks.

In addition it’s reputed as 4G in some markets within the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, hence operators are expected to convert current networks to LTE so as to be compliant and enthrone the next-generation wireless technology to customers.

Although experts at Infonetics Research in 2009 speculated that LTE is expected to experience substantial growth over the next three years with global connections to exceed 72 million by 2013. As at last December, the LTE services were opened by TeliaSonera in the two Scandinavian capitals Stockholm and Oslo.

Meanwhile at the ongoing Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, China Telecom, KDDI and Verizon Wireless have reiterated their commitment to heed the worldwide operators’ assembly invitation under the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA) for network owners to deploy LTE.

Equally Qualcomm joined the fray as associate member, dangling the smooth integration of LTE with today’s widely deployed mobile broadband technologies.

The latest entrants into LTE, namely China Telecom, KDDI, and Verizon Wireless are three largest Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators in the world, just as they pledged to start commercial deployments of LTE in their respective regions beginning from this quarter.

Experts believed that when this is achieved in combination of the expansive footprint of these operators’ existing mobile broadband services, will deliver high-speed services to over 150 million customers over the next three years. Qualcomm has also joined the GSMA as an associate member and will work with the operators to aid the smooth integration of LTE with existing mobile broadband technologies.

Disclosing this, the Chief Technology and Strategy Officer, GSMA, Mr. Alex Sinclair, said that with its compelling, high-speed and cost-effective network architecture, LTE is bringing the GSM and CDMA communities together.

”We are delighted that China Telecom, KDDI, and Verizon Wireless have joined the GSMA along with Qualcomm, and will be among the first operators to launch commercial LTE services,” he said.

As said by him, the rapid rise in demand for mobile broadband devices, applications and services is driving both kinds of operators (GSM and CDMA) to evolve their network infrastructures and embrace new, cutting-edge technologies.

He explained that LTE is widely regarded as “the Mobile Broadband technology that will be adopted by the vast majority of mobile operators globally.”

Director, Technology, China Telecom, Mr. Cao Lei, said that as the largest state-owned operator in China, China Telecom is very excited to join the GSMA, which hopefully will enable them to extend reach and network across the global mobile ecosystem.

President and Chairman, KDDI, Tadashi Onodera, said his network has been successful in satisfactorily delivering performance and quality of services through the CDMA network, but the growing demand for broader bandwidth and richer multimedia applications drove them to move towards LTE.

“We look forward to deploying LTE by the end of 2012 and the benefits a global ecosystem for mobile broadband will provide,” Onodera said.


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IFC enhances Nigeria’s telecom with N22.7bn

The Washington-based member of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has approved the sum of $150 million (about N22.7 billion) as loan to enhance telecommunications access in the country, through Helios Towers Nigeria (HTN) Limited.

IFC said that this syndicate would improve access to quality, affordable telecommunications in the country.

A press statement made available to ITRealms Online from IFC, quoted officials as saying that the initiative seeks to help HTN to increase its network to 2,000 shared tower communication sites nationwide and afford the Nigerian people the many benefits of improved communications.  

ITRealms Online recalled that last year, IFC’s support similar initiative with $100 million in September 2009.

The current $150 million investment includes $76 million in loans syndicated to the African Development Bank, FMO of the Netherlands, Germany’s DEG, and Proparco of France.

Also, this includes a $30 million loan to Nigeria’s First City Monument Bank and a $44 million loan from Cordiant Capital, the Emerging African Infrastructure Fund and Nedbank of South Africa.

HTN builds and maintains a network of telecommunications towers and leases space on these towers to wireless telecommunications services providers.

The increased coverage will help wireless operators roll out their services more economically and extension of affordable mobile services to semi-urban and rural areas.

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has developed significantly in recent years, but the country’s 43 per cent teledensity indicates that growth potential remains.

With the expansion of the HTN network, operators will be able to outsource non-core activities and passive infrastructure, allowing them to focus on further developing their products and services.

IFC Director, Global Information and Communication Technologies, Mr. Mohsen Khalil, said that access to quality, affordable mobile telecommunications is essential to development, both in terms of its ability to ease basic communication needs and to increase access to knowledge and services.

“By promoting Nigeria’s access to mobile infrastructure through HTN’s network, IFC seeks to strengthen   the country’s efforts to better serve its consumers and businesses,” he said.

Noteworthy is that IFC is reputed international financial institution focusing on the private sector, which it described as the engine of sustainable development in emerging markets.

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Interswitch invests in CSR with ‘Switch-A-Future’

The management of the pioneer electronic payment transaction and switching company, Interswitch has announced its entrance into the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the introduction of ‘Switch A Future.’

This initiative was launched in partnership with Freedom Foundation, an education focused non-governmental organisation.

Disclosing this at a press conference in Lagos, Director, Technology at Interswitch, Mr. Akeem Lawal, said that the aim of the campaign is to touch the lives of Nigerian children who would have never had access to education, by providing them with an education.

Precisely, he explained that each time an Interswitch cardholder uses an Interswitch ATM Verve or Debit card on another bank’s ATM, Interswitch will make a donation to Freedom Foundation and by doing so  ‘Switch A Future’ for a Nigerian child.

According to him, the ‘Switch A Future’ initiative is also designed to examine how the future of Nigerian children is being tragically truncated because they are disadvantaged or orphaned without a care for them.

He also said the campaign would exclusively make use of celebrities as models to demonstrate how bright and promising futures may not have been achieved without some form of educational support.

“The campaign would heighten public awareness and engender the citizenry’s empathy and action to change the plight of Nigerian children who otherwise would have no hope,” he said.

Mr. Lawal pointed out that notable Nigerian celebrities and personalities have consented to be part of the campaign.

These include D’Banji, Zizi Cardow and MI. Others are Basketmouth, Kelechi Amadi, Joke Silver among others.

“These stars have endorsed the ‘Switch A Future’ programme as their contributions to changing lives of the children and would be included in all promotion materials,” he said. 

Equally, the Managing Director, Interswitch, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe was quoted as saying that the campaign would create awareness on the needs of the less privileged children and help Freedom Foundation to raise funds to meet the needs of the less privileged children.

“It would also create an avenue/channel through which members of the public can reach the less privileged in the society and encourage other private organizations to create social campaigns that meet the needs of their various stakeholders,” he said.

On the novel CSR programme, he said “investments in education are never an exercise in futility.

“Education often makes the difference, and with increasing technological advancement, many will find it difficult to operate in the global economy without it,” Elegbe said.

Stressing that education has the capacity to contribute to economic growth and stability of a country and studies have shown that increased levels of education in a country like Nigeria could reduce the outbreak of conflict.

“With education, children have the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, even children who wish to pursue the creative arts in the future will find education a definite advantage as have many of the celebrities who have endorsed this programme,” he said.

Elegbe added that since corporate organisations do not function in isolation, some form of corporate giving should be part of a company’s activities, especially in developing societies such as Nigeria.

This is why Interswitch has developed the ‘Switch the Future’ framework, which covers not only corporate philanthropy, but economic, environmental and social responsibility as well.

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Beacon of ICT awards to hold in March

The much awaited merit-centric celebrations of deserving talents, contributions and commitments to the growth of the ICT industry in Nigeria, otherwise known as Beacon of ICT Awards, would next month hold in Lagos.

A press statement made available to ITRealms Online, the organizers, Communication Week Media Limited, said the event would hold on Saturday, March 27, this year at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

They also said that preparations have reached advanced stage to host the who’s who in the sector to a special evening of tributes to achievers.

According to Ken Nwogbo, editor of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek the glowing contributions the concept has generated is encouraging.

Nwogbo noted that the awards are free and have been designed primarily to recognize government and business organizations as well as individuals for their creativity and excellence in the application of ICTs and solutions to provide efficient and high-quality services to Nigerians.

“Awardees will be chosen by Nigerians who recognize and appreciate the guiding lights of the organizations and individuals as well as the symbols of hope they raise,” he said.

Nigerians, he also said, have begun to commend the debut of the awards, describing it as reward for best practices and recognition for outstanding contributions in the sector.

The showers of unprecedented praises are coming as votes for the nominees continued to flood to the selection committee.

While casting his vote, Adeyinka Adewusi, wrote “I want to appreciate the efforts of
the organizers for throwing the awards open for Nigerians to vote. I think this is the first time the general public especially the stakeholders in ICT sector (end users) will be given the opportunity to pick the outstanding telecom companies in the year 2009.”

In his comments, head, Corporate Services, Phase3 Telecom Limited, Mr. Premo’ Ojokojo, also applauded the efforts to showcase the ICT industry with the awards.
In addition, Ikem Joe, commended the organizers and prayed for God’s guidance in the organization of the awards.

Reacting to this development, Nwogbo said that the firm is happy with the responses so far and promised the team would live up to expectation.

Beacon of ICT awards, he explained was set up to reward organizations and individuals who contribute the most to put Nigeria and Nigerians in the global ICT map in 2009.

Further, he said, the awards are free and have been designed primarily to recognize government and business organizations as well as individuals for their creativity and excellence in the application of ICTs and solutions to provide efficient and high-quality services to Nigerians.


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CEA recognises LG on tech excellence

•Showcases Blu-ray products

For excellence in design and technology, the organizers of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) recognized LG Electronics, just as the firm won 15 prizes at the 2010 International CES Innovations Awards, which held recently in Las Vegas, even as it showcased Blu-ray products.

LG mobile phones, home appliances, business solutions and home electronics products were honored with awards in nine highly-competitive categories, namely Eco-Design and Sustainable Technology, Video Displays, Online Audio/Video Content, Video Components, Audio Components, Home Networking, High-Performance Audio, Home Appliances and Wireless Handsets.

Senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics United States, Mr. Peter Reiner, said that winning of over 100 CES Innovations Awards in just seven years, underscores LG’s leadership in innovation, high performance and design.

“This industry recognition reflects our dedication to providing consumers with something better by combining intelligent features and intuitive functionality with sleek and stylish design,” he declared.

According to him, LG’s honorees for the 2010 awards included Liquid Cyrstal Display (LCD), LED LCD and plasma HDTVs, Network Blu-ray Disc players and Home Theater Systems, mobile phones, home appliances and network attached storage. Innovations singled out by the judges include LG’s NetCast Entertainment Access system for Internet-delivered video content and LG’s Full LED Slim backlight LCD technology.

CES Innovations Awards are selected annually by a panel of prominent industry designers, engineers and journalists who judge product entries on criteria including user value, aesthetics, innovative design, quality and contributions to quality of life. Sponsored by CEA and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America, the CES Innovations Awards highlight product advancements in technology design and engineering.

In related development, LG has extended its access to content-on-demand with new high-performance Blu-Ray disc players.

Some of the key features for 2010 include 250 GB hard drive, NetCast entertainment access, enhanced audio performance, Wi-Fi connectivity.

Delivering on its commitment to give consumers endless entertainment options in a stylish package, LG Electronics today introduced its 2010 family of Network Blu-ray Disc Players and Home Theater Systems that bring a new level of convenience to playing pre-recorded and online high-definition content.

Leading the line-up being unveiled this week at the International Consumer Electronics Show, as the first Blu-ray Disc player to feature an integrated 250-gigabyte (GB) hard drive, allowing for easy storage and instant playback of music, photos, personal videos and online movies from VUDU.

Designed to balance the look of today’s HDTVs, LG’s Network Blu-ray players and home theater systems feature slim, compact designs that allow consumers to easily blend their entire entertainment system into any existing room environment.

To take full advantage of the Blu-ray format, LG’s Network Blu-ray players, officials said, it provide convenient access to BD Live, which offers a wide variety of content, such as movie scene extras, new previews and the ability to read synopses and rate movies.

Also included are Bonus View features which provide picture-in-picture access to Blu-ray Disc special features, allowing consumers to toggle between their favorite movie scenes and bonus features on the disc. For those with a library full of both standard and Blu-ray titles, LG’s players utilize 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs for a near high definition viewing experience – no matter what format is being played.

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